A journey through the history of milling

In 1910, a mill was registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Bolzano.  It was set to become the first fully automated, electrically powered grain mill in the region. The estate in Vandoies, however, had already been owned by Alois Anton Rieper since 1860. To this day, it remains the company headquarters of the Rieper family business.

When the mill finally became operational in 1919, the world around it had changed. Following South Tyrol’s annexation to Italy, Anton Rieper faced many challenges in a largely unfamiliar market. A valuable sales outlet was the company’s own well-stocked retail shop in Vandoies, which was soon followed by others across the Val Pusteria.

In 1926, Alois Franz Rieper received valuable support from his only son Albert, who was just 18 at the time. The Great Depression had reached South Tyrol, leading to bankruptcies and closures among Rieper’s customer base.

The company expanded throughout the 1960´s. First came the construction of the animal feed plant, followed by the building of the new grain silo. Due to limited space on site, a free-standing concrete prism, 33 metres high, was built and artistically designed by South Tyrolean artist Heiner Gschwendt.

A new bag-sealing machine has arrived – and our product range has grown

At the time, junior directors Andreas and Peter Rieper focused on modernising all areas of the company. In 1973, the mill was expanded and converted to a fully computer-controlled operating system. That same year, the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) in Italy prompted a transformation in administration as well – traditional calculators and punch cards were replaced by computers, significantly simplifying office work.

Modernisation and expansion of the mill, and first ISO certification.

Rieper expanded its range almost every year and focused on customer-specific formulations. Home baking increasingly became a trend.

In 2009, a high-bay warehouse was commissioned to streamline the automatic flow of goods. The new structure provides storage space for over 3,000 pallets.

The grand Rieper anniversary celebration took place on 9 October 2010. A century had passed since the Rieper mill officially began operations on 24 March 1910. A colourful celebration for employees and their families.