SMS group has announced the passing of Heinrich Weiss, former CEO and long-standing figurehead of the company, who died on 8 September surrounded by his family.
Heinrich Weiss led SMS group for more than five decades, transforming it from a regional enterprise into a global leader in machine and plant engineering for the steel industry. He took over as Chairman of the Managing Board in 1971, following his entry into the family business in 1968. Under his leadership, SMS group expanded internationally, including the key acquisitions of Schloemann (1973), Mannesmann Demag (1999), and Paul Wurth (2021).
Weiss remained involved in the company’s strategic direction until 2024, ensuring a smooth generational transition. Alongside his business leadership, he held numerous influential positions in German industry and economic policy.
SMS group, the Weiss Family Foundation, and his family have paid tribute to his lasting legacy and commitment to innovation, integrity, and entrepreneurship.
