“Heinrich Weiss was a true role model. An extraordinary entrepreneur, he transformed a mid sized Siegerland company into a global market leader in machine and plant engineering for the steel industry,” said Jochen Burg, the current chief executive officer of SMS group. 

Heinrich Weiss led the family business for more than five decades as its fourth-generation head. The company’s origins go back to Heinrich’s great grandfather, Carl Eberhard Weiss, who opened a forge in Siegerland, Germany, in 1871 which eventually became Siemad (Siegener Maschinenbau) AG. Heinrich joined the company in 1968 after completing his engineering studies and was appointed chairman of the managing board in 1971. 

“My father dedicated his life to the company. For our family, it is a matter of great importance to preserve his legacy and to lead SMS into the future in his spirit,” said Georg Weiss, son of Heinrich Weiss and board member of the Weiss Family Foundation. 

Under Heinrich’s leadership, the company underwent strong growth and global expansion. In 1973, the company merged with Schloemann, followed by additional development as they acquired companies such as Mannesmann Demag in 1999 and Paul Wurth in 2021. 

Heinrich Weiss served as the sole chairman of the Weiss Family Foundation until 2024 and carefully prepared the generational transition. In addition to his work at SMS group, he served various economic policy bodies for decades. 

“Heinrich Weiss was not only a significant entrepreneur but also a person of clarity, integrity, and passion. His life's work is inextricably linked to SMS. As the Foundation Board, we will carry forward his legacy responsibly, with future generations in mind,” said Johannes Frauendörfer, chairman of the Weiss Family Foundation board.