1

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-00289) pertaining to the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Savings Plan for
Union Employees of our report dated May 11, 2001, with respect to the financial
statements and schedule of the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Savings Plan for Union
Employees included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December
31, 2000.

                                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dayton, Ohio
June 26, 2001