In Memoriam: TRUMPF Senior Figure and Partner, Berthold Leibinger, Passes Away

Berthold Leibinger, former managing partner of TRUMPF, passed away in Stuttgart, Germany, today following a long illness. He was 87 years old.

Leibinger joined TRUMPF in 1961 as head of its engineering division. In 1966, he became a partner and also managing director. Under Leibinger's management, TRUMPF became one of the world's largest manufacturers of machine tools, in large part as a result of the combination of mechanics and electronics. TRUMPF is also one of the largest manufacturers of industrial laser technology and machines for laser cutting.

In addition to his work at TRUMPF, Leibinger held numerous other official positions in the German business community. These included his membership on the supervisory boards of Deutsche Bank AG and BMW AG, as well as his appointment as chairman of the supervisory board of BASF SE. He was president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the Stuttgart Region and, from 1990 to 1992, president of the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA).

In 1992, Leibinger established the Berthold Leibinger Stiftung, a not-for-profit foundation that dedicates its proceeds to cultural, scientific, religious, and charitable purposes. One of the goals of the foundation is the promotion and appreciation of outstanding development and research work on the application and generation of laser light. In 2000, the foundation established the internationally renowned Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize, which is awarded once every two years. The award recognizes and supports scientists and developers who are breaking new ground in the use of laser light.

“Berthold Leibinger was a visionary engineer and entrepreneur," said Jürgen Hambrecht, current chairman of the supervisory board of the TRUMPF Group. "Everything he did was ultimately directed toward people’s welfare and the common good. He was an outstanding example to us all.”

The funeral service will be a private ceremony for close family only.