RAFI turns 125

 

RAFI is responsible for major innovations including the development and manufacture of the first ever pushbuttons and switches for machine controls in the 1950s, series switches and control systems for industrial applications and household appliances in the 1960s, and the RAFI keyboard in 1970. This keyboard ushered in the PC age a full six years before the advent of the Apple I computer. In 1977 RAFI launched the RS76 keyboard program that made it the market leader for terminal and office applications, manufactured e.g. under license for Siemens. During the following decade up to 1990, RAFI achieved further pioneering milestones. These included the development and production of flat data entry systems and tactile switches which are still in use in industry today under the name RACON. They ensure individual control, input and operation of machine applications.

Early in the new millennium, in 2004, RAFI developed a touch control system for WMF coffee machines. In 2012, RAFI launched its own touch sensor production for all types of capacitive control systems in order to meet the need for adequat  standards in industry in the smartphone age. In the middle of the 2010s, RAFI broke new records in another segment which plays a key role globally: the production of routers and WLAN devices for internet communication. This area remains an established part of the RAFI product portfolio today.
 

Seybold points out the company’s longstanding relationships with industry leaders and also emphasizes the in-house development and manufacturing of both components and software elements. Flat hierarchies and direct communication channels ensure fast and efficient processes. Lothar Arnold, CFO of the RAFI Group, explains that sustainability is also firmly anchored in the organization and management system and forms an integral part of the international corporate culture. “In 2023, the rating agency EcoVadis awarded usits silver medal for our sustainability efforts, and in 2024 we topped that with agoal medal. This award motivates usto continuously improve and constantly review and optimize our organization, processes, and products.”

RAFI is dedicated to continuing its role as a source of ideas and inspiration for its customers into the future. The portfolio will develop, adjusting not only to the latest market requirements, but also creating new platform technologies that provide added value. “We develop basic technologies, hardware assemblies, and both IoT and embedded software. Our products are tailored to each customer project in their particular industry and can be applied worldwide. The customer benefits from risk minimization, development cost savings, and shorter development periods,” says Lothar Seybold, summing up the big picture. This pooling of expertise, competence, and knowledge is ideal for tapping into both traditional and new markets.

Naturally, the resulting growth demands an expansion of the company’s resources. One example is the new RAFI plant in Bad Waldsee, which will start operations in early 2025. The investment also demonstrates the company’s commitment to the region. “Covering a floorspace of 10,000 m², the facility will include new production shops for synthetic materials and automatic machines, metal processing, tool and die making, tool and die development, and the new training and apprentice center, RAFI Academy”, says Lothar Arnold. A major priority for RAFI with this new building was an energy efficient infrastructure in compliance with the EFFH 40 standard. The primary energy source will be a geothermal probe system with 34 probes installed at a depth of 131 m. Additional energy will be provided by a PV system with a performance of 760 kWp.

RAFI also remains committed to its international growth strategy and plans tofurther expand capacities above all in Asia and the USA. In 2023, RAFI acquired Xymox Technologies, which draws on more than 40 years of experience in the development and production of capacitive input sensors and membrane switches. Further initiatives may follow.

Apart from expanding its product portfolio and developing company locations, RAFI also maintains a focus on supporting young career-starters. This involves offering opportunities for dual study programs, internships, and training. Last fall, eleven trainees, two retrainees, and 13 dual-study students embarked on trade, commercial, or technical qualification programs. Currently, RAFI employs a total of 72 trainees and students.

There is a long tradition of company sports activities at RAFI. Last year, the BSG (company sports groups) celebrated their 50th anniversary. The variety of sporting activities is huge: from fitness training to gymnastics, bowling, bouldering, cycling, swimming, tennis, and archery.

“RAFI Heroes – Spotlight on Voluntary Work” offers employees the chance to nominate their favorite charity projects for company support. In the past two years, RAFI chose a selection of especially impressive projects from a large number of inspiring entries. “As a part of society, we feel a duty to contribute to improving our community. Voluntary workers often dedicate much of their spare time to taking on social responsibility. That’s why it is and will always be important to us to also support carefully chosen local organizations and initiatives,” says Lothar Arnold. Additionally, RAFI supports regional soccer and ice hockey clubs.