What Rico does

Rico GmbH & Co. KG is a German manufacturer and project manager of cable routing systems (Kabelverlegesysteme), headquartered in Kirchheim/Teck, Baden-Württemberg. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately held Niedax Group and operates as a specialized brand within the group's global portfolio, which spans 25 production facilities across more than 30 countries and reached 1 billion EUR in group revenue in 2024. Rico's roots trace to 19th-century metalworking by Theodor Rieth in Berlin; the firm relocated to Kirchheim/Teck in 1948, was renamed Rico GmbH & Co. KG in 1999, and joined the Niedax Group in 2004.

The company designs, manufactures, and supplies metallic cable support systems including cable trays (Kabelrinnen), cable and climbing ladders (Kabel- und Steigeleiter), compact cable routing systems (RICO-Compact), walkable cable tray systems (BKS), fire protection solutions for functional preservation (FP, KFO System W24 to DIN 4102-12), GRP cable trays (EBO Systems), and accessories such as MTC components, STRUT mounting systems, and Gerätekanäle T70/T90. Sub-brands acquired through inorganic growth include fm-Systemrohr (socket pipe systems), Boecker Stahl-Service and BSH (steel service centers), MonoSystems and Canadian Electrical Raceways (North America), Excel Electric (Ireland), R&M Electrical Group (UK), MEF (UK/Ireland data center distributor), Spina Group (Italy), and the Abnex JV with ABB. Rico also delivers turnkey project management and installation services for large industrial and infrastructure customers.

Rico's go-to-market combines enterprise field sales through regional sales management covering North and South Germany, direct engagement on major projects, and distribution through the Elektrogroßhandel (electrical wholesale trade) channel serving over 50,000 electrical installation companies. Pricing is project-based, with order-value thresholds governing freight (free delivery above EUR 800 in Germany, EUR 35 surcharge for long goods between EUR 400-800). Primary customer segments include industrial and infrastructure projects, data centers, the electrical wholesale trade, and energy/process industries (oil & gas, petrochemical, marine). Marketing relies on industry trade shows (SMM Hamburg, WindEnergy Hamburg, InnoTrans Berlin), a download resource portal, trade media presence, and the Bayer 04 Leverkusen sleeve sponsorship. CEO Bruno Reufels also leads the parent Niedax Group.

Name

Rico

Legal name

Rico GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://rico.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Rico GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Kirchheim/Teck, Germany, is a manufacturer and project manager of metallic cable routing systems (trays, ladders, fire protection) serving industrial, infrastructure, data center, and electrical wholesale customers across 30+ countries as part of the Niedax Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cable Management Systems / Electrical Infrastructure Hardware

NAICS

Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (33531)

SIC

Wholesale-Electrical Apparatus & Equipment, Wiring Supplies (5063)

akta.pro primary industry

Cable Management & Raceway Systems (conduits, trunking, cable trays, ducts, fittings) (IMAGAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cable Management & Support Systems (Trays/Ladders/Strut) (IMADAMAK), Transmission & Distribution Line Equipment (Bushings, Insulators, Arresters, Conductors, Hardware) (IMAGAAAF)

Keywords

• Cable routing systems
• Cable management solutions
• Cable tray systems
• Fire protection systems
• Electrical installation hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

Kirchheim Unter Teck

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices23 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Product Sales - Cable Routing Systems: Sale of cable trays, ladder systems, mounting hardware, and accessories. Products are sold through electrical wholesalers and direct to industrial customers for large infrastructure projects. Revenue generated from material supply contracts.
2. Project Management and Installation Services: Comprehensive project management and installation services for cable routing systems. Total solutions from a single source combining engineering, delivery, and assembly.
3. Engineering Services: Engineering services provided through Rico Engineering for complex project requirements and custom solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Rico GmbH & Co. KG manufactures and distributes cable routing systems (Kabelverlegesysteme) including cable trays, cable ladders, mounting systems, fire protection systems, and accessories for electrical infrastructure installations. The company provides total solutions from a single source combining engineering, product supply, project management, and on-site installation services for large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects.

Product overview

Rico GmbH & Co. KG is a member of the Niedax Group, operating as a specialized manufacturer and project management provider for cable routing systems (Kabelverlegesysteme). The product portfolio centers on metallic cable support solutions including Kabel- und Steigeleiter (cable and climbing ladders), RICO-Compact cable tray systems, BKS walkable cable tray systems, and comprehensive system catalogs for cable support constructions. The offering extends to fire protection solutions through the FP Fire Protection and KFO System W24 product lines for functional preservation, along with accessories like MTC components and STRUT mounting systems. Rico provides complete turnkey solutions combining product supply with professional project management and installation services. The company also acquired complementary brands including fm–Systemrohr (socket pipe systems), EBO Systems (GRP solutions), and steel service centers Boecker and BSH for raw material supply security.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RICO-Compact: Cable routing systems product line
• EBO Systems
• FP Fire Protection
• KFO System
• BKS - Begehbares Kabelrinnen-System
• Montageprofil 18A28
• Gerätekanäle T70 und T90
• Kabel- und Steigeleiter
• MTC-Zubehör
• STRUT-System

Products and services

• RICO-Compact Kabeltragsysteme Compact cable support system product line designed for space-constrained installations across industrial and commercial construction projects. Provides cable trays, supports, and mounting components for diverse application environments.
• Kabel- und Steigeleiter (Cable and Climbing Ladders) Unified cable and climbing ladder product line combining Kabelrinnen (cable trays) and Kabelleiter (cable ladders) for vertical and horizontal cable routing in industrial installations. Developed as an integrated catalog based on customer feedback.
• FP Fire Protection (Funktionserhalt) Systems Fire protection product line designed to maintain circuit integrity and functional preservation (Funktionserhalt) of electrical systems during fires, meeting DIN 4102-12 standards. Includes certified systems for safety-critical cable installations.
• KFO System W24 Funktionserhalt System W24 product line for functional preservation applications meeting fire safety requirements in building installations, providing tested and certified cable support with maintained function during fire events.
• Gerätekanäle T70 und T90 Device channels T70 and T90 providing clean and safe cable routing for residential, office, or workshop environments. Surface-mounted trunking systems for organized cable distribution in interior spaces.
• STRUT-System Adjustable mounting and fixing system adaptable to various local conditions for structural support of cable trays and other installations across construction projects.
• fm-Systemrohr Muffenrohr (Socket Pipe System) Socket pipe system acquired through fm-Systemrohr GmbH & Co. KG, featuring form-locking connections without tools or additional components, significantly reducing assembly time. Produced in stainless steel, hot-dip galvanized steel, and aluminum.
• BKS - Begehbares Kabelrinnen-System (Walkable Cable Tray System) Walkable cable tray system designed for installations requiring access for maintenance and inspection purposes, allowing personnel to walk on the tray surface where additional structural load capacity is needed.
• MLAR 18 - Systeme für Zwischendecken Systems for suspended ceilings meeting MLAR 18 (Model Pipeline Directive) regulations for cable routing in ceiling installations across German building applications.
• EBO Systems GRP Cable Trays Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) cable tray systems offering corrosion-resistant solutions for demanding environments where metallic systems are unsuitable, such as chemical plants or coastal installations.
• Projektmanagement und Montage für Kabelverlegesysteme (Project Management and Installation Services) Project management and installation services for cable routing systems, providing complete turnkey solutions from a single source. Combines engineering, delivery coordination, and on-site assembly for large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.
• Rico Engineering Services Engineering services provided through Rico Engineering for complex project requirements and custom cable routing solutions, supporting customers with technical planning, design, and specialized engineering work.
• NX CITO Line (CO2-reduced Steel Cable Support Systems) Cable support systems manufactured from 60 percent CO2-reduced steel as part of the GreenNiedax sustainability initiative, providing lower-carbon alternatives for cable routing installations without compromising performance.
• Boecker Stahl-Service and BSH Steel Service Center Supply Raw steel supply through wholly-owned steel service centers Boecker Stahl-Service GmbH (Schwerte-Westhofen) and Bandstahl-Service-Hagen GmbH (BSH), processing over 175,000 tonnes annually of cold-rolled, surface-finished, and galvanized slit strip for cable routing system manufacturing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reached 1 billion EUR in revenue by 2024, up from 550 million EUR in 2021
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Cairn Safety TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026R&M Electrical Group acquired majority stake in Scottish company specializing in pressurized habitat systems and safety solutions for hot work in offshore and hazardous areas. Flagship product 'Cairn Cocoon' creates safe working areas with overpressure to shield dangerous gases from ignition sources.
• ABBcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 202450/50 joint venture 'Abnex' combining ABB Installation Products (including T&B Cable Tray and ExpressTray) with Niedax Group products (MonoSystems and Canadian Electrical Raceways). Over 200 employees across North America. Bruno Reufels serves as Chairman, Cornelius Steele as CEO. Builds on previous May 2024 announcement of joint venture formation.
• Bayer 04 LeverkusenflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2024Sleeve sponsor from 2024/25 season until June 2027. Previously partner in sponsor club since 1997. Expanded to include sleeve sponsorship on Bundesliga and Champions League jerseys, plus women's team and youth teams.
• Spina GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2024Acquisition of leading Italian cable routing system manufacturer and electrical material distributor. Over 100 employees at headquarters near Milan plus 7 global locations. Serves oil & gas, petrochemical, infrastructure, marine, and energy sectors.
• thyssenkrupp SteelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 November 2023Strategic partnership expanded to include CO2-reduced steel supply. Niedax Group receives bluemint-certified steel with significantly reduced carbon footprint, supporting GreenNiedax sustainability goals and Paris Climate Agreement commitments.
• MEF (Mechanical & Electrical Fixings Limited)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Acquisition of MEF strengthens UK and Ireland operations. Leading distributor focused on data centers and chip factories. Founded 1987, 70 employees in Edinburgh, Dublin, and Belfast. Complements existing portfolio with focus on innovative, high-quality solutions.
• Tata Steel UKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2023First delivery of CO2-reduced steel from Tata Steel UK. Part of Niedax Group's strategy to source sustainable materials for cable routing system production.
• R&M Electrical GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 February 2021Niedax Group acquired majority stake in R&M Electrical Group. Leading electronics distributor with 30+ years experience, 250+ employees, headquarters in Southampton. Operations in UK, Asia, Middle East, and USA. Entry into electrical industry service business.
• FEMI-CZcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2016Joint venture bringing German and Italian styles together in metallic cable tray systems market. Strengthened presence in Italian and Mediterranean markets while Niedax Group stronger in Europe and worldwide.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• OBO Bettermann: German family-owned manufacturer specializing in cable management, fire protection, and lightning/surge protection systems. OBO is Rico's closest German-headquartered direct competitor with overlapping product portfolios in trays, ladders, and Funktionserhalt fire protection.
• ABB (Installation Products): ABB's Installation Products division (formerly Thomas & Betts) sells T&B Cable Tray and ExpressTray systems globally and is Rico's North American JV partner through Abnex. Globally, ABB remains a competitor in cable management outside the JV territory.
• PUK-Werke: German family-owned manufacturer of cable management systems and accessories based in Pohlheim. PUK competes with Rico/Niedax in the German cable tray and support systems market through wholesale and project channels.
• Atkore International: US-listed manufacturer of electrical raceway systems, cable tray, and cable management solutions serving construction, data center, and industrial markets. Atkore is the most direct pure-play peer to Rico/Niedax in cable routing, competing head-to-head in North America.

Broad incumbents

• nVent Electric: Electrical connection and protection solutions provider spun out of Pentair, with growing cable management offerings for industrial and data center applications. nVent is an emerging broad competitor in the same project-based customer segments.
• Schneider Electric: Global electrical equipment and industrial automation giant whose portfolio includes cable management, wiring devices, and data center infrastructure solutions. Schneider competes with Rico at the system level for large infrastructure and industrial projects.
• Legrand: Global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure, including cable management systems (trays, ladders, floor systems). Legrand serves the same commercial and industrial construction customer base as Rico.
• Eaton: US power-management company with substantial electrical infrastructure products including cable management systems and components for data centers and industrial facilities. Eaton overlaps with Rico in cable routing within its broader electrical portfolio.

Regional players

• Marshall-Tufflex: UK-based manufacturer of cable management, trunking, and PVC conduit systems. Marshall-Tufflex is a regional competitor in the British market where Rico operates through MEF and R&M Electrical Group.
• Vergokan: Belgian manufacturer of metal cable trunking and support systems serving European industrial and commercial construction. Vergokan competes with Rico in Benelux and broader Western European wholesale channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries12 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 Rico