1981-1992
| 1981 | Mechanical engineering activities refocused and strengthened with the acquisition of Jagenberg |
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| 1985 | Dr. Hans U. Brauner, since 1980 Executive Board member, appointed CEO of the holding company, Rheinmetall Berlin AG |
| 1986 | Takeover of the carburetor manufacturer Pierburg GmbH, setting up the Automotive sector |
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| 1988 | Development work launched on intelligent SMArt ammunition |
| 1989 | Competence expanded with the takeover of MaK Systemgesellschaft, a manufacturer of armoured vehicles |
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| 1990-1992 | Rheinmetall moves out of Düsseldorf-Derendorf, ordnance production is concentrated at Unterlüss |