The Supervisory Board, the Executive Board, and the employees of Schmitz Cargobull AG mourn the loss of Dr. Heinz Schmitz, who passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 88. His life was characterized by a sense of responsibility, integrity, and the commitment to consistently finding successful solutions for customers and partners.
After the death of his father, August Schmitz, in 1970, Dr. Heinz Schmitz assumed the role of personally liable partner in Schmitz-Anhänger Fahrzeugbau-Gesellschaft OHG and was appointed Managing Director of what later became Schmitz Anhängerbau GmbH & Co.KG in 1971. Together with his cousin Peter Schmitz, who also joined the management team in 1973, he led the company in the third generation with commercial acumen and vision.
Dr. Heinz Schmitz recognized the signs of the times early on. As an experienced businessman, he understood the industry’s economic challenges and opportunities. Together with Peter Schmitz, an accomplished engineer and designer, he strategically expanded the company and established it as a technology and market leader for trailers. The addition of Bernd Hoffmann, a sales and marketing expert, was another prudent step that set the course for sustained success.
The company underwent massive expansion in the 1970s and 1980s, expanding its production capacities. In the 1990s, the management team initiated a strategic realignment, reducing its product range and introducing a modular production system with international assembly plants. To further strengthen its international positioning, the company was renamed Schmitz Trailers to Schmitz Cargobull, a memorable and globally recognized brand name. From 2002 to 2010, Dr. Heinz Schmitz served on the company’s supervisory board, most recently as a member of the company’s supervisory board.
Dr. Heinz Schmitz was also committed to the interests of the industry beyond his own company. From 1993 to 2000, he served for seven years as a member of the Executive Board of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). His commitment to the trailer industry was appreciated far beyond the company’s borders. Even after his active career, Dr. Heinz Schmitz remained closely connected to the company and the industry.
With Dr. Heinz Schmitz, we are losing not only a significant entrepreneur, but also a person who took responsibility while always keeping an eye on the future. His work has left its mark – in the company’s history, in the hearts of his colleagues, and in the Schmitz family, who carry on his legacy.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and all his relatives. We will honor Dr. Heinz Schmitz’s memory.
The Supervisory Board, the Executive Board, and the employees of Schmitz Cargobull AG.
