Groninger takes over cleanroom technology Ulm

The Groninger Group has acquired Reinraumtechnik Ulm GmbH (RTU). With this step, the family-owned company based in Crailsheim is not only expanding its technological portfolio but also strengthening its expertise in a field of central importance to the pharmaceutical industry: cleanroom and isolator technology.

"With Reinraumtechnik Ulm, we are not only gaining technological competence – we are especially bringing on board a fantastic team that is passionate about innovation, precision, and quality," says Jens Groninger, managing partner of the groninger group. "From now on, we will shape the future of the pharmaceutical industry together – boldly, visionarily, and hand in hand under the umbrella of the groninger group."

The acquisition of RTU marks another milestone in the development of the machinery manufacturer for the managing director: Reinraumtechnik Ulm is an established specialist in the pharma and biotech sectors for customized cleanroom systems and isolator technology. The company, based in Ulm, has been developing tailored solutions for demanding pharmaceutical applications for over two decades – especially where the highest purity and safety standards are required.

"Our customers have repeatedly reflected to us in recent years that their desire to expand our product portfolio is growing – with the acquisition of RTU, we are responding consistently to this demand," says Groninger. The long-term goal is to support customers worldwide with comprehensive solutions – reliably, in partnership, and driven by innovation.

Although this step may sound ambitious, it is being undertaken with care and foresight. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, imposes the highest demands on safety, regulatory compliance, and precision. "We are proceeding with great care and a sense of responsibility – out of respect for established structures, industry standards, and the role we play as part of this sensitive environment."

Jens Groninger also wants to set realistic expectations: "This will not happen overnight, but is the result of careful development and a shared understanding of the complex requirements of the pharmaceutical sector."

At the same time, the managing partner emphasizes how important continuity is in this context: "Over the past decades, we have built various strategic partnerships with our long-standing and highly valued partners in containment and cleanroom technology. We intend to and will continue to do so unchanged. Reinraumtechnik Ulm and the new joint offering that will emerge from the acquisition are an addition for us and our customers, not a replacement."

Two family businesses, one common foundation

Continuity is also a key word that plays a central role at Reinraumtechnik Ulm. The transition was deliberately prepared and designed with foresight. RTU founder Dietmar Renz had already set the course for his gradual withdrawal in 2021 by appointing Steffen Rieger as managing director – a sign of how important sustainable development of his company is to him.

"I have been planning to step back from operational activities for several years," Renz explains. "I have been looking for a partner where not only the numbers add up but also the gut feeling. With groninger, we have found that partner – a family business with heart that stands for quality, innovation, and groundedness. I know my employees are in the best hands."

As part of the acquisition, Renz will gradually withdraw from operational activities – with the good feeling of entrusting his entrepreneurial life's work into trustworthy hands. Steffen Rieger will also remain active as managing director of RTU after the integration into the groninger group. His deep understanding and expertise in the product portfolio will ensure stability and reliability in day-to-day operations. Reinraumtechnik Ulm will also remain an independent company with its own expertise and location in Ulm – embedded within the groninger group but maintaining its identity.

"As a family business, we understand how important it is to reconcile tradition and progress. This acquisition is a step with foresight – and not something that happens overnight," assures Jens Groninger.

Strategy with substance

Groninger is once again evolving – and staying true to itself. The company has reinvented itself many times in its history without losing sight of its values: innovation with responsibility, growth with moderation, and partnership at eye level. The integration of Reinraumtechnik Ulm is another step on this path – and at the same time the beginning of a new chapter that groninger wants 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. Since its founding in 2002, the company has developed tailored solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries – especially for applications with the highest requirements for purity, safety, and regulatory standards. RTU stands for technical excellence, partnership-oriented work, and a deep understanding of the challenges of sensitive production environments.

About groninger

Groninger is one of the internationally leading manufacturers of filling and sealing machines for the pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, and cosmetics industries.

The slogan "We fill visions with life" succinctly summarizes what groninger stands for: excellent know-how, innovative solutions, and partnership-based collaboration in (special) machine construction.

Since its founding in 1980 by Horst Groninger, the company has developed into a hidden champion and innovation leader in the industry. Today, the family-owned company employs over 1,600 people at its locations in Crailsheim, Schnelldorf, and Charlotte (USA). The company's headquarters are in Crailsheim, Baden-Württemberg.