G.R. Building and Steel is a structural steel manufacturing and industrial and commercial building specialist company.
An experienced Red Seal Boiler Maker by trade (1974), Gerald Rubin Raatz had the backing of two generations of resourceful family entrepreneurs. In 1983, he started a general steelwork practice in his garage.
The following year, from these humble beginnings, he founded Raatz Engineering, focussing on the fabrication of structural steel.
However, Gerald’s vision was to combine structural steel and traditional construction under one roof – to create a true one-stop shop. Thus, in 2002, GR Building & Steel was born.
His philosophy was: We do not outsource; we make. We do not subcontract out steel and other artisan trades. This model proved very successful, enabling the company to execute very swiftly at high precision.
Gerald involved his sons, Lyle and Warren, in his work from an early age, fostering in them a deep-seated passion for building. They continue developing and growing their father’s legacy.
Gerald Rubin Raatz – Founder
A young Gerald Raatz in Malawi in 1977 with his leading hand at the time
The Next Generation
Lyle & Warren Raatz have succeeded their father in 2016. They share extensive knowledge and experience in construction which expands from Africa to Qatar, working with world-class quantity surveying practices and project management firms.
Their modern and hands on approach is what makes this team unique from the rest.
