The following is a synopsis of the beginnings of RACO Electric Actuators and advancing through the last 73 years until present day. RACO has, without a doubt, more experience and staying power than most Mechanical Power Transmission Manufacturers in the World.
1953 RACO-ELEKTRO-MASCHINEN GmbH is founded on the initiative of Richard Wilke. The company has its roots in mining, for which RACO initially produced electromechanical devices for adjusting points underground.
1980 RACO International, L.P. is founded as an American subsidiary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1990 Market launch of the modular assembly system of RACO Electric Actuators as Actuator type 6 "COMPACT."
1995 Reinhard Wilke takes over the management of the company as sole owner and partner.
2003 Anniversary and "Open Day" to mark the 50th anniversary of RACO-ELEKTRO-MASCHINEN GmbH.
2006 Market launch of the non-contact digital electronic position sensor (EPS).
2008 ATEX certification of RACO Electric Actuators in actuator design type 1 (size 4-8).
The USA equivalent to the European ATEX directive is the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is governed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While ATEX uses a "Zone" system, the USA equivalent uses a "Class/Division" or "Class/Zone system to classify hazardous locations where explosion risks exist.
2013 Market launch of the RACOmatic to mark the company's 60th anniversary
2016 Equipping of the largest flood gates in Germany with two RACO Electric Actuators for flood protection in the Elbe area near Döbeln, Saxony.
2018 Expansion of the product range with RACO DC electric actuators, especially for mobile applications with high power density.
2020 Succession of the operational business to the sons Sebastian Wilke and Thomas Wilke as Managing Directors.
2021 Expansion of the modular assembly system of RACO Electric Actuators as actuator type 1 with size 12 for actuating forces up to 314,700 lbs.
2023 Anniversary "70 years of RACO."
2025 Launch of new USA website.
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