Amer Sports' R&D

Innovation is a core value of Amer Sports. Through continuous research and development, Amer Sports seeks to develop new and better ways to produce innovative sporting goods that appeal to its consumers and trade customers.

In-depth knowledge of each of its sports, together with a deep understanding of the consumer, are the key to bringing innovative new products to market. Amer Sports’ experienced research and development personnel have a deep understanding of the sports for which they develop products.

Continuous development of products

Amer Sports supports its brands with a significant investment in research and development, which represented three percent of its net sales for 2009. As of December 31, 2009, 487 people were employed in the company’s research and development activities, representing approximately eight percent of Amer Sports’ total employees.

As it is typical for the sporting goods industry, a substantial portion of Amer Sports’ net sales are generated each year by products that are in their first year of existence. Therefore, successful research and development is an important part of Amer Sports’ business, and the company seeks to continually introduce new technologically advanced products that meet the needs of trade customers and consumers.

Efficiency and cooperation

Each of Amer Sports’ business areas has its own research and development center, except for the Winter Sports Equipment business area, which has two R&D centers, in Annecy, France (the Group’s competence center for ski boots, cross-country boots and bindings), and Altenmarkt, Austria (the competence center for ski and snowboard products).

Performance and functionality are key drivers in the development of Amer Sports’ sports equipment, technical apparel and footwear. As Amer Sports’ products are essential for participation in many sports, the fundamental focus of Amer Sports’ product design is functionality, but aesthetic is also important. Amer Sports develops and tests new products and ideas together with top athletes. In addition, Amer Sports’ experts cooperate with universities and research groups to develop new products and materials. Collaboration with raw material suppliers also generates new types of solutions for the products.