Hochwerk is back
The HOCHWERK training center, unique in Europe, is getting a fresh start. It has been modernized and integrated into the Safety And Rescue Academy (S.A.R.A.) of Hailo Wind Systems—one of the leading providers of cross-industry safety and rescue training.
What is HOCHWERK?
HOCHWERK is a training center in Marbach am Neckar that is unique in Europe and offers breathtaking training opportunities!
In the historic atmosphere of a former coal-fired power plant, every height, depth, PPE, rescue, and safety training course becomes an experience. To ensure that this gem is preserved after the insolvency of its owner Bornack, HOCHWERK—along with selected products—was taken over by Hailo Wind Systems.
Our goal: We want to breathe new life into HOCHWERK as part of our Safety And Rescue Academy (S.A.R.A.), make all previous training courses available again, and then bring the training center to an even higher level as quickly as possible.
For you, this means:
- Continuation of the largest indoor training center in the region
- Clear training standards in accordance with DGUV and international standards
- Experienced trainers from the wind power, energy technology, industry, fire department, and rescue services sectors
- Practical training under realistic conditions
- Access to the expertise of a global leader in climbing technology, safety training, and services
What can you expect?
The new HOCHWERK will combine the strengths of one of the world's leading providers of access and climbing technology in wind power with years of experience in cross-industry safety training. To this end, training facilities will be modernized and new training opportunities created.
And whether it's working at height, rescue, industrial climbing, construction, energy supply, wind power, shafts, firefighting, or industry: there will also be a little more comfort.
Well-known strengths that will remain:
- Indoor training facilities under realistic conditions
- Working at height and rescue scenarios, set up in a practical manner
- High profile and trust
- A central training location with supra-regional significance
Improvements through integration into S.A.R.A. (coming soon):
- Further development of training methods
- State-of-the-art equipment in line with the latest climbing and safety technology
- Expansion of the course portfolio (e.g., special training courses and industry-specific modules)
- Prospective expansion to include digital learning modules and e-learning offerings
- Internationally and nationally recognized certifications
Planned course offerings from 2026
Following the relaunch on January 1, 2026, you will immediately have access to a comprehensive training portfolio, which we will continue to expand in the future.
The following courses are planned for the launch and will be gradually supplemented by a number of proven offerings from the Safety And Rescue Academy Haiger:
- PPE
- Limited space
- Education
Basic course
Scaffolding
High-bay warehouse
Instruction
Training including aerial work platforms
Refresher course on mast / high voltage
Refresher course for crane operators
Refresher course on medium voltage / municipal utilities
Refresher course on mobile communications
Driving / climbing on containers with PPE – basic course
Refresher course
Fundamentals for working safely at heights according to ZKA
PPE against falls – training for experts
Fall arrest RSS RAILSTOP system – Expert training
Training courses for all industries
- Industry, trade, and crafts
- Construction and work at height
- Energy and grid supply
- Mobile communications and lattice masts
- Special forces and high-altitude rescue
- First responders, fire department, and emergency services
- And much more
With the relaunch, HOCHWERK will become the number one training location nationwide for all companies that want to train their employees professionally and safely.
Incredibly versatil
Covering an area of over 3,000 m² and spanning more than three floors, HOCHWERK offers a unique setting in a former coal-fired power station with extensive training stations, climbing technology, rescue scenarios, shaft evacuations, exhibits, and platform crossings.
But that's not all! The HOCHWERK is suitable for, among other things:
- Fire department drills
- Helicopter training
- Silo & shaft evacuations
- Realistic training for special forces (e.g., police, GSG 9, KSK)
- Corporate events, conferences, and events
- Photo shoots, weddings, and fashion shows
The training center can also be used for independently organized training sessions upon request.
- Working safely
- Rescue & Evacuation
- Events & More
High-bay warehouse replica (including crane control device)
Roofing contractor
Industrial climber
Formwork construction
Special structures
Construction and trade
Shafts
Silos and civil engineering
Helicopters (including winch rescue)
Shafts
Special rescue
Parkour
Rappelling exercises
Special forces training
Silos
High-altitude rescue
Platform overrun
High-bay racking & crane control device
Fire department
General evacuations
High-altitude climbing
Buoy jump
Pamper climbing
Speed climbing
"Free Fall"
Live evacuation
Facilities & Training Conditions
Like all locations of the Safety And Rescue Academy, the modernized training center will offer realistic training conditions:
- Fall protection solutions from various manufacturers
- State-of-the-art training rooms
- Modern PPE and rescue equipment
- Special training modules, e.g., for high-bay warehouses, including crane operating equipment
- Practical facilities for confined spaces and shafts
- Structures for silos and containers
All structures are based on the successful training standards of S.A.R.A. and guarantee the highest quality.
Independently successful!
Our training center offers you PPE and fall arrest system solutions from almost all well-known manufacturers in Europe. And best of all: we remain independent! Because we are convinced that you should have the choice of which equipment you want to test and use in your work.
For you, this means free testing of personal fall protection equipment, fall arrest rails (rope and ladder-guided), ladders, fall arrest devices, height rescue equipment, slings, lanyards, and accessories of all kinds! This includes (some of which will be available shortly):
- Hailo Wind Systems
- Bornack
- Mittelmann
- KASK
- Edelrid
- Meissner
- HACA
- Skylotec
Webform
FAQ
Is HOCHWERK open again?
HOCHWERK is currently in the relaunch phase under the management of Hailo Wind Systems. The opening and the first training courses will start in early 2026. You can sign up for updates using the form.
Why was HOCHWERK taken over?
Hailo Wind Systems took over the training center to secure the location for the long term, modernize it, and raise existing offerings to a new level of quality with more in-depth expertise, as well as to be able to offer new courses.
Will the previous training topics remain the same?
Yes. The familiar working at height and rescue training courses will remain part of the offering. However, all offerings will be reevaluated and improved where necessary. In addition, new course formats will be developed.
Will it be possible to rent the premises again?
Yes. It will be possible to rent the indoor area again after the relaunch. Please understand that many courses are booked several months in advance and therefore require long lead times.
Are the trainers and standards the same as before?
You will see many familiar faces. However, there will also be opportunities for new, qualified trainers. This is because all training methods and safety standards will be restructured and certified after the takeover.
When will the first courses start?
The first courses will start in January 2026. Further information will be published shortly here on this website under “News & Events” and on social media. You are also welcome to subscribe to the mailing list.
Can I already register for courses?
Yes. By subscribing to the mailing list, you will be given priority information as soon as course dates are published.
