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.
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.
1939
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 this 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.
Franz Rau (senior) joined the company at the end of the 1930s. His masterpiece was an ornate lamp (see picture). At this 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.
1945
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 adapters for testing are standard accessories for every measuring device.
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 adapters for testing are standard accessories for every measuring device.
1950
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.
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.
1952
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.
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.
1956
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.
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.
1958
Coveted tools - innovations
Inspired by the idea, "There must be a better way!", Mr. Rau developed further innovative tools such as the metal sheet bending device. Word of the innovations quickly spread among his colleagues. Many more followed in the 70s - 90s, revolutionizing the tinsmith industry: eaves edgers, eaves closers, angle seamers, manual edgers, angle double seamers and many more.
Inspired by the idea, "There must be a better way!", Mr. Rau developed further innovative tools such as the metal sheet bending device. Word of the innovations quickly spread among his colleagues. Many more followed in the 70s - 90s, revolutionizing the tinsmith industry: eaves edgers, eaves closers, angle seamers, manual edgers, 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.
During the period of prosperity, the company flourished, which led to the production of numerous high-quality furnishing and decorative objects.
1969
Pioneering work: introduction of the first revolutionary gas line test deviceThe innovative PG 3 R gas line test device for pressure and water level measurement was the first of many groundbreaking 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.
1970
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 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.
1976
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.
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.
1991
New RAU company logoThe 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 InnovationIn 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.
1994
The blue-and-yellow signatureThe 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 measuring device cases will be adjusted shortly afterwards.
1994
USA becomes part of international activitiesThe 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 guildsRegular 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.
1995
Another national award in recognition of innovative achievementThe company continues its triumphant success 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.
1997
From Augsburg to MeitingenThe 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 Profil Closer - was created.
1998
Opening of the showroomThe 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.
2003
Logo transformationThe company makes a significant change to its branding.
2009
PV system on the roofFull-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.
2011
From the building to the new logoThe 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.
2017
The 4th generation RauM. 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.
2017
Tool wall for future specialistsIn 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.
2019
New welding robotThis 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 BundestagMr. 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 exchange of ideas
Today
Proud family traditionLed 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 tests of pipes in buildings as well as high-quality sheet metal bending and folding tools for roofs and facades (we hold around 27 patents) - stand for unsurpassed quality "Made in Germany" and are the direct result of practical requirements.
