Uncompromising safety in industrial plants since 1988.

As a pioneer in industrial explosion protection, we are constantly setting new standards. For over 30 years, renowned plant operators, manufacturers and equipment suppliers have placed their trust in RICO’s certified products and services.

Our history

RICO’s success story

What began with a ground-breaking product is now a globally recognised company in the fields of explosion protection and air shut-off. As the successor company to Rickenbach & Co, we developed the very first VENTEX® in the 1970s – together with the Ciba company and with the collaboration of explosion protection luminary Dr Wolfgang Bartknecht. And so the story took its course.

1988

Foundation

The foundation stone for RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG was laid on 21 September 1988.

1994

Move to Herisau

Previously located in St. Gallen, we continued to grow and expand – with the move to our current location, we were able to enable and maintain a more efficient production flow for ourselves and our customers.

1998

Market launch QUADRO

The first and only rectangular gastight butterfly valve sees the light of day in the RICO product world.

2001

Special project for submarines

At the beginning of the new millennium, we launched a gastight fire protection flap for submarines, which is now used by several European shipyards.

2003

Introduction of RSV

We introduce the RSV explosion slide valve – already the fastest on the market at that time.

2005

New ownership structure

Daniel Zellweger – current Chairman of the Board of Directors – takes over the majority of shares and the management of the company.

2006

Newly positioned

We expand our business premises in order to be able to respond to the increasingly high demand with optimum service.

2007

Fresh talent

We train our first apprentice as a polymechanic.

2012

Welding robot for VENTEX® housings

Our first own welding robot ensures more quality, precision and reliability.

2013

Special design for pharmaceuticals

We produced several RAPIDO DN1800 & DN2000 for the first time for a pharmaceutical company – completely gastight as always.

2014

Introduction of REDEX® Slide

The explosion isolation valve offers a high safety standard at comparatively low purchase costs.

2015

Introduction of REDEX® Flap

One of the first EN 16447 approved isolation flap valves on the market. The product is characterised by low pressure drop and lower energy costs.

2017

New generation RSV

The RSV explosion isolation valve is now even more durable, faster and available in a new nominal width of DN500.

2019

New generation RAPIDO

A new generation butterfly valve: easier to maintain and more durable.

2020

A new face takes over the management

Aleksandar Agatonovic takes over the management of RICO Sicherheitstechnik AG after 4 years in the management.

2021

New generation VENTEX®

We launch the further developed explosion isolation valve VENTEX® – it has a wider range of applications, is easier to maintain and is now also available in nominal width DN250.

2021