Tradition and stewardship
Since 1550
Family-run since 1690 and now in its tenth generation, we uphold values that reflect our stewardship towards the future.
We live for porcelain enamel. Since 1922, we have been producing high-quality enamel cookware, manufactured CO₂-neutrally in the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria using electricity from our own hydropower. Today, our enamel manufactory is the only one of its kind in Austria.
„Enamel products made from natural raw materials, produced in a climate-neutral family business deeply rooted in the region – that’s what we stand for!“Ing. Friedrich Riess
Riess is a family business in two senses: the company has been passed down and continuously developed from one generation to the next. At the same time, our dedicated employees form the backbone of our company, contributing to our shared success with their craftsmanship and passion.
Respect for craftsmanship
Craftsmanship is not only skill, but the art of preserving and passing on knowledge through generations.
„We place great importance not only on manual skill, but also on a sense of responsibility and the ability to work as a team.“Susanne Rieß
Training, continuous education and team development form the foundation of our collaboration — ensuring a strong and motivated team that integrates the values of quality, innovation and sustainability into every step of the work.
Our company is closely connected to its community and local educational institutions through numerous joint projects, securing local jobs and added value.
Healthier cooking with enamel
In the 19th century, cooking was associated with harmful substances. Pots and pans released problematic materials when heated. In 1922, at the Ybbsitz site, the Riess brothers came up with the idea of producing “health cookware” made of enamel. Anyone who believes that this challenge no longer exists today is mistaken — pots and pans can still be potential sources of contamination. Riess continues to ensure that its cookware remains entirely free from such substances.
We are committed to making cooking energy-efficient and safe. We help people use our enamel products in ways that ensure they can be passed down and enjoyed for generations.
Tradition and progress – milestones in our history at a glance
RIESS enamel products are considered cult objects far beyond Austria’s borders. The company is 100% family-owned, and the 9th and 10th generations are now actively involved in its operations. The enamel manufactory is the only cookware manufacturer in Austria. The traditional brand RIESS enamel is now cherished and represented in more than 35 countries across Europe, the USA, Australia, North America and Asia.
1350
The property “sub eben apud tanzstatt” in Ybbsitz, located in the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria, is mentioned in historical records for the first time.
1550
A pan forge is established on the property.
1690
The company becomes family-owned.
1801
Johann Riess from Steyr becomes part of the “Hof und Gut der Tanzstatt mit den Hämmern” estate by marriage.
1890
The forge evolves into a metal drawing and pressing business.
1922
The brothers Julian, Leopold and Josef Riess begin enamelling cookware.
1926-1935
The first three hydroelectric power plants are built.
2000
Dipl. Ing. Julian Riess, Ing. Friedrich Riess and Susanne Rieß take over the management of the family business in the ninth generation.
2005
Exports to more than 35 countries in Europe and overseas are expanded.
2009
Start of the collaboration with the design studio dottings (Sofia Podreka and Katrin Radanitsch)
2012
Collaboration with celebrity chef Sarah Wiener and launch of the bakeware line “Edition Sarah Wiener.”
2016
A fourth power plant is built to ensure the supply of green electricity.
2022
Launch of the multifunctional Serve+Store storage containers – awarded the Red Dot Design Award.
2022
The anniversary “100 Years of Riess Enamel” is celebrated. A special postage stamp is issued by the Austrian Post.
For generations to come
As a family-run company, Riess acts with generations in mind and operates sustainably. The company remains as committed today as it was in the past to the idea of producing long-lasting “health cookware” made of enamel and durable products in harmony with nature and people.
„Our philosophy is guided by ecological foresight, sustainable action and social responsibility.“Dipl.Ing. Julian Riess
Sustainability report
We are currently working intensively on our new sustainability report. In the meantime, we invite you to browse through our previous report.
Company housing
Shortly after the end of World War I, production declined sharply due to the economic crisis. The owners of the RIESS manufactory, together with their staff, built 15 residential houses with 30 flats on company-owned land next to the factory. This initiative helped prevent layoffs.
The staff lived free of charge in the residential houses and were able to grow their own food for personal use. Of the original 15 buildings, 11 still remain. Today, these houses are made available to employees at favourable terms until they are able to build or purchase their own home.
Family-friendly working hours
Since 1975, following a staff survey, we have mainly operated a single-shift system from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing for a good balance between family life, leisure and work.
Awards & recognition
