1898
The “Rheinische Nadelfabriken AG” is established in Aachen. Production and sale of sewing needles, pins and badges as well as of needles for household sewing machines.
1911-1939
Expansion of the company to 14 divisions (different kinds of needles, zips, rims for motorbike wheels, hair clippers, straps for packaging, etc.).
1945
Change of the company’s name to “Rheinische Nadelfabriken GmbH“.
1955
The company is taken over by the brothers Horst and Herbert Pavel, then acquisition of new participations.
1968
The mechanical engineering and equipment department, which has so far been only internally active, now operates under the name of “Rheinnadel Maschinenbau” and works from then on also for external customers.
1972
Klaus Pavel, the company founder’s son, enters the business. “Rheinnadel Maschinenbau” becomes “Rhein-Nadel Automation GmbH” (RNA) and concentrates exclusively on the area of Feeding Technology.
1980-1989
RNA expands: the plants in Ergolding and Lüdenscheid are established as well as the subsidiaries in Switzerland and United Kingdom (RNA Automation Ltd).
1990-1999
The company continues to grow: acquisition of Vibrant S.A, a Spanish company.
2000
With “RNA Automated Systems Inc.”, the first subsidiary outside of Europe takes up its commercial activities in Canada.
2004
The RNA Group focuses its activities on the area of Automation. RNA expands its components range and continues to extend its development capacities.
2004-2009
Opening up of new markets in North America, Eastern Asia and Eastern Europe.
2011
RNA expands and establishes PSA, a subsidiary in Schwäbisch Hall, where the competences are concentrated in the area of pharmaceutical designs.
2013/2014
Christopher Pavel, the company founder’s grandson, becomes the managing partner.
2015
RNA UK (RNA Automation Ltd) acquires APL that operates in robotics and automation technology areas, providing a stronger presence to deliver and grow RNA’s automation experience.
2017
Extension of the production facility in Aachen with the construction of a new main building and production hall
2018
RNA acquires Nexolink Solutions AG and starts selling its own IoT Platform. With the help of the IoT ConnectBox, RNA furthers pushes on digitalisation / Industry 4.0
2019
RNA acquires Räuchle Automatisation and establishes a third external premise in Remchingen
2020
RNA acquires the Bavarian startup Hofmann & Stirner Zuführsysteme GmbH and ensures know how in the field of digital feeding system technology, AI and simulation