Groninger Acquires Isolator And Cleanroom OEM Reinraumtechnik Ulm
The groninger Group has acquired Reinraumtechnik Ulm GmbH (RTU). With this strategic move, the family-owned company headquartered in Crailsheim not only expands its technological portfolio but also strengthens its expertise in a field that is crucial to the pharmaceutical industry: cleanroom and isolator technology.
“With Reinraumtechnik Ulm, we’re gaining more than just technological expertise – we’re welcoming a fantastic team that’s passionate about innovation, precision, and quality,” says Jens Groninger, CEO of the groninger Group. “From now on, we’ll be shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry together – boldly, with vision, and hand in hand under the groninger Group umbrella.”
For Jens Groninger, the acquisition of RTU marks another milestone in the company’s development. Reinraumtechnik Ulm is a well-established specialist in the pharma and biotech sectors, known for its customized cleanroom systems and isolator technology. Based in Ulm, the company has been developing tailored solutions for demanding pharmaceutical applications for over two decades – especially where the highest standards of cleanliness and safety are required.
“Our customers have increasingly expressed the desire for an expanded product portfolio – with the acquisition of RTU, we’re responding decisively to that demand,” says Jens Groninger. The long-term goal is to support customers worldwide with holistic solutions – reliably, collaboratively, and driven by innovation.
As ambitious as this step may sound, it is being taken with care and foresight. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, places the highest demands on safety, regulatory compliance, and precision. “We’re approaching this with great diligence and responsibility – out of respect for established structures, industry standards, and the role we play in this sensitive environment.”
Jens Groninger also emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations: “This won’t happen overnight. It’s the result of careful development and a shared understanding of the complex requirements of the pharmaceutical sector.”
At the same time, the Managing Director highlights the importance of continuity: “Over the past decades, we’ve built strategic partnerships with long-standing and highly valued collaborators in the field of containment and cleanroom technology. These partnerships will continue unchanged. Reinraumtechnik Ulm and the new joint offering resulting from the acquisition are a complement to our existing portfolio – not a replacement.”
Two family-owned companies, one shared foundation
Continuity is also a key theme at Reinraumtechnik Ulm. The transition has been thoughtfully prepared and strategically planned. RTU founder Dietmar Renz laid the groundwork for his gradual withdrawal back in 2021 by appointing Steffen Rieger as Managing Director – a clear sign of his commitment to the sustainable development of the company.
“I’ve been planning to step back from business operations for several years,” says Renz. “I searched long and hard for a partner that not only made sense financially but also felt right. With groninger, we’ve found that partner – a family-owned company with heart, known for quality, innovation, and down-to-earth values. I know my employees are in the best hands.”
As part of the acquisition, Renz will gradually step away from day-to-day operations – confident that he is entrusting his life’s work to a reliable partner. Steffen Rieger will continue to serve as Managing Director of RTU even after the integration into the groninger Group. With his deep understanding and expertise in the product portfolio, he will ensure stability and reliability in daily operations. Reinraumtechnik Ulm will remain an independent company with its own expertise and location in Ulm – embedded within the groninger Group, but maintaining its identity.
“As a family-owned business, we understand how important it is to balance tradition and progress. This acquisition is a forward-looking step – and not something that happens overnight,” assures Jens Groninger.
A strategy with substance
Once again, groninger is evolving – while staying true to itself. Throughout its history, the company has continuously reinvented itself without losing sight of its core values: innovation with responsibility, measured growth, and partnerships built on mutual respect. The integration of Reinraumtechnik Ulm is another step on this path – and the beginning of a new chapter that groninger aims to shape together with its customers and partners.
About Reinraumtechnik Ulm
Reinraumtechnik Ulm GmbH (RTU) is a specialized provider of GMP- and FDA-compliant cleanroom systems for product and personnel protection, based in Ulm, Germany. Since its founding in 2002, the company has been developing customized solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries – particularly for applications with the highest demands on cleanliness, safety, and regulatory standards. RTU stands for technical excellence, collaborative work, and a deep understanding of the challenges in sensitive production environments.
About groninger
groninger is one of the leading international manufacturers of filling and closing machines for the pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare and cosmetics industries.
The slogan “We fill Visions with Life” sums up what groninger stands for – excellent know-how, innovative solutions and cooperative partnership in the design of customized machines.
Since the founding of the company in 1980 by Horst Groninger, groninger has developed into a hidden champion and innovation leader in the industry. Today, the second generation of the family business employs over 1,600 people in Crailsheim, Schnelldorf and Charlotte (USA). The company’s headquarters are in Crailsheim, Baden-Württemberg.