RMIG history

Defining moments on our journey to become a global leader in perforation

Our history
Explore the key moments that define who we are today
1890s
Our founder Richard Müller settles down in Denmark

From Germany to Denmark

A young German toolmaker Richard Müller arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the 1890s. He found a job, fell in love, got married and decided to settle down in Denmark.

1901
Richard Müller founds the company

A toolmaker’s vision

Richard Müller did well in his new home country - he was a skilful toolmaker and had an enterprising personality. In 1901 he had saved up sufficient capital enabling him to establish his own company based on his tool making skills.



 

The business concept for the company, Rich. Müller, was based on Richard Müller's idea that it was not enough just to make production tools. The company should also undertake the subsequent production of the products for which the tools were made.

1906
Expanding into perforation

New techniques, steady growth


The business concept was extended to include perforation as early as 1906, just five years after the company was established. With technology closely aligned with punching, the two lines of production complemented each other seamlessly.

 

Richard Müller's principle of avoiding debt ensured steady, controlled expansion, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

1925
The first generational transition

Continuing a legacy of integrity


In 1925 Richard Müller became seriously ill and unfortunately passed away at the age of only 52. His son, Ernst Müller, trained as a toolmaker within the company, took over leadership at just 26 years old.

 

Ernst Müller followed in his father's footsteps upholding the same principle of avoiding debt, ensuring the company continued to thrive in his father's spirit of integrity and measured growth.

1930
Spearheading social responsibility

Setting a new standard for employee welfare

Rich. Müller was not only a pioneer in toolmaking and production but also set new standards for employee welfare within the metal industry. As an example of the company's social consciousness, paid holidays were introduced around 1930, making Rich. Müller the first company within the Danish metal industry to do so.

 

Although three days of paid holidays per year may seem modest today, it was a pioneering initiative at the time. Paid holidays only became standard through legislation in 1938.

1936
A new corporate structure

Growth leads to a new era


In 1936 the company’s activities had expanded so extensively that Rich. Müller transitioned from an individually owned business into a limited liability company, with Ernst Müller as the controlling shareholder and managing director.

1960
New technology, new opportunities

Expanding manufacturing capabilities

In 1960, Rich. Müller made a significant upgrade to the company’s machinery by implementing a new technology that enabled perforation across the full width of the coil - a process now known as all-across press technology.

 

The company's expertise had advanced to such a degree that, beyond producing perforation tools, the decision was made to manufacture the machines themselves.

1965
A new generation and location

Moving the operation to Ballerup


The next generational change took place in 1965. In December of that year, Ernst Müller and Mrs. Müller established the Rich. Müller Foundation, transferring the majority shareholding to the Foundation.

 

From the early to mid-60s, the company had established considerable export activity, though it remained relatively sporadic and primarily concentrated in Scandinavia. With this increased activity, the need for a larger production facility emerged. As a result, the company relocated its entire operation to Ballerup, Denmark, in the 1960s, where the Danish production unit of RMIG Solutions remains to this day.

1970s
Strategic expansion across Northern Europe

Building momentum through acquisitions


To support business expansion, the company began acquiring new companies in 1972. Momentum quickly accelerated, with several companies acquired and new entities established across Scandinavia and the UK.

 

By 1978, these companies were consolidated into the holding company RM Industrial Group A/S (RMIG).

1980s
Focusing on perforation excellence

Increasing the focus


In the 1980s, RMIG sharpened its focus on perforation, recognising the company’s expertise and potential within this field. To support this strategic direction, RMIG began divesting from businesses outside the perforation area, including those involved in grating, stamping, and galvanising. This renewed focus allowed RMIG to channel resources and innovation into perforation technology, setting the stage for further growth and specialisation.

1990s
Securing a Europe-wide presence

New plants across Europe

In the 1990s, RMIG expanded its network of perforation plants across Europe, moving beyond Northern Europe to establish a truly continental presence. This vision took shape through acquisitions in key markets, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, solidifying RMIG’s position as a leading perforation provider across Europe.

2019
Strengthening market position

Expanding reach through MEVACO acquisition

In 2019, RMIG acquired its largest competitor, MEVACO, expanding the RMIG Group’s reach to include seven manufacturing and logistics units and local representation in 14 European countries, along with additional representatives in many overseas markets.

2022
Advancing through focused business areas

Focusing on specialised market leadership

In 2022, RMIG Group reorganised into three distinct Business Areas - RMIG Solutions, RMIG Automotive, and MEVACO - each with a tailored growth strategy to strengthen its market presence and business model.

 

At RMIG Solutions, we operate as a global supplier of premium perforated metal solutions for selected industrial segments and original equipment manufacturers, with core strengths in quality, reliability, expertise, and innovation.

2024
Unveiling a new logo

New logo honouring heritage and embracing the future

In 2024, RMIG introduced an updated logo reflecting the company’s rich heritage and forward-looking vision. The iconic RM-globe has transformed into a circle of perforated dots, symbolising both RMIG’s expertise and global reach - a design that pays homage to our history while underscoring RMIG’s leadership in the perforation industry.