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 June 3, 1999, with respect to the financial
statements  and  schedules of the Robbins & Myers,  Inc.  Savings Plan for Union
Employees included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December
31, 1998.

                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dayton, Ohio
June 24, 1999