We all know how easy-to-operate self dumping hoppers make operations smoother for a variety of industries, from manufacturing to construction to materials purveyors. But how many people know who invented the self dumping hopper? The history of this industrial helper is fascinating, and the inventor of this clever carrier is still a leader in the field. Enter Roura Material Handling, Inc.
The Beginning
It all began in 1915 with a young engineer named Joseph Roura. He studied in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Carnegie Technical Institute, which was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie. Mr. Roura returned to Michigan and put his skills to work briefly for Detroit Edison before founding Roura Iron Works, a company producing structural steel.
Roura Iron Works manufactured and erected steel for numerous bridges, buildings, and structures such as landmarks. After about a decade, the company branched out to produce storage boxes made of steel. With its wealth of engineering expertise ever expanding, dump hoppers were a natural progression.
Hopping to It
The company’s operations focused increasingly on making hoppers and expanding that line, and structural steel manufacturing was gradually phased out. During World War II, the company produced containers and dump hoppers for multiple defense initiatives. Roura Iron Works became Roura Material Handling, Inc., and our innovation and efforts to exceed past accomplishments keep growing. Roura, who invented the self dumping hopper, kept working to improve functionality to serve a growing number of industries.
As Roura’s hoppers gained a reputation among the country’s manufacturing sectors, the company expanded from Michigan to Mississippi in 1973 to better serve the nation’s southern region. The Detroit headquarters moved to Clinton Township, MI, in 1991. Roura’s high-quality dump hoppers have grown in popularity because they are a cost-effective way to help maximize efficiency.
Our Dump Hopper Family
Roura has never stopped growing as a company, and just as our operations gradually evolved from structural steel to dump hopper design and fabrication, so our hopper family has grown to meet the needs of those who depend on our products.
- Durable Hoppers—Load capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 pounds
- Plastic-Lid Hoppers—Load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds
- Rugged Hoppers—Load capacity of 4,000 to 8,000 pounds
- Ultimate Hoppers—Load capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 pounds, volume capacity up to 5 cubic yards
- Behemoth Hoppers—Load capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 pounds, volume capacity up to 10 cubic yards
We also make hoppers customized to your specifications using the same quality manufacturing techniques we use for all our products. Our hoppers are made with 10- and 12-gauge steel with continuous carbon-welded seams to ensure reliability even in the toughest environments. No matter how large or small your project is, Roura makes the right hopper for you.
Benefits of Roura Hoppers
Roura invented the self dumping hopper because we saw a need for these specialty containers across multiple sectors. In the century or so since this innovation, our hoppers have gained a reputation for quality, durability, and affordability. Our dump hoppers help your business in multiple ways:
- Increase operational efficiency
- Raise employee morale
- Improve site safety
- Lower overall costs and raise profits
Whether you need hoppers to store materials, waste, or recyclables, we have a hopper for that. Our dump hoppers have applications in many industries, including:
- Food handling and restaurants
- Schools
- Health care facilities
- Construction sites
A seemingly simple switch to quality Roura hoppers can make a big positive difference that ripples throughout your company. Who invented the self dumping hopper? Roura Material Handling, Inc., and we are still the industry leader.
Your Storage and Material Moving Answer
Whether you need to efficiently transport materials or safely store waste items, turn to Roura for help. Roura invented the self dumping hopper, and our affordable hoppers do the job and then some. Contact us through our convenient online form for more information. Let us help you today.