Rinke

What Rinke does

Sanitätshaus Rinke (legal entity: Sanitätshaus Hans Rinke GmbH) is a third-generation family-owned medical supply retailer (Sanitätshaus) operating from Gronau (Westfalen), Germany, in immediate proximity to the local hospital. Founded in the early 1950s to supply medical aids to war veterans, the company has evolved into a comprehensive mobility and orthopedic aids provider serving individuals with mobility limitations, post-surgery patients, elderly customers, their family caregivers, regional healthcare facilities, and, since 2016, cyclists experiencing saddle-related pain. It is led by co-managing directors and master orthopedic technicians Martin Rinke and Stefan Rinke, who have run the business since 2000, supported by 18 staff at the Gronau location.

The company's product portfolio spans custom-fabricated orthotics and prosthetics (arm, leg, breast), traditional and 3D-printed orthopedic insoles (via Bauerfeind and the Bodytronic ID CAM / medi vision 3D scanning systems), medical compression stockings, bandages and joint supports, and a broad mobility aids range including electric scooters, wheelchairs, rollators, walking aids, stair lifts, nursing/care beds, and bathroom safety equipment. It also offers the MOTOmed motorized movement therapy device and, through its Ergonomie-Kompetenzzentrum, professional bicycle saddle fitting in partnership with Die Sattelkompetenz. Custom devices are produced in an in-house workshop, with high-end prosthetic fitting supported by the Ottobock L.A.S.A.R Posture measurement system.

Sanitätshaus Rinke generates revenue through a direct-to-consumer retail model anchored on a single physical showroom at Möllenweg 15 in Gronau, supplemented by home delivery and installation for larger equipment and an online prescription upload portal. Revenue streams comprise one-time sales of medical aids and custom orthopedic devices, recurring rental of rehabilitation equipment such as care beds, and direct health insurance (Krankenkassen) billing services handled by the company on behalf of customers. Pricing is quote-based, capped at a maximum €10 prescription co-payment with no additional economic charges, and the customer base is highly fragmented across individual end-users in the Gronau region.

Name

Rinke

Legal name

Sanitätshaus Hans Rinke GmbH

Website

https://sanitaetshaus-rinke.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sanitätshaus Rinke is a third-generation family-owned German medical aid retailer in Gronau providing custom orthotics, prosthetics, orthopedic insoles, mobility aids, compression therapy, and rehabilitation equipment to mobility-impaired individuals, caregivers, and healthcare providers across the local region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Aids & Orthopedic Supplies

NAICS

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842), Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty & Orthopedic Footwear Manufacturing (Medical/Diabetic/Custom) (IMAOAIAI)

Keywords

• Medical supply store
• Orthopedic insoles
• Custom prosthetics
• Mobility aids
• Compression therapy

Headquarters

HQ city

Gronau

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Medical Aids and Mobility Equipment Sales: Sale of medical aids including wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, care beds, bathroom aids, compression stockings, bandages, and e-mobility scooters. Products are sold directly to patients and billed through health insurance.
2. Custom Orthopedic Products: Custom-made prosthetics, orthotics, and orthopedic insoles manufactured in-house. Individual customizations including personalized designs (e.g., football team-themed prosthetics) are offered.
3. Rehabilitation Equipment Rental: Rental of rehabilitation equipment including care beds and other mobility aids for temporary use.
4. Health Insurance Billing Services: The company handles all paperwork and billing directly with health insurance providers (Krankenkassen), simplifying the process for customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Sanitätshaus Rinke operates a medical supply retail store with an in-house orthopedic workshop, supplying and custom-fabricating medical aids including prosthetics, orthotics, orthopedic insoles, compression therapy garments, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, care beds, stair lifts, walking aids, bathroom safety equipment, and bandages. The company provides professional consultation, custom measurement and fitting, and direct billing to German statutory health insurers (Krankenkassen) on behalf of customers.

Product overview

Sanitätshaus Rinke is a medical supply company (Sanitätshaus) offering a comprehensive range of assistive products and medical aids for mobility, rehabilitation, and daily living support. The portfolio is organized around core product categories including Orthotics & Prosthetics (custom-fabricated orthoses and prostheses), Custom Orthopedic Insoles (now including 3D-printed options), Compression Therapy (measuring and supplying compression garments), and Mobility Aids (electric scooters, wheelchairs, walking frames, and stair lifts). Additional offerings include Nursing & Care Beds, Bathroom Safety Aids (shower/toilet chairs, bathtub lifts), Bandages and Braces for joint support, MOTOmed Movement Therapy devices for rehabilitation, and specialized Bike Saddle Fitting services. The company operates primarily as a physical retail location with workshop facilities for custom fabrication and measurement services, supplemented by online prescription upload capabilities. Products mentioned include branded items such as Ergoflix, Invacare (Orion Metro, Comet, Cetus), Ottobock, MOTOmed, and Bauerfeind for orthopedic insoles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Orthotics & Prosthetics (Orthesen & Prothesen) Custom-made orthoses (braces), prostheses (artificial limbs), corsets (Mieder), and Leibbinden fabricated by hand in the company's own orthopedic workshop. Includes arm, leg, and breast prostheses for joint stabilization, support, and limb replacement. Targeted at patients with limb loss, joint instability, or need for supportive bracing.
• Custom Orthopedic Insoles & Shoe Technology (Einlagen & Schuhtechnik) Individually customized orthopedic insoles and shoe modifications (Zurichtungen) to correct foot deformities and address foot, knee, hip, and back pain. Includes both traditional custom insoles and 3D-printed Bauerfeind insoles produced from digital foot scans using the Bodytronic ID CAM 3D camera system. For patients with foot malposition, pain, or need for biomechanical correction.
• Compression Therapy (Kompressionstherapie) Medical compression stockings and garments for venous conditions such as varicose veins, thrombosis, travel thrombosis prophylaxis, and occupational relief for people with predominantly standing work. Measured with digital 3D scanning using the medi vision system for precise fit. Delivered in close cooperation with physicians and therapists. For patients with venous disease or compression therapy prescriptions.
• E-Scooters and Electric Mobility Vehicles (E-Mobile) Electric mobility scooters and folding e-scooters for daily use and outings, including Ergoflix, Invacare Orion Metro, Invacare Comet, and Invacare Cetus models. For individuals with limited walking ability seeking independent mobility.
• Braces & Supports (Bandagen) Joint braces and supports including knee, ankle, foot, back, elbow, and wrist bandages for stabilization, pain relief, and enhanced mobility following injuries or conditions such as ligament tears and arthritis. Individually fitted and explained by trained staff. For patients needing joint support or post-injury stabilization.
• Wheelchairs (Rollstühle) Range of wheelchair types including electric wheelchairs (e.g., Ergoflix), active/adaptive wheelchairs, standard and lightweight wheelchairs, and care/multi-functional wheelchairs. For individuals with mobility limitations requiring assisted mobility devices.
• Care/Nursing Beds (Pflegebetten) Adjustable nursing beds (Burmeier) with height-adjustable surfaces, casters, multi-adjustable slatted frames, remote controls, and side protection. Available for home care and nursing facilities. Available for purchase or rental. For patients and caregivers needing home or facility-based nursing beds.
• Rollators / Walking Frames (Rollatoren) Walking frames providing secure standing and walking support, also serving as seats, shopping aids, and transport aids. For individuals needing walking support for daily activities and outings.
• Walking Aids (Gehhilfen) Walking sticks, forearm crutches, walking frames, and other mobility aids to help users regain or maintain mobility. For individuals recovering from injury or managing chronic mobility limitations.
• Stair Lifts (Treppenlifte) Stair lifts providing increased mobility and comfort for users navigating multi-level homes, with home delivery and professional installation service. For individuals with mobility limitations living in multi-story homes.
• Bathroom Aids (Hilfsmittel Badezimmer) Bathroom safety equipment including shower chairs, toilet chairs, bathtub lifts, grab handles, and toilet seat raisers to enable independent personal hygiene. For individuals needing bathroom safety support.
• MOTOmed Movement Therapy (MOTOmed Bewegungstherapie) Motorized movement therapy devices (MOTOmed loop with digital intelligence and tool-free height adjustment) for people with movement restrictions, enabling training while seated in a wheelchair, chair, or lying on a care bed or therapy couch. For individuals requiring assisted rehabilitation exercise.
• Bike Saddle Expertise & Bicycle Measurement (Sattelkompetenz) Professional bicycle saddle fitting and bike measurement service using pressure measurement film to identify pain points and adjust saddle, handlebars, and pedals for pain-free cycling. Covers e-bikes, MTBs, city bikes, trekking bikes, racing bikes, and triathlon bikes. For active cyclists experiencing knee, sit bone, neck, shoulder, prostate, or post-surgery pain.

Quantifiable outcome

• Maximum prescription co-payment of 10 euros with no additional economic charges
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Die SattelkompetenzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDie Sattelkompetenz is a specialized company whose bike ergonomics experts have been dedicated to solving problems of incorrect seating position and bicycle geometry for over 20 years. Sanitätshaus Rinke provides professional consultation on optimal seating position for all types of bicycles including e-bikes, MTBs, city bikes, trekking bikes, racing bikes, and triathlon bikes through this partnership.
• Pro-GesundheitminorOthersPartnership for hygiene and infection protection certification. The company displays the Pro-Gesundheit hygiene seal indicating safe shopping practices and infection protection standards.
• BauerfeindcoreTechnology or IntegrationBauerfeind supplies 3D-printed orthopedic insoles. Sanitätshaus Rinke uses Bauerfeind's technology for modern orthopedic insole provision, with digital planning and precise production for custom fit.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Strehlow Sanitätshaus: Regional German Sanitätshaus with comparable product breadth (orthotics, prosthetics, mobility aids) and in-house workshop. Closely aligned to Rinke in scale and craft-led positioning.
• Reha-Team: Multi-location German medical supply retailer specializing in rehabilitation equipment, mobility aids, and home care products. Same orthotics/mobility/compression focus and similar insurance-billing model.
• Sanitätshaus Aktuell: Germany's largest Sanitätshaus retail cooperative, operating member storefronts across the country. Directly comparable in product mix (orthotics, mobility aids, compression therapy) and D2C channel, but at national scale versus Rinke's single location.
• Sanitätshaus Bofinger: Mid-sized German medical supply retailer offering orthopedic technology, prosthetics, and home care equipment. Comparable operating model combining retail, custom fabrication, and hospital referrals.

Others

• Wort & Bild Verlag (Apotheken Umschau): Health publisher and consumer health information portal. Not a competitor but a media channel that influences patient purchasing decisions regarding medical aids and pharmacy-recommended products.

Emerging players

• Sanicare: Online mail-order pharmacy and medical supply retailer in Germany. Threatens to disintermediate traditional Sanitätshaus customers via home delivery and prescription handling.
• docdok: Digital health platform offering online prescription workflows and care coordination. Adjacent to Rinke's online prescription upload service and represents the digital direction the company could expand into.

Broad incumbents

• medi: Major German manufacturer of medical compression, orthotics, and foot care products. Rinke uses medi's digital 'medi vision' scanning system; medi also sells directly to patients, partially overlapping with Rinke's compression therapy offering.
• Bauerfeind: German manufacturer of orthopedic insoles, braces, compression stockings, and supports. Bauerfeind is a supplier to Rinke (3D-printed insoles) but also sells direct, making it a partial competitor and ecosystem partner.
• Ottobock: Global leader in prosthetics and orthotics manufacturing. Rinke both competes with and depends on Ottobock (via L.A.S.A.R technology); broader portfolio and direct-to-patient clinics overlap with Rinke's prosthetic offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/rinke.GmbH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hans-rinke-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rinke