We mourn the passing of our owner Hans B. Bauerfeind

On July 13th, Hans Bauerfeind left us. With Hans Bauerfeind, we have not only lost our beloved company owner and “boss” for decades – our country has also lost one of its most important family entrepreneurs. His dedication to his company, his employees and his local region was as extraordinary as his contributions to family entrepreneurship in Germany and the social market economy as a whole. In particular, during the economic development of the new federal states, he accomplished great things with his strong sense of responsibility, passionate optimism and hands-on approach.

Hans Bauerfeind was an entrepreneur through and through. Sincere, reliable, extremely hard-working, a man of character who valued open dialogue: this is how his employees, his customers, and we on the Supervisory Board remember him. Thanks to his business instinct and highly creative mindset, he was able to detect market demands early on and develop new, innovative products in a short time.

Hans Bauerfeind dedicated his entire life unconditionally to serving his company. His accomplishments are unparalleled and speak for themselves. He was particularly devoted to his employees, since Hans Bauerfeind lived according to the principle: “Man is the measure of all things”. And he was always interested in the personal matters and concerns of every single person on the team.

Returning to his beloved region of Thuringia after the reunification of Germany was a highly courageous step. He approached his work with great confidence and drive, empowering others to achieve his entrepreneurial life’s dream along with him. Without a doubt, Hans Bauerfeind rendered a great service to his old and new home town of Zeulenroda. He felt at home here, dedicating years to local politics on the city council as well as the chambers of industry and commerce. On many occasions, he received recognition for his achievements – for example being named an honorary citizen of Zeulenroda, obtaining the German Federal Cross of Merit and title of Professor, and being awarded the Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung’s renowned “Social Market Economy” prize.

Hans Bauerfeind took good care of his company. With a family foundation, he secured the continuing existence of his entrepreneurial life’s work on the long term. As members of the Supervisory Board – together with the Executive Board – we see it as our honor and our duty to continue Hans Bauerfeind’s work into the future and further develop the business based on his code of values.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his wife Marion and his children Thomas, Beatrix and Bettina.

We will hold Hans Bauerfeind in our hearts always – his dynamic spirit, his creativity and his warmth.

Prof. Rainer Kirchdörfer

Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Bauerfeind AG