Rheinmetall buys a controlling stake in Croatia's DOK-ING

DOK-ING is a Croatian company that specializes in manufacturing unmanned multi-purpose vehicles, electric vehicles and robotic systems. Its products make up 80% of the worlds robotized mine clearing machines.

German Rheinmetall AG has become the majority owner of the Croatian engineering and robotics company DOK-ING. A contract for the sale of 51% of DOK-ING to the German arms manufacturer was signed in Zagreb on Wednesday in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić.

The CEO and Head of Division Vehicle Systems Europe at Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, Björn Bernhard, said the acquisition was an important one for his company’s future: "We are closing a gap in our product portfolio. Rheinmetall up until now was building track vehicles from thirty tones upwards, and now we closed the gap below that. We didn't want to do that with manned vehicles anymore. We want to do that with unmanned vehicles. And thus we found the right partner in Mr. Majetić and his company."

"This signing shows that we are still an attractive company, and I would truly like to thank our partners for giving us the opportunity to prove that we are one of the most significant robotics companies in the world," added DOK-ING founder Vjekoslav Majetić.

DOK-ING was established by Majetić in 1992. It primarily develops and produces robotic and autonomous systems intended for use in various situations. Their vehicles are used for demining, firefighting, underground mining and counter-terrorism purposes. The electric motors for their vehicles are largely supplied by the Pula-based company Tema.

Source: HRT