AUBURN, Ala.- Automotive parts supplier Rausch & Pausch LP, or RAPA, celebrated its 10th year in Auburn last week at its 70,000-square-foot location in Auburn Technology Park West. The German-based company established its first international location in Auburn in 2012, resulting in an investment of $18 million and 120 jobs.

RAPA is a Bavarian company that was established over 100 years ago. Dr. Roman Pausch, representing the founding family in the fourth generation, leads the global company. Carmen Jordan heads the U.S. operations as president and CEO of RAPA LP. RAPA’s expansion to the U.S. in 2012 was driven by a desire to supply its customers’ North American production facilities more quickly. Today, the Auburn site works closely with the company’s headquarters to develop strategic innovations for customers that are among the market leaders in the future automotive market of electromobility and autonomous driving.

“We received such a warm welcome in Auburn a decade ago, and we’ve been proud to see our facility thrive here and provide top-of-the-line service and products to our North American customers,” Pausch said.

As part of its 10-year celebration, RAPA donated $10,000 to support the efforts of the Food Bank of East Alabama.

“Over the years, RAPA has been a great community partner and has made donations to help the food insecure in our area,” said Martha Henk, executive director of the Food Bank. “We were honored that RAPA selected the Food Bank to receive such a generous gift and thank them for making such a large impact on our community.”

RAPA manufactures pneumatic and hydraulic chassis and transmission components and complete systems for passenger cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. The company serves premium automotive brands like Audi, Tesla and Stellantis as well as major suppliers serving the industry including Vibracoustic and ZF.

One of RAPA’s largest successes at its Auburn facility has been the production of the HIS spring piston accumulator, a key piece of the start/stop capability of combustion engine cars. The 10 millionth HIS rolled off the production line in July 2021. The company’s annual sales are nearly $45 million.

“We’re honored that RAPA chose Auburn all those years ago,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “I’d like to express my thanks to the Pausch family for their significant investment in our community, and we look forward to many more anniversary celebrations to come as RAPA continues to flourish here in Auburn.”