Helmut Wagner, REHAU company founder and honorary president, died last Sunday at the age of 95. Photo: ©REHAU

REHAU company founder and honorary president Helmut Wagner passed away last Sunday, January 24, in Switzerland surrounded by his family. He was 95.

Wagner had been involved in plastics since 1948, founding the company in the city of Rehau, Upper Franconia, Germany, as a successful family-owned company that employees say is still strongly characterized by the pioneering spirit of its founder.

After five decades of success, Helmut Wagner handed over the management of the corporation to his sons: Jobst became chairman of the supervisory board and Dr. Veit Wagner became vice chairman. The third generation is already active in shaping the family business.

The news of the death of the popular founding father, who was committed to the end, reportedly has moved REHAU employees everywhere the company has employees.

“The great sympathy for the passing of our father comes from many regions of the world. We are very touched by this as a family,” says his son Jobst Wagner, president of the REHAU supervisory board. “It shows the great the legacy that Helmut Wagner has left behind as one of the pioneers of modern industry, a courageous creator and unwavering visionary. We will honour the memory of Helmut Wagner by resolutely continuing his impressive work. His entrepreneurial spirit will continue to guide us.”

REHAU is an independent, privately held company with 20,000 employees at more than 170 locations worldwide.

“We owe this in particular to the vision and courage of Helmut Wagner,” says William Christensen, CEO of the REHAU Group. “In deep mourning and sincere gratitude for the achievements of our founder, the REHAU family is especially united in these days.”