More than 100 years of success
More than 100 years of experience, expertise and pioneering spirit for solutions that make you successful.
From the blacksmith's shop to world market leader
The Extrusioneers. For more than 100 years.
From Troisdorf to the world: Reifenhäuser's history now spans more than 100 years. Numerous milestones have shaped the family business and made it the innovative world market leader in its sector.
1911 - our story begins
The First World War, the Great Depression of 1929 and the Second World War characterize the years from 1911 to 1949. The end of the war in 1945 marks the beginning of the post-war period, which finds its first caesura in 1949: The democratic Federal Republic of Germany was founded in the West, while the socialist German Democratic Republic was established in the East - the order of the beginning of the Cold War, which would shape German history for over 40 years.
The beginning
The Westerwald master hoof and wagon smith Anton Reifenhäuser founds a forge and blacksmith's shop in the up-and-coming industrial town of Troisdorf.
The next generation takes over
Following the death of Anton Reifenhäuser, his wife Elisabeth and sons Hans and Fritz take over the management of the company, which has 20 employees.
The prototype
Reifenhäuser finds its business field for the future: the first extruder for plastics processing is presented.
Sandwiches for the staff.
Elisabeth Reifenhäuser is not only the center of the family, but also "Mother Reifenhäuser" for the growing number of employees. Her trademark: her great sense of responsibility for the employees. It is therefore not uncommon to find her in the kitchen making sandwiches for the staff.
The 50s - a time of new beginnings
After the years of war, the 1950s heralded the longed-for upturn. Unprecedented economic growth paved the way for a stable social market economy: the first electronic devices made household chores easier, Hawaiian toast became a national favorite and the one millionth VW Käfer, which rolled off the production line in 1955, became a symbol of the era.
The company is growing
Looking to the future: Reifenhäuser buys 110,000 m² of building land with rail siding in Troisdorf-Sieglar.
Reifenhäuser becomes synonymous
A name that stands out internationally: well into the 1950s, the name "Reifenhäuser" established itself as the common name for extruders in Great Britain.
The 60s - Looking ahead
The turbulent 60s - storm flooding, the Vietnam War and student revolts characterize this era. If you're not a fan of the Beatles, you listen to the Stones, and on German television there is now a second program that reports on the moon landing and Woodstock in 1969. The highlight: since 1967, the two German stations have even been broadcasting in color!
A new business segment emerges
Reifenhäuser takes over the production of injection units for injection molding machines in 1960.
Growth continues
The company expands: a production hall is built, which covers an impressive 3,000 m² - a further 700 m² of space is available for ancillary operations.
50 years of Reifenhäuser
The first anniversary is celebrated! Hans and Fritz Reifenhäuser accompany mother Elisabeth to the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Let's go to South America!
Four Reifenhäuser employees start setting up a production facility in Brazil.
The 70s - A new era begins
The 70s are a time of contrasts: On the one hand, carefree flower power and the disco era, on the other, emancipation and protests. The oil crisis swept the streets clean, the wave of RAF terror shook the 1972 Olympic Games and reached its peak in 1977 during the "German Autumn". A year later, a winter of the century brings icy cold.
A great result
The result is in triple figures for the first time: Reifenhäuser achieves a turnover of 100 million Deutschmarks thanks to successes with pipe systems, blown film and flat film.
Foundation of Reiloy Metall
Reiloy Metall is founded: Reifenhäuser is now officially a specialist for highly wear-resistant screws and barrels.
A new license is acquired
Reifenhäuser acquires the license to manufacture spunbonded nonwoven. This marks the beginning of the development of spunbond technology - it will take 12 years.
Final move
The new administration building in Troisdorf-Sieglar is inaugurated: Reifenhäuser remains true to its roots and assumes responsibility for the region.
The 80s - Of poppers and PCs
Wind of change: In the 1980s, Neue Deutsche Welle, blow-dried hairstyles and the first computers make their way into society. It is a time of upheaval: the Chernobyl disaster shocks the world and raises the question of whether nuclear reactors make sense. After decades of separation, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to the reunification of East and West.
Awarded
Hans Reifenhäuser is awarded the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class for his services to the plastics industry.
A special premiere
After twelve years of development work, Reifenhäuser launches the first spunbond line for the production of nonwovens.
Ready for something new
From the typewriter to the keyboard: Reifenhäuser puts the first PC into operation. The first network follows in 1991.
The purpose in our own words
"The famous know-how of a company does not reside in a few heads. Every employee develops a piece of it at their place." This statement by Hans Reifenhäuser is still an integral part of the company's purpose and philosophy today.
The 90s - A new generation
The 1990s are dominated by the reunification of Germany, which is solemnly sealed on October 3, 1990. After the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world is reorganizing itself politically. A lot is also happening in the digital sphere: PCs and cell phones are increasingly finding their way into everyday professional and private life and the advent of the Internet seals the digital revolution. The Bundestag votes by a large majority for the introduction of the euro and the spelling reform comes into force.
Family businesses: today and for future generations
Generation change: Klaus and Ulrich Reifenhäuser take over the management of the Reifenhäuser Group.
The new technical center
Reifenhäuser completes its new technical center on the company premises. Five systems for material test runs, process engineering developments and customer demonstrations are installed on an area of around 1400 square meters.
Foundation of Polyrema
The company is also well ahead when it comes to used systems: Reifenhäuser founds Polyrema.
Reifenhäuser goes online
The first company website is launched and connects Reifenhäuser with the world online.
The 2000s - Into a new millennium
The economic and social effects of globalization, the expansion of the European Union and, above all, the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 will shape the 2000s. In strong contrast to this: The 2006 Football World Cup brings four weeks of party atmosphere and soccer frenzy to Germany. A German becomes Pope and Knut the polar bear delights the nation. A new millennium has begun.
A new structure
The company group is merged to the family holding company Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik, which now takes over the strategic management.
Growth in the Group
The successful GS / synthetic fibers (nonwovens) division is transferred to Reifenhäuser REICOFIL GmbH & Co. KG.
Investment in the future
Reifenhäuser is building a research and development center at its Troisdorf site. High-tech systems for the product development of blown film, cast film sheet and nonwovens are available here.
The family is committed
Bernd Reifenhäuser joins the management team as a further family member.
The 2010s - About digitalization and climate protests
The 2010s are vibrant in every respect. Technology, climate and politics give the decade a strong boost. Cell phones and Netflix become an integral part of everyday life, #MeToo and the biggest refugee movement of recent decades preoccupy society. Young people take to the streets on Fridays to protest against climate change and smoking is banned without exception.
A special anniversary
Reifenhäuser turns 100 - the company celebrates the special anniversary with big festivities.
Reconstruction of the main administration building
Looking to the future: the main administration building in Troisdorf is being renovated with sustainability in mind. The 300 workstations meet modern standards in terms of infrastructure, energy, equipment and ergonomics.
Speeding up processes
Reifenhäuser takes over the spinneret manufacturer and long-standing supplier Enka Tecnica, Heinsberg. This will significantly increase the speed of development for extrusion dies.
Our purpose
Purpose" is becoming a buzzword at Reifenhäuser. It defines who Reifenhäuser is and what the company stands for. In 2019, it is formulated and defined as an integral part of the company philosophy: For a better daily life. For generations to come. With our family spirit. Pioneering the future. Enabling our customers.
The 2020s - under the influence of the pandemic
The decade of the 2020s begins with the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which has resulted in numerous social and economic restrictions worldwide. The pandemic boosts the digital transformation, which also brings far-reaching changes to the economy with the use of artificial intelligence. It is becoming clear: The world is changing. Climate change and the associated economic and ecological consequences are increasingly taking center stage. In 2022, the war against Ukraine will become the dominant topic, and in 2023 there will be a military escalation in the Middle East conflict between Israel and Palestine.
From Troisdorf into the world
A new type of lung disease is spreading internationally. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for masks increases significantly within a very short time. Reifenhäuser manufactures systems for the production of "meltblown" mask material in record time and delivers them all over the world. In addition, Reifenhäuser produces filter nonwoven itself in the technical center to bridge the temporary material shortage.
Optimum recycling thanks to R-Cycle
Reifenhäuser launches the cross-company joint project R-Cycle. The aim is to ensure the recyclability of plastic packaging through complete documentation of all recycling-relevant packaging properties.
Let’s get digital
Software developers and experienced extrusion engineers combine their expertise in the corporate start-up RE:GmbH. RE: solutions help customers gain data-based insights into their production and optimize processes sustainably.
A special award
A study by Statista and Stern magazine shows: The Reifenhäuser Group is one of the top 50 employers in Germany and is voted the third best employer in the "Mechanical and Plant Engineering" category.
The company is growing
Cool concept: Reifenhäuser acquires Kdesign GmbH, one of the world's leading manufacturers of cooling rings and measuring systems for blown film lines.
A great honor
Ulrich Reifenhäuser is inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame for his special services to the plastics industry, including as Managing Director of Reifenhäuser and Chairman of the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association.
Together strong into the future
The Reifenhäuser Group is merging its blown film units in Worms, Troisdorf (Reifenhäuser Blown Film) and Bergheim (Reifenhäuser Blown Film Polyrema) under the joint Reifenhäuser Blown Film brand.
111 years - a very special anniversary
Reifenhäuser celebrates its 111th anniversary! However, against the backdrop of global political developments, the company decides to postpone its anniversary celebrations by one year.
The story continues
Committed, excellently trained and full of drive: 1,750 employees, the Extrusioneers, ensure that the Reifenhäuser success story continues every day, even after more than 111 years.
