1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1









                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-002893) pertaining to the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Employee Savings
Plan for Union Employees of our report dated May 19, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements and schedule of the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Employee Savings
Plan for Union Employees included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1999.

                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dayton, Ohio
June 23, 2000