Global success with German quality

The milestones of our company

We have been an integral part of our industry for over a century and four generations. Our history is characterized by constant change, innovation and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.

In the following sections, we take you on a journey through the groundbreaking milestones in our company history that have shaped our development and our influence on the industry since RAU was founded in 1914.

1914

The 1st generation Rau
In 1914, the company was founded as a tinsmith and plumbing business by Matthäus Rau in Augsburg. The logo shows this by combining the lines of a corrugated iron roof and a gas flame.

The 2nd generation Rau

The 2nd generation Rau
Franz Rau (senior) joined the company at the end of the 1930s. His masterpiece was an ornate lamp (see picture). At that time, sheet metal molds were produced for the aircraft industry. The company was also actively involved in the guild. He took over the company in 1946.

Premiere at the Stuttgart trade fair

Premiere at the Stuttgart trade fair
Franz Rau (Sr.) developed his first gas test pieces, which he presented for the first time at the trade fair in Stuttgart. The initial interest was extremely low. Today, these test adapters are standard accessories for every measuring device.

High-risk tasks on landmarks

Risky tasks on landmarks
We can look back on some extraordinary work orders in our company history: For example, the installation of lightning conductors on important Augsburg buildings such as the town hall, Perlach and a water tower. The fact that this work was carried out without scaffolding, using only rope ladders, was particularly remarkable.

1951 en

Inventive spirit out of time pressure
Faced with a tight schedule for the completion of the roof of the Rosenaustadion in Augsburg, Mr. Rau once again showed his innovative strength: he developed the sheet metal bending pliers. This innovative tool enabled him to successfully meet the tight schedule.

Conversion of the plant

Conversion of the
site Due to a lack of space and in order to improve transport routes, the store and workshop in Schißlerstraße in Augsburg were significantly expanded and redesigned.

Coveted tool innovations

Coveted tools - innovations
Inspired by the idea, "There must be a better way!", Mr. Rau developed further innovative tools such as the sheet metal bending device. Word of the innovations quickly spread among his colleagues. Many more followed in the 70s - 90s, revolutionizing the tinsmith industry: eaves canters, eaves closers, angle seam closers, hand canters, angle double seamers and many more.

60s

High-quality metal products
During the period of prosperity, the company flourished, which led to the production of numerous high-quality furnishing and decorative objects.

Introducing our first revolutionary gas line tester

Pioneering work: introduction of the first revolutionary gas line tester
The innovative PG 3 R gas line tester for pressure and water level measurement was the first of many ground-breaking measuring devices to be introduced. The clever positioning of the pump outside the water tank ensures that the water does not heat up and expand. This means that the measurement result remains unaltered - a significant advantage over competing devices.

Successful trade fair appearances

Successful trade fair appearances
The company made a clear statement in the industry through its presence at numerous trade fairs and stood out in particular at the IHM Munich trade fair for the skilled trades with its own stand.

The 3 . Generation Rau

The 3rd generation Rau
With Mr. Franz Rau, master plumber and graduate engineer "Energy and Supply Technology", the third generation Rau joins the company. Expansion of the field of activity with an engineering office for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Awarded the Federal Prize for Innovation

New RAU company logo
The new logo introduces two colors to the company that have remained our hallmarks to this day: Blue and yellow. Blue stands for the tool, yellow for gas (measuring devices).

1992

New development and award of the Federal Prize for Innovation
In 1992, the company received the prestigious "Federal Prize for Outstanding Innovative Achievements for the Skilled Crafts" in recognition of its pioneering development in the field of electronic testing devices. This award, especially for the GD01 Digital gas pipe tester, is a testament to Rau's high-quality and innovative work.

The blue and yellow distinguishing feature

The blue-and-yellow signature
The characteristic blue-and-yellow now defines the appearance of the company's products. With an unmistakable 2-color finish, the tools stand out from the competition both in terms of quality and appearance. The color of the meter cases will be adjusted shortly afterwards.

USA become part of international activities

USA becomes part of international activities
The company strengthens its international exports and opens up another market: the USA. The impressive trade fair appearance in San Diego marks the beginning of a new era.

90s

Close contacts and exchanges with guilds
Regular visits and training sessions with guilds were on RAU's agenda in the 1990s. In this photo, for example, our company is a guest of the Schweinfurt guild.

Further federal award in recognition of innovative performance

Another national award in recognition of innovative achievement
The company continues its triumphant advance and is awarded the "Certificate in recognition of outstanding technical achievement in the skilled trades" for the DPF double seam folder for sheet metal roof seams. This award once again confirms the company's technical excellence and innovative strength in the field of tools.

From Augsburg to Meitingen

From Augsburg to Meitingen
The company relocated from Augsburg to Meitingen due to space requirements, noise protection conditions and better transportation options. An innovative building plan was developed in collaboration with Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. Rau tools were used on the new roof and even a new one - the round profile closer - was created.

Opening of the showroom

Opening of the showroom
The company proudly presented its product range and technical masterpieces by setting up a modern showroom in the new building. Everything at a glance: Since then, this exhibition has offered customers and partners a lively insight into the quality and diversity of the products.

Logo transformation

Logo transformation
The company makes a significant change to its branding.

2009

PV system on the roof
Full-surface PV systems are installed on the roof of the production hall. These produce environmentally friendly electricity and have been expanded over the years. They are still in use today and we have been able to save 1,090,116 kg of CO2 since then.

From the building to the new logo

From the building to the new logo
The company was inspired by the architecture of the unique arch shape of its building and redesigned its logo accordingly. The two colors cleverly combine the two product divisions: yellow for measuring devices and blue for tools.

The 4th generation Rau

The 4th generation Rau
M. Eng. Frederik Rau takes over his role in the family business. With new ideas and the foundation of a strong tradition, he continues the legacy and steers the company into the future.

Tool wall for prospective specialists

Tool wall for future specialists
In a significant partnership with the Waldkirchen State Vocational School Center, the company established a tool wall. This initiative once again supports the valuable link between industry and education.

Visit from the Bundestag

New welding robot
This year, a new welding robot from the Augsburg-based company KUKA with a professional welding cabin arrived in our production hall. It has been in use ever since and produces even more precise welding results than its predecessors.

2020

Visit from the Bundestag
Mr. Rau welcomed Member of Parliament Dr. Mehring to the company site. During a guided tour, the member of the Bundestag was introduced to the company and its high-quality products, followed by a lively discussion

Today

Proud family tradition
Managed by Frederik Rau, our company looks back on a proud family tradition that is rooted in the region but operates worldwide. Our successful products - measuring devices for precise leak testing of pipes in buildings as well as high-quality sheet metal bending and folding tools for roofs and façades (we hold around 27 patents) - stand for unsurpassed quality "Made in Germany" and are the direct result of practical requirements.