RUD highlights its long-term commitment to safety in the lifting industry

3rd June 2025

RUD highlights its long-term commitment to safety in the lifting industry

Global Lifting Awareness Day: RUD highlights its long-term commitment to safety in the lifting industry

To coincide with Global Lifting Awareness Day, RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to safety, quality and future-readiness in the lifting sector. As a recognised innovation leader in the industry, the family-owned business is making targeted investments in the training of young professionals, in digital support tools such as the BUDDYtron app, and in advanced technological developments. The shared goal of these initiatives is clear: to reduce risk and raise safety standards across the lifting industry – sustainably and effectively.

Multi-year Training of Future Professionals as the Foundation of Safety

Training the next generation of skilled professionals has long been part of RUD’s DNA. With the recent opening of its new training centre at the company’s headquarters in Unterkochen, Germany, RUD is making a strong and future-focused statement for the industry.

The centre accommodates up to 30 apprentices at a time and offers practical, hands-on training in key technical trades, including industrial mechanics, electrical engineering and metalworking. Equipped with modern CNC milling machines, an advanced electrical lab and digital learning stations, the facility delivers technical training to the highest standard. In close cooperation with local schools, the company also provides school pupils with early insights into safety-relevant processes—fostering a deep awareness of quality and precision from an early stage.

Knowledge Transfer and Quality Awareness as Drivers of Sustainable Safety

Well-trained professionals who have internalised a strong sense of quality are vital to ensuring safety in the lifting industry. They are able to identify risks early, apply safety standards consistently, and significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. RUD nurtures this mindset through ongoing education programmes for industry personnel and by fostering a company culture in which quality and safety are always paramount.

Regular training sessions for specialist staff and in-house courses for partner retailers ensure that knowledge surrounding the correct application and maintenance of lifting and lashing equipment is shared and implemented industry-wide. These efforts not only strengthen individual competencies but also promote broader awareness of safety-critical factors in everyday operations.

Digital Tools for Enhanced Safety

To offer customers a holistic safety solution, RUD combines its high-quality products with innovative digital tools, brought together under the umbrella of the “RUD Digital World.” A core component of this initiative is the free BUDDYtron app—designed to act as a digital guide for lifting operations.

The app supports users in selecting, installing, inspecting and maintaining lifting points and equipment. Thanks to integrated NFC technology, users can scan RUD products directly and access vital product data, mounting instructions and visual inspection guidance in seconds. This enables quick, error-free identification of the correct lifting gear—significantly reducing the risk of incorrect usage and enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.

Innovation as a Motor for Safety

For decades, RUD has set the benchmark for innovation in the lifting sector. This is evident not only in its technical advancements but also in its unwavering implementation of the highest safety and quality standards.

In 1953, RUD became the first chain manufacturer to receive the H1 quality mark for high-strength chains—a milestone that positioned the company as a pioneer in the field. That legacy of innovation continues:

Grade 10 (VIP Chain): RUD was the first to introduce this grade, which offers up to 30% higher load capacity than Grade 8. The VIP chain is recognised for its dynamic strength and distinctive pink finish—a symbol of RUD’s commitment to safety and performance.

Grade 12 (ICE Chain): With the ICE chain, RUD once again raised the bar. With a breaking strength much higher than Grade 8, customers can use ICE chains one nominal size smaller. ICE chains are exceptionally temperature-resistant (from -60°C to +300°C) and lighter in weight, allowing for easier handling and safer use in demanding lifting applications.

These continuous innovations are a testament to RUD’s dedication to improving safety in lifting through technical excellence. By developing new chain grades and launching state-of-the-art products, RUD plays a key role in reducing risk while boosting both safety and efficiency across the industry.

RUD’s comprehensive approach—encompassing training, quality awareness, digitalisation, knowledge transfer and innovation—lays a solid foundation for safety in the lifting sector. The company demonstrates how focused action and strategic investment can create a safer and more sustainable working environment for today and tomorrow.