History
The beginnings of AVS Römer GmbH date back to the 1970s. To this day, the company remains in family hands: Christoph Cegla is president.
1938 – 69
Beginnings
February 6, 1938
Joachim C. Römer is born in Pullach, the second of three children.
1958 – 1961
Studies electrical engineering and business administration at the Oskar-von-Miller Polytechnic in Munich (today: University of Applied Sciences).
1961 – 1969
Joachim Römer decides to start his career as a sales representative at Bürkert. Römer passes through various stages up to the position of sales manager for southern Germany.
1970s
The early years
1970
Joachim Römer founds an engineering office for the design and sale of pneumatic components in Pullach near Munich.
1971
In search of a manufacturer and supplier for the self-developed control systems, Römer finds what he is looking for in Italy. The Camozzi brothers from Lumezzane, province of Brescia, produce fittings according to his specifications.
December 17, 1975
Joachim Römer and his wife Christl found the company AVS Ingenieur J.C. Römer GmbH based in Pullach. The abbreviation AVS still stands for “Automatics, Valves, Systems”. In the early years, AVS Römer focused on the sale of components.
1979
Just a few years after the company was founded, the Pullach office and garage warehouse became too cramped. AVS Ingenieur J.C. Römer GmbH moves to larger premises in Straßlach near Pullach. After the move, Römer expands its range of products and starts producing solenoid valves.
1980s
Innovations
1980
Takeover of a production site in Grafenau. The four employees would only be the beginning. In the following years, this production facility would grow significantly in terms of space and personnel.
1988
Joachim Römer applies for a patent for a “diaphragm valve for liquids”. The design of the valve allows very fast closing, yet all closing impacts are avoided. Another innovative milestone in the history of AVS Römer.
1990s
Expansion
1992
A second plant is built in Langenberg (Ore Mountains). The new site is used for production and as a central shipping warehouse.
1997
In December, the administration and sales departments of AVS Ingenieur J. C. Römer GmbH move from Straßlach to a newly acquired site in Königsdorf. The site, also located near Munich, will become the company’s new headquarters.
2000s
Further developments
2003
AVS Römer applies for a patent for a pneumatically or electromagnetically actuated valve. The innovation lies in a new type of actuating mechanism that is particularly effectively sealed against fluid flow.
2006
Joachim Römer’s latest development is the ETV type solenoid valve. In this “dry solenoid valve system”, the entire armature chamber and the guide tube inside the valve are not flushed by the liquid. Bacteria formation is made more difficult as the liquid drains downwards and the valve remains dry. The solenoid valve is mainly used in the food and beverage industry. Both the functional principle and the qualitative design set standards on the market to this day.
2008
At the beginning of the year, Joachim Römer withdraws from the operational business due to his poor health.
2010s
Reorganization and change
November 5, 2010
The 40th anniversary of the company’s Grafenau site is celebrated.
2013
After the production site in Grafenau has reached its limits, Gabriela Römer decides to build a new plant in the nearby Reismühle.
2014
AVS G. Roemer Schweiz AG is founded on October 2 to better serve the Swiss market locally.
2016
In October, Christoph Cegla joins the management of the family business.
October 21, 2016
Inauguration of the new site in Reismühle, Grafenau.
2017
AVS Römer is awarded as a finalist at the “Grand Prix of Medium-Sized Businesses” by the Oskar Patzelt Foundation.
December 7, 2017
The headquarters of AVS Ingenieur J.C. Römer GmbH relocate to Grafenau. This means that the longstanding administrative headquarters in Königsdorf is now history.
September 14, 2019
Wins the “Grand Prix of Medium-Sized Businesses 2019”.
In addition to the company’s impressive economic factors, the family-like corporate climate, social commitment, for example within the framework of the Joachim Christian Römer Foundation, and the topic of sustainability were particularly highlighted by the jury. The Grand Prix of Medium-Sized Businesses, awarded by the Oskar Patzelt Foundation, is considered “[...] the most coveted business award in Germany” (DIE WELT).
2020s
June 2020
50th anniversary of the company
2021
Growth in figures: The number of employees has almost tripled in the last decade. Economic success has also followed a similar trend.
2022
Markus Naue takes over as plant manager in Langenberg at the beginning of the year and the site celebrates its 30th anniversary.
30.06.2023
Change in the management: Gabriela Römer retires from the operational business of AVS Römer GmbH & Co. KG.