Company
History
From our early days at the workbench to becoming an international tool manufacturer, the history of Rix Tools has been shaped by craftsmanship, technological progress, and dependable quality. Over the years, we have continuously evolved without ever losing sight of our roots. Our story shows how an idea grew into a company that today is known worldwide for robust, practical tools.
1913
A. H. Mehring laid the foundation for the company in Dresden in 1913 and recognized early on the potential of new processes in metalworking. With his innovative spirit and craftsmanship, he laid the groundwork for high-quality tools. The company Sägen-Mehring quickly developed into a reliable partner to the industry. These origins continue to shape Rix Tools’ quality standards to this day and stand for tradition, experience, and technical expertise.
1949
After World War II, the company made a fresh start in Hockenheim under the leadership of Gerhard Döring. With great dedication and determination, production was gradually rebuilt. This created a stable foundation that firmly anchored the company in the region and paved the way for sustainable growth. At the same time, production processes were modernized to meet the industry’s growing demands.
1973
In 1973, the Döring family founded Alfred Raith GmbH, which took over sales and marketing for punching dies, drilling bits, and other tools. From then on, Sägen-Mehring was able to focus more on production and further deepen its technical expertise. The close collaboration between sales and manufacturing laid a solid and robust foundation for future developments and innovations.
1978
With the acquisition of Greenlee Tool GmbH in Hanau, the product portfolio was specifically expanded to include sheet metal punches and solutions for control cabinet construction. This area quickly became a key focus of production. Specialization in precise and durable sheet metal processing remains a key characteristic of Rix Tools to this day and underscores the practical orientation of its products.
2000
In 2000, Markus Döring joined the management team and carried on the family tradition. Under his leadership, corporate structures were modernized, processes were optimized, and a strategic course was set for the future. This step marked the beginning of a new, growth-oriented phase in which innovation, quality, and efficiency went hand in hand.
2010
In 2010, Markus Döring acquired all shares in the group of companies under the umbrella of Doering Holding GmbH & Co. KG. The new structure strengthened the organization, centralized manufacturing expertise, and created better opportunities for strategic development. This laid the foundation for sustainable growth and an international focus.
2012
In 2012, Alfred Raith GmbH invested approximately two million euros in modern production machinery, which was fully taken over and operated by Rix. All employees and equipment were transferred directly to the company’s assets. The investment enabled a significant improvement in manufacturing quality, as well as increased precision and efficiency—a decisive step toward achieving the highest product quality.
2017
In 2017, the ALFRA brand was launched as part of a new strategic direction in collaboration with the owner of Rittal and Alfred Raith. Rix took on key production responsibilities, thereby solidifying its position in the international tool market. The brand evolved into an important component of the overall portfolio and opened up new opportunities for innovation and market expansion.
2021
In 2021, Markus Döring stepped down from the management board of ALFRA GmbH. As a result, the international subsidiaries were renamed and operated under the name Rix Tools for the first time. This gave the brand a clear global presence and a unified strategic direction. This move also made the brand more recognizable to international partners and customers.
2023
Since 2023, the company has focused entirely on the Rix Tools brand. All of its experience, manufacturing capabilities, and expertise have been consolidated under a single name. This focus enables the consistent further development of products and structures and strengthens the brand’s position as a reliable provider of tool solutions for professionals.
2024
In 2024, Sägen-Mehring GmbH officially launched the Rix Tools brand as an independent partner for brick-and-mortar specialty tool retailers. This gives the brand a clear positioning, allows it to operate independently in the market for the first time, and brings together all of the company’s expertise in tool manufacturing under a single name. This step enhances the visibility of Rix Tools and signals the brand’s continuity and future viability.
