Ulrich Reifenhäuser has stepped down as managing director of German extrusion machinery manufacturer Reifenhäuser, concluding more than 40 years at the family-owned business.
The company said he will remain a member of its advisory board. Ulrich Reifenhäuser had led the firm as managing director since 1992.
Reifenhäuser announced the news in a LinkedIn post, featuring photographs that highlight key moments from Ulrich Reifenhäuser’s career in the plastics machinery sector.
The post reads: ‘We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for his exceptional passion, vision, and tireless commitment, all of which have had a profound impact on our company.
‘You have been a lasting inspiration not only for the Reifenhäuser Group, but also for the entire plastics industry. Your approachable manner and genuine interest in people – whether employees, customers or business partners – make you truly special.’
Prominent figure
He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent public figures in the German plastics machinery industry. Since 2004, he has served as chairman of the exhibitor advisory board of Germany’s K show, one of the world’s leading plastics trade events.
From 2009, he has also held multiple terms as either chairman or vice-chair of the plastics and rubber machinery group within the German trade association VDMA.
In 2021, Ulrich Reifenhäuser was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame.
The company said it will continue as a family business. Ulrich’s brother Bernd Reifenhäuser remains chief executive, representing the third generation of family management.
Chief digital officer Jan Karnath became the first representative of the fourth generation to join the company in 2024.
