When Innovation Saves Lives

Londero GmbH designs and builds specialist vehicles for fire services, emergency medical services and the police. Founder Raphael Londero understands operational demands from first-hand experience. But even a seasoned company reaches its limits as the demand for digitalisation and efficiency increases. Through innovation support from Ahead(formerly KMU und Innovation), Londero discovered new solutions – and a clearer innovation strategy.

From Rescue Work to Vehicle Development

With 25 years of experience in emergency services, Raphael Londero brings deep practical knowledge to his company’s offering: custom modifications and specialist solutions for blue-light organisations – functional, robust and carefully considered down to the last detail. Over time, however, new challenges arose: How can processes be digitalised? How can expertise be scaled? And how can one-off projects evolve into a sustainable business model?

“We knew we had to explore new directions – but weren’t sure where to start. That’s where Ahead helped us immensely.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

A Rapidly Changing Market Demands Innovation

Londero GmbH faced the specific challenge of integrating electric mobility into its product offering while also structuring and advancing its internal innovation processes. At an SME event, Raphael Londero connected with an Ahead innovation expert. This led to an initial meeting with additional members of the Ahead team.

External Input, Internal Impact

Together with the experienced innovation expert from Ahead, Raphael Londero analysed his business model, identified growth areas, and developed a strategy for systematising customer solutions. The external perspective and structured approach proved particularly valuable.

“We’re experts when it comes to vehicles – but innovation is something you have to learn. The exchange helped us set the right focus.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

Successful Grant Applications

Raphael Londero takes pride in the fact that, as part of the support process, an application for an Innosuisse innovation cheque was successfully completed, followed by a full Innosuisse grant application. This secured funding of CHF 20,000 and enabled the further development of a fully electric drive system with a range of over 450 km under full load – a genuine game-changer for modern emergency vehicles.

“Working with the innovation experts – who guided us with sensitivity, structure and foresight – allowed us to develop and refine our ideas. This resulted in a new understanding of our innovation potential and strategic partnerships. We were also able to achieve our first key milestones.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

Innovation Moves Faster Through Partnership

The experience with Ahead was thoroughly positive for Londero – especially because it was practical and hands-on.

“We’re grateful to have benefited from the innovation support provided by Ahead and strongly recommend it to other SMEs. It brings focus, encourages change, and opens doors. The support gave us real momentum for our continued development and sparked a new innovation culture – something truly invaluable.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

Raphael Londero is CEO of Londero GmbH in Volketswil, a company specialising in the design and conversion of emergency vehicles for rescue services, fire brigades and the police. Drawing on his many years in emergency services and his technical expertise, he leads a team that develops and implements bespoke vehicle solutions. Under his leadership, Londero GmbH has become an innovative player in the industry, known for quality and customer-focused concepts.

Londero GmbH – Londero.ch | Customer-Focused Vehicle Concepts