Three centuries of our company`s eventful history
Franz Raab GmbH – we have been on wire for our customers since 1873. Please join us through three centuries of our company`s eventful history.
1873 – The Company`s Formation
Since the company`s formation in 1873 members of the Raab family have been managing the business as managing partners. It all started with wire. Even today wires and strands are important factors in our production range in the form of conductor material and shielding in electricity cables.
1873 – The First Generation – Rudolf Raab
Rudolf Raab, master clothier, started a commission business for export trade in Weißenburg dealing with Nuremberg goods – the socalled Lyonese wares. After purchasing of the company Haass & Co. Franz Raab GmbH started its own Lyonese production with the fields of spinning, weaving, braiding and hand embroidery.
Gold and silver threads, bouillons, strands, laces, borders, hand-made milliner laces and braids were central products. Mostly silver or silver with fire gold coating was used as base material.
These high-quality products were also exported to countries outside of Europe such as Brazil, Singapore, “British India”, “Arabia,” “Persia” and “Dutch India”.
1880 – Max Raab – Entry as a Shareholder
Max Raab joined the company as a shareholder.
1897 – The Second Generation – Gustav Rudolf Raab
Gustav Rudolf Raab, son of the company`s founder, joined the company as junior partner.
1889 – Leading Technological Role
At this time Franz Raab GmbH was already a pioneer in terms of technological innovation. In the company`s operating rooms in Weißenburg the town`s first electric industrial lighting was installed. The installation of a telephone system was also pioneering. At this time Franz Raab could be reached by telephone under number 9.
1914 – Turbulent Times
Caused by the drastic changes of the political – and economic situation, Franz Raab GmbH was forced to start new production lines. Under the name “Raabsche Kettenfabrik” the company now produced and delivered steel- and iron chains of all types. After the end of the First World War the chain production ended and the main focus was again on the manufacture of Lyonese wares.
Several acquisitions allowed an expansion of the operating premises. Even today the production site is located in this area close to the town center.
1917 – Royal Appointment
The two gentlemen Max Raab and Gustav Rudolf Raab were appointed Commercial Councilors by King Ludwig III.
1919 – The Third Generation – Franz Raab
Returning home from the First World War, Franz Raab joined the company as a representative of the third generation. For the following 69 years he was responsible for the company´s fate.
On the administrative organization Franz Raab insisted on the abolition of standing desks in the office which had been obligatory until then. He also introduced a nearly revolutionary copying system.
1923 – Global Economic Crisis
The skilled workers` happiness about their monthly wages of 575 billion marks was troubled only by corresponding prices. The inflation was stopped by the introduction of the `Rentenmark` and so hourly wages of 0,43 marks stabilized. It was quite a difficult market situation at that time and Franz Raab GmbH showed its resourcefulness by trading also with coffee and metal scouring pads.
1933 – Manufacture of Uniform Adornments
Thanks to outstanding engineering skills a part of the existing Lyonese machinery could also be used for another product line: the manufacture of uniform adornments such as chest badges and shoulder epaulets.
1939 – Destruction of the Branch in Berlin
Only a short time after the foundation of the branch office in Berlin it was destroyed by bomb attacks during the Second World War.
1948 – Difficult Post-War Period
After the Second World War the economy was at an all-time low. Only by highly flexible adaptation to this difficult economic situation the company`s survival could be secured in those hard times. For example Franz Raab GmbH was trading with men`s shirts and manufacturing bandage clips and cleaning sponges.
1949 – Beginning of Modern Cable Manufacture
The currency reform in Germany was accompanied by a consolidation of economic conditions. Due to emerging market requirements new developing opportunities were arising for the innovative enterprise Franz Raab GmbH In addition to a solid basis of producing uniform adornments, Franz Raab GmbH now also started the production and assembly of the high-tech-product `textile-covered telephone cord`.
1952 – The Fourth Generation – Klaus Raab
The entry of Klaus Raab (Dipl.-Ing., Master of electrical engineering) into the business was a pioneering developing step for the company: manufacturing plastic coated cables and conductors Franz Raab GmbH opened up new, future-oriented markets. With outstanding personal commitment and entrepreneurial vision Klaus Raab expanded the company to a renowned production site producing telecommunication lines, telephone cords and shielded cables as well as lines for electronics and electroacoustics.
1964 – Patented Trademark MY®
Our product trademark MY® , which is still current today, was registered at the patent office.
1967 – Sole Focus on Cables and Lines
The manufacture of uniform adornments and textile goods came to an end. From that time on the production and further processing of cables and lines were the focal points of production.
1985 – The Fifth Generation – Jörg Raab and Christopher Raab
Jörg Raab (Dipl.-Kfm.) and his younger brother Christopher Raab (Dipl.-Betriebswirt) became members of the management. They represent the fifth generation of managing directors of the Raab family.
2005 – Today
Today the company is led by Jörg Raab (Dipl.-Kfm.) after Christopher Raab (Dipl.-Betriebswirt) died at the age of only 42 years. A motivated team of highly qualified staff guarantees the company`s success.
Franz Raab GmbH is a certified, middle-sized company with its production site in Bavaria/Germany. We manufacture flexible standard cables, customized special cables and special purpose cables. Our product range includes a highly specialized modern cable assembly. Franz Raab GmbH is an experienced specialist concerning the manufacture of spiral cables and coiled lines.
Our company`s main strength is the ability to respond quickly and flexibly to highly specific customer requirements.