The death has been announced of Reinhold Claas at the age of 91.

Reinhold Claas

Reinhold Claas was the youngest of company founder August Claas’ three children, and working alongside his eldest brother Helmut Claas, he played a major role in the development of the Claas Group and was a longstanding member of the Shareholders Committee and Supervisory Board of the Claas Group.  With him, the last shareholder of the second family generation passes away.

"All those who knew Reinhold Claas appreciated him for his friendly and modest manner. People and the well-being of the family business always came first for him. Through his actions in important phases of the company's history, he made a significant contribution to our success today," explained Thomas Böck, CEO of Claas.

Reinhold Claas officially joined the company with his brother Helmut in July 1957. His main focus was on the development of balers and forage harvesters. Among other things, he was responsible for setting up baler production at the newly built factory in Metz, France. Until the 1970s, he expanded the production site and developed it to its current size. 

He was the driving force behind the takeover of Josef Bautz GmbH in Bad Saulgau, which today is the main development and manufacturing base for Claas green harvest machinery.

Most recently, Reinhold Claas held a seat on the Supervisory Board and two advisory boards. In the Claas Group, his son Rüdiger Claas is now the third generation to succeed his father.