Obituary Peter Schmitz

Obituary

The Supervisory Board, the Management Board and the employees of Schmitz Cargobull AG mourn the loss of Peter Schmitz who passed away on November 9, 2023 at the age of 84.

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Peter Schmitz, the co-owner, former Chairman of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of Schmitz Cargobull AG, passed away on November 9, 2023 at the age of 84 in his hometown of Altenberge in North-Rhine-Westphalia (Germany).

Peter Schmitz was a visionary whose ideas stood for innovation, quality and customer-oriented solutions. With his knowledge and commitment, he made Schmitz Cargobull a leading company in the industry.
Around two dozen patents in semi-trailer construction speak for his technical know-how. One of his most revolutionary innovations is insulating panel FERROPLAST®, which forms the basis for Schmitz Cargobull's market leadership in refrigerated vehicle construction.
His entrepreneurial principles, his striving for constant improvement and progress, but also his friendliness and human approachability will remain unforgotten.
Peter Schmitz was always ready to listen and take time for his employees and customers.

The memory of this truly great man will live on in the Schmitz Cargobull family.

If you would like to express your sympathy, you can send us your thoughts and memories about Peter Schmitz: InMemoriam@cargobull.com We will publish the messages we receive on this page.

"When those we love leave, they go from living among us to living in us."
My deepest condolences, a hug to the entire Schmitz family.
Rocío Caja, Schmitz Cargobull Ibérica
It's a shame that he's gone. He was a great person, was always cheerful and knew exactly what could be improved.
Markus Schlagheck, Schmitz Cargobull
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Schmitz. Peter Schmitz was not only an outstanding entrepreneur, but also a long-standing partner of the WALTER GROUP. His tireless commitment not only characterised the successful development of Schmitz Cargobull, but also the entire transport industry.
At this difficult time, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and all Schmitz Cargobull employees who are mourning his death.

With sincere sympathy
Board team LKW WALTER & Management WALTER LEASING ,
Dear Sir or Madam
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Peter Schmitz.
Through his efforts, he developed Schmitz Cargobull AG from a medium-sized company into a corporate group and laid the foundations for today's success and the innovative strength of Schmitz Cargobull AG. We will always remember Peter Schmitz with gratitude and respect.
Matthias Göwert, Lackier + Kraftfahrzeugtechnik Göwert GmbH
Dear Schmitz family,

I would like to express our sincere condolences.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Schmitz at a young age. An absolutely exemplary entrepreneur with his heart in the right place and with maximum role model function.
Benjamin Peuker & Familie,
My deepest condolences for all Schmitz Cargobull family. He was a great person and professional. All Schmitz Cargobull members are proud of his legacy.

A big hug
Luis Maria Lopez, Schmitz Cargobull, Finance Ibérica
Dear bereaved family,

I would like to express my deepest condolences. He was a visionary and a man! True to his motto: "There is nothing good unless you do it."

With heartfelt sympathy
Thomas Michler, Schmitz Cargobull, R&D Product & System Validation
I am so sorry for this loss. A very big hug to all Schmitz family.
Maria Rosario Marzo, Schmitz Cargobull, Head of Personnel Human Resources
Mr Peter Schmitz was a great entrepreneur who was always conscious of his responsibility and who also knew the simplest problems. I would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire Schmitz family.
Andreas Leuker, Schmitz Cargobull, Aftersales - Central Warranty Claim Management
Mr. Peter Schmitz was still a boss of the old school, who looked after every employee; Whenever he walked through the company, greeted him personally and listened to the problems or joys. If there were disagreements, he would sort them out. Without Him there would be no SAM.
Production, Schmitz Cargobull, Altenberge Picking Axis
A great man whose employees were always important to him and to whom he was loyal. Mr. Peter Schmitz has always been a rock in the surf for the company and for me. With deep sadness and gratitude that I was able to get to know such a man.
Wolfgang Krappe, Schmitz Cargobull, EA Enterprise Applications
We have lost a person and doer who acted on an equal level with the employees.
Martin Resing, Schmitz Cargobull, Group Leader For Occupational Safety
I had the opportunity to get to know him a little, but I greatly regret his death. For everything I have been able to know and know about him, an example to remember and follow. We appreciate all the good things he did for the company. Greetings and encouragement to his family and friends.
Jose Luis Priego, Schmitz Cargobull, Salesperson CTS Ibérica
Peter Schmitz was an outstanding person who always managed to deal with all employees on an equal footing. I fondly remember the time when he visited the Vreden location. His philosophy is one of the reasons why this company is so close to my heart.

My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Maik Reufer, Schmitz Cargobull, Employee Production Technology / Network
Dear Schmitz family,

I was saddened to hear the news of Peter Schmitz's death. My sincerest condolences go out to you, the family. I have had Peter Schmitz for over 21 fulfilling years – the best! - thanks to my professional life in a company where I could feel comfortable both personally and professionally. His spirit created workplaces with which I – and probably the majority of all other employees – could identify and where I could find more than just a professional home. Places where you could get involved, develop and help shape your professional and personal life. Although I am “just a small cog” in the group, a development engineer/project manager at the Vreden plant (or have been retired since April 2023), I was lucky enough to be able to work directly with Peter Schmitz for two years on the project “General Cargo” 2009 – 2010 (together with Alfons Heßling, Jup Küpers, Reinhard Beelmann, Michael Schlumm). In a pleasant, respectful atmosphere, everyone worked together on an “equal level”.

I will not forget a situation during one of the weekly Friday afternoon technical sessions in which the greatness of this personality's character became particularly clear to me: several solution concepts were on the table, in the end only the one from Peter Schmitz and me, and they became hot and controversially discussed: In the end, Peter Schmitz's words made the decision: "Well, gentlemen, actually Mr. Dorr's concept is better than mine, let's do it the way he designed it." Even years later, when I met Peter Schmitz with his old briefcase - which was his loyal companion for many years - on the farm in Vreden, I was happy to receive his personal greeting: "Oh, Mr. Dorr". The only thing left for me to do is to personally give him my last escort tomorrow and keep him in my memory with gratitude.
Christoph Dorr, Schmitz Cargobull, Dipl.-Ing. Chassis I
Dear Schmitz family,

I am sending you my heartfelt condolences. I got to know Peter Schmitz as a very committed and down-to-earth boss. He did a lot for his employees and the company. I know that these words will not help you get over your grief, but he will always have a place in my heart.

In silent mourning.
Klaus-Dieter Herzog, Schmitz Cargobull, Porter Employee
We will always remember the support you gave us, especially in making the construction of the new factory in Spain a reality. No doubt all Iberica employees have had “emotional contagion” by your effort and passion for the company. Though you're gone, your spirit continues to inspire and guide us.

Our condolences to a great man.

Schmitz Cargobull Spanish team
Jordi Romero, Schmitz Cargobull, Managing Director Ibérica
I wish the family and relatives my sincere condolences and may Peter Schmitz rest in peace.
Hendrik Brueggemann, Schmitz Cargobull, Layout/Process Planning
I worked for Schmitz Cargobull UK for approximately 4 years and do understand how the impact of Peter's death will be felt throughout Schmitz Cargobull.

My thoughts are with Janine whom I worked with in Warrington during my time with Schmitz Cargobull. My thoughts to all the Schmitz family, friends and colleagues.

May he rest in peace knowing his company supported hundreds of families.
Cheryl Jones, former Schmitz Cargobull UK Employee
Dear Bernard, Dear Janine,

We would like to express our condolences to you and your families on the loss of your father.

We hope that you were able to say goodbye to your father in a beautiful setting and wish you both and your families much strength for this loss.
Sander & Natasja Jaspers, Schmitz Cargobull, Managing Director Netherlands & Wife
Dear Schmitz family,

we would like to express our deepest condolences for your immeasurable loss. These lines will hardly be able to console you for your great loss, but they should show you that you are not alone in your grief.

We wish you much comfort, strength and confidence for the coming time of mourning!

With deepest sympathy.
Željka Škegro, FEAL Group
Dear Schmitz family,
Dear staff,

it is with deep regret that we have learned the sad news of the death of Peter Schmitz. In these difficult times, we would like to express our sincere condolences on behalf of the entire AuE Kassel GmbH team. The loss of such an important entrepreneur and visionary founder as Peter Schmitz is a great loss not only for your company, but also for the entire business world. Our thoughts are with you and your employees in these difficult times.

With sincere sympathy
Jörg Knechten, CEO, AuE Kassel GmbH
Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues and relatives,

It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to an outstanding entrepreneur and valued business partner, Mr. Peter Schmitz, the former owner of the trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull. It is with great regret that we learned that he passed away on November 9 at the age of 84 in his home town of Altenberge.

Mr. Schmitz leaves behind not only an impressive entrepreneurial success story, but also a deep void in the community of those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. In 1973, he joined the company as Managing Director and proudly represented the third generation of the entrepreneurial family. His commitment and knowledge had a decisive influence on the development of Schmitz Cargobull. Our company was founded just five years after Mr. Schmitz joined the company as Managing Director. The Schmitz Cargobull company, and therefore Mr. Schmitz himself, has accompanied us as a long-standing partner almost from the beginning of our company history.

We remember Mr. Peter Schmitz with respect as an extraordinary entrepreneur. His influence on Schmitz Cargobull and our business relationship will be remembered with gratitude.

On behalf of the entire workforce, all colleagues of Th. Niehues GmbH, our sincere sympathy goes to the relatives and employees of Schmitz Cargobull in this difficult time of farewell.
May Mr. Schmitz rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with you.

Sincerely from Senden
p.p. Christian Friedrich (Marketing), Th. Niehues GmbH
On behalf of our entire team, we would like to express our sincere condolences and deeply sympathies during this very difficult times.
Lars Baumgürtel, Management and all employees, ZINQ