Ralph Hufschmied

“A man who thinks he is doing the right thing must use the best tools.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We mourn the loss of our shareholder and managing director Ralph Rudolf Hufschmied, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 11, 2023.

Ralph Rudolph Hufschmied shaped the progress in machining production for more than 30 years Hufschmiedgroup out. His inspiration for the industry, his foresight for markets and his keen instinct for people shaped the ongoing success of the Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme GmbH essential. With his trust in our own strengths, we have matured into the world market leader.

The family entrepreneur pursued a clear mission. The focus was on people – our employees, customers and suppliers. We will remember his empathy for the needs of the workforce, reliability for business partners and role model for the entire industry.

It is with respect and gratitude that we say goodbye to a great visionary, entrepreneur and colleague. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his family at this difficult time.

Feel free to share your thoughts and memories in the comments to say goodbye and honor his inspiring leadership.

54 answers

  1. Frank Engel's avatar
    Frank Engel

    We knew each other personally and professionally for over 35 years. Even though we haven't had any contact in recent years, I was deeply saddened to learn that Ralph was no longer alive.

    My sincere condolences to Christel and your children, as well as Mr Hufschmied Senior.

  2. Avatar of Andreas Wilhelm
    Andreas Wilhelm

    I recently had a very pleasant and inspiring conversation with Mr Hufschmied and now this sad and shocking news.

    I wish his family and friends a lot of strength during this difficult time.

    With sincere sympathy
    Andreas Wilhelm

  3. Peter Fendt's avatar
    Peter Fendt

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    It is with deep sadness that I hear the news of Ralph's passing Hufschmied obtained.
    With all my heart I would like to express my deepest condolences on the departure of your husband, father or son.
    In this difficult time, I hope for all of you that the memory of a fulfilled life is a consolation: You live twice - the first time in reality, the second time in memory (Honoré de Balzac). And there are always traces of the past life somewhere: thoughts, images, moments and feelings. They will always remind you and therefore never let you forget.
    All good wishes from me in these days of mourning, reflection and farewell to the entire family!
    With silent greetings
    Peter Fendt

  4. Avatar by Andreas Rageth
    Andreas Rageth

    I had the pleasure of Mr. Hufschmied on the occasion of his visit to us in Switzerland and was impressed by his expertise.
    However, I was even more impressed by his personality and human maturity. I wish the entire family and employees my deepest condolences.

  5. Avatar by Manfred Weigand
    Manfred Weigand

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    Ralph and I knew each other for more than 25 years, he often gave me valuable tips, but what was more important was that we got along very well as people!
    The last time we saw each other was exactly a month ago today during the VDWF conference. We joked and laughed.
    We will all miss him!

    Manfred (CemeCon)

  6. Richard Zemann's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    I am very shocked to read this extremely sad news. Unfortunately, I haven't had any contact with any of them in the last few years. But I will probably never forget the memories of the inspiring and motivating conversations with Ralph. The way he helped shape the company and made so many people his family is an absolutely exceptional achievement and deserves the greatest possible recognition and respect. I wish everyone but especially the lovely family Hufschmied a lot of strength in this situation.

    With the greatest sympathy, I offer you my deepest condolences,
    Richard Zemann

  7. Avatar by Bernfried Fleiner
    Bernfried Fleiner

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    It is with sadness and dismay that we received the sad news of Mr. Hufschmid's death.
    We see this farewell not only as a business loss, but also as a human loss, as we had a long-standing, trusting partnership with him.
    For us, he was a partner with whom we were able to work with trust for many years.
    Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
    We accompany you with our thoughts in these difficult hours of farewell and wish you a lot of strength and the support of your family, friends and all employees for the coming time.
    With kind regards from exeron
    Bernfried Fleiner and Thomas Sjösten

  8. Avatar by Walter Streuli

    Dear bereaved family Hufschmied
    We received the sad news with great dismay. Unfortunately we only had the opportunity to meet Mr. a few times Hufschmied to communicate. But every time we were fascinated by his knowledge and his joy of life. But what he created continues in the family Hufschmied and we are sure that we will now promote and place his work even more in our latitudes.
    We offer you our deepest sympathy and wish you a lot of strength for the coming time of emptiness.
    A silent greeting from Switzerland.
    Walter Streuli and employees

  9. Boris Bähre's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied,

    It is with deep sadness that I hear the news of Ralph's death Hufschmied obtained.
    I would like to convey to you my sincere condolences and deep condolences.

    Boris Bahre

  10. Hermann Kapser's avatar
    Hermann Kapser

    Dear family Hufschmied,

    It is with deep sadness that I hear the news of Ralph's death Hufschmied obtained.
    I would like to convey to you my sincere condolences and deep condolences.

    Hermann Kapser

  11. Lothar Schmalzried's avatar
    Lothar Schmalzried

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    I was shocked when I found out about Ralph's death. In almost 25 years we have been able to move and achieve a lot together. My heartfelt condolences go out especially to you, Ms Hufschmied with your children and the whole team.

    Lothar Schmalzried

  12. Avatar by Hansruedi Künzli

    Dear family Hufschmied
    and Hufschmied Team

    I was deeply saddened by the news of Ralph's death Hufschmied had read.
    I would like to express my sincere condolences to you.
    I wish you a lot of strength in the coming times.

    With silent greetings
    Hansruedi Künzli

  13. Avatar by Thomas Herkner

    People like Ralph Hufschmied bring Germany and the German economy forward.
    The few personal encounters always impressed me.
    My sincere condolences.
    Thomas Herkner
    GKN Aerospace, Munich

  14. Avatar by Jörg Räker
    Jörg Räker

    Dear family Hufschmied,

    My sincere condolences and condolences on Ralph's death Hufschmied.

    Remember in silent

    Jörg Räker

  15. Klaus Jung's avatar
    Klaus Jung

    Dear family Hufschmied and Hufschmied Team,

    My sincerest condolences on the passing of Ralph Hufschmied.

    Unfortunately, I was only able to meet him in person once, but I was immediately impressed by his appearance.
    I wish them all the strength during this difficult time and hope that they will continue to support the company in his spirit Hufschmied advance in the same way.

    In silent remembrance

    Klaus Jung

  16. Avatar by Sigrun Rother
    Sigrun Rother

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team,
    On behalf of the KNOLL Maschinenbau company, I would like to express our deepest condolences. During a visit to your company we were able to meet Mr Hufschmied get to know personally. I will remember his entrepreneurial spirit combined with his interest in innovation. We wish you a lot of strength for this difficult time.

  17. Ramona Neumair's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team,

    our sincere condolences on this difficult loss.

    In silent memory

    Schubert Plastics company

  18. Avatar of Friedrich Müller
    Friedrich Müller

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team

    It is difficult to find words of comfort when a person who has accompanied us part of our journey says goodbye forever.
    His entrepreneurial spirit combined with his interest in innovation will remain in my memory forever. I wish you a lot of strength for this difficult time.

  19. Avatar of Meinolf Wolke
    Meinolf Cloud

    My deep and heartfelt condolences on the death of Mr. Hufschmied with all survivors, friends, colleagues, customers and suppliers. He managed to bring all of the above together, integrate them and use them in a life that produced so much innovation. This will be unforgettable, no matter how final this situation is.

  20. Patrick Starke's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team

    It was with great sadness that I learned of your terrible loss. My sincere condolences and lots of strength for the coming time!
    I knew Ralph for 13 years and always found him to be a very pleasant, constructive and competent person who was a pleasure to deal with. This is how he will be remembered!

    Remember in silent
    Patrick Strong
    MT Aerospace AG, Augsburg

  21. Avatar of
    Anonymous

    Dear family Hufschmied and team,

    It is with deep sadness that I hear the news of Ralph's sudden passing Hufschmied obtained.
    My sincere condolences and deep condolences go out especially to the family Hufschmied
    and the team.

    Thomas Wyrich

  22. Helmut Brandl's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team,
    on behalf of the Federal Association of Models and Models. I would like to express our deepest condolences to Formenbau eV. We wish you a lot of strength for this not easy time.

  23. Avatar by Andreas Rossberger

    Dear Christel Hufschmied, dear family Hufschmied, love Hufschmied employees,

    It is with great sadness and shock that I hear of the death of a long-time companion
    have to experience. Him and family Hufschmied are always good partners in the past
    and present. His always exemplary, cooperative attitude has made us friends
    made in the industry. I would like to do this with the family Hufschmied continue.

    I wish Christel Hufschmied and the family a lot of strength and energy during this difficult time.

    Kind regards Bobingen

    Andreas Rossberger
    Head of Key Account Management
    HAIMER Igenhausen

  24. Stefan Veltum's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team,

    On behalf of the MOESCHTER company, I would like to express our deepest condolences.

    Remember in silent

    Stefan Veltum

  25. Avatar of Daniela Daniels
    Daniela Daniels

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    It is with sadness and dismay that I hear of Ralph's death Hufschmied experience. In addition to life, this is the second side of our existence, and unfortunately this side leaves people like you and us to deal with the loss. His death leaves a big gap not only in business but also as a person.

    I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and wish you and all other relatives a lot of strength, courage and comfort during this difficult time.

    In silent memory
    Daniela Daniela Fa. CemeCon

  26. Dieter Hurler's avatar
    Dieter Hurler

    Dear Hufschmid family, dear Hufschmid team
    Deeply affected, I would like to extend my deepest condolences in the death
    by Ralph Hufschmied to express.

    My deepest sympathy goes out to the Hufschmid family and everyone
    employees of the company.

    In silent memory
    Dieter Hurler

  27. Avatar from plastic construction technology Gress GmbH
    Plastic construction technology Gress GmbH

    Dear Hufschmid family, dear Hufschmid team,

    on behalf of the company Kunststoffbautechnik Gress GmbH We would like to express our sincere condolences.
    “People we love stay forever because they leave a mark on our hearts.”
    We wish the family and the team a lot of strength for the difficult times ahead.

  28. Avatar by Ernst Hombach GmbH & Co. KG

    Dear family Hufschmied,

    as the Ernst Hombach company GmbH & Co. KG we would like to the family Hufschmied with the entire Hufschmied team our sincere condolences and condolences on the death of Ralph Hufschmied express. Mister Hufschmied We will be remembered as entrepreneurs with vision, innovative spirit and our unique partnership.
    We wish the family Hufschmied with the entire team a lot of strength and strength during this challenging time.

    Ernst Hombach GmbH & Co. KG
    With all Team Hombach employees.

  29. Marco Furrer's avatar
    Marco Furrer

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    Ralph Hufschmied and I have known each other for almost 15 years. I received this news with great dismay and couldn't believe it at first... the day before they had shaken hands. The conversations with Ralph Hufschmied were not just of a business nature - he often also had useful tips for many different life situations. He knew how to look at situations clearly and present his ideas in such a way that people took them away from the conversation as their own motivation. He knew how to achieve his goals - but also always had a sense when a little humor was needed. I appreciated Ralph for all of that Hufschmied very.

    I speak to the family with the greatest sympathy Hufschmied and my deepest condolences to the employees,
    Marco Furrer (CemeCon AG)

  30. Stefan Scholz's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    It is with deep sadness that we hear the sad news of Ralph's death Hufschmied obtained.
    We deeply regret your loss and offer you our sincere condolences.
    We wish you all a lot of strength during this difficult time,

    Stefan Scholz, Stefan Diekmann & the electrode factory team

  31. Helmut Reuter's avatar
    Helmut Reuter

    Dear Mrs Hufschmied, estimated Hufschmied-Team,

    We were shocked to hear the news that Ralph Hufschmied died.
    I would like to express our sincere condolences to you, also on behalf of all my colleagues.
    For the coming time, we wish you a lot of strength and endurance for the family, but also for the company, for Ralph's visions Hufschmied to let live on.

    With deep compassion
    Helmut Reuter
    BMW Dingolfing

  32. Avatar from CNC Freestechniek

    Respected family Hufschmied en medewerkers van Hufschmied machining systems,

    We were shocked by the plots that overcame Ralph and willed them to me. For 10 years now, we have been working on seeds that were inspiring and beautiful. The drive has been developed and steeds have been taken into account as well as on the meegenome. The seed work is done before the beginning of tension and motivation. We want to remind you of this and use it as a practical experience for technical and commercial action.

    We whose jullie starred in the left of the juiste plaats te geven.

    Joop, Maritzka and Allard Lahm
    Team CNC Freestechniek.

  33. Avatar by Jens König
    Jens König

    Dear Hufschmied family
    Dear Hufschmied team,

    with deep dismay I received the information that Ralph Hufschmied had left us. I have various good memories of Ralph Hufschmied as an extremely agile and solution-oriented leader and expert in tooling technology. I wish a lot of strength in this very difficult time for you and for all others knowing him.

    In deep sadness
    Jens König

  34. Avatar by Hansjörg Arnim Mutscher c/o One for All - World eK

    It is with deep sadness that we hear the news of the passing of your managing director Ralph Rudolf Hufschmied Read
    and hereby express our deepest sympathy and condolences to you.

    Hansjörg Arnim Mutscher

  35. Avatar of Heinz Streicher
    Heinz Streicher

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    After this sad news came so suddenly out of nowhere, I'm actually at a loss for words. In the many years we have been able to work together, we have Ralph Hufschmied I got to know and appreciate him as an always reliable, highly committed and humorous partner. A time that we look back on fondly and will always be remembered.

    We accompany you in silent mourning.

    Heinz Streicher
    Gustav Blome GmbH

  36. Avatar by Jürgen Heinzer
    Jürgen Heinzer

    Dear family Hufschmied
    and Hufschmied Team

    I and our team were deeply saddened to read the news of Ralph's death.
    We would like to express our sincere condolences to you.
    I wish you a lot of strength.

    With deep compassion.

    Jürgen Heinzer and team

  37. Avatar by Heiko Wedel
    Heiko Wedel

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team

    On behalf of the Kerstner company, I wish you a lot of strength in these difficult times.

    Remember in silent

    Heiko Wedel

  38. Armin Hellinger's avatar
    Armin Hellinger

    We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss.
    We would like to express our heartfelt condolences and our sincerest condolences.

    Armin Hellinger (GEK-Oelsnitz) and Ms. Jana

  39. Avatar by Christof Liemke
    Christof Liemke

    Dear Hufschmid family, dear Hufschmid team,

    Just a few weeks ago at EMO 2023 we stood together at our trade fair stand to talk about opportunities to be developed together in the future.
    On behalf of all ELHA employees, Mr. Ralph Hufschmied We were able to get to know you, our condolences and compassion for the family Hufschmied and the workforce of his company.

    With sympathy

    Christof Liemke (ELHA-MASCHINENBAU Liemke KG)

  40. Avatar by Andreas Gebhardt
    Andreas Gebhardt

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    It was with great dismay that we received the sad news. We knew Ralph Hufschmied as a visionary spirit, sparring partner in the discussion of new ideas, creative problem solver and reliable partner.
    On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences.

    Andreas Gebhardt
    for the Fraunhofer IPA

  41. Avatar by Christian Pfau, E. Zoller GmbH & Co KG
    Christian Pfau, E. Zoller GmbH & Co KG

    Stunned and deeply sad. I've only just found out about the tragedy and I can't believe it. We met at the EMO, as always warmly and innovatively. It was a special professional relationship, always fair, even in complex situations. I will never forget him and my thoughts are with the family and staff

  42. Avatar by Matthias Neuner
    Matthias Neuner

    “Memory is the only paradise from which we cannot be expelled.”
    Jean Paul

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    Dear company staff Hufschmied,

    We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss.
    We would like to express our heartfelt condolences and our sincerest condolences.

    Henze Boron Nitride Products AG

  43. Marcus Kuhn's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied,
    dear Hufschmied-Team,

    We are deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Ralph Hufschmied experience. We were able to get to know him as a great doer and reliable partner.

    Our most sincere condolences go out to his wife and family as well as the entire company staff. We wish you all a lot of strength to overcome your sadness and keep the beautiful memories.

    Marcus Kuhn
    with KUHN coatings

  44. Marcel Voigt's avatar

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    On behalf of our entire workforce and management, we would like to express our deepest condolences.

    We wish you all a lot of strength to come to terms with this great loss and leave Ralph to us Hufschmied fondly remembered.
    He created something with his and your company that will always allow him to live on in all of our memories.

    With deepest sympathy Toyota GAZOO Racing Europe GmbH

    Marcel Voigt

  45. Avatar of Dr. Raphaela Burzler
    Dr. Raphaela Burzler

    Even though it hurts so much, it was apparently time to go when it was one of the best times.
    When the soul lacks words, it sends tears.
    No words can describe this human loss.
    Nothing in life is infinite and life is too short for sometime.
    He showed us that you should live your dreams and believe in them every day,
    that they can be realized.
    All the beautiful memories will now live on immortally in our hearts.
    His uniqueness, his ambition and his innovative strength remain an eternal role model for us.
    We will miss the intellectual and human exchange deeply and cannot be replaced by anything in this world.
    We will never forget Him and without Him everything will be different.
    I still wish that we all have the necessary strength so that new things can always arise and grow from his traces.
    I am grateful and it is an honor to be an employee of the Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme GmbH to be able to contribute to one's life's work every day.
    My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the family during these difficult days Hufschmied and all relatives.

  46. Avatar of Pekal Christoph
    Pekal Christoph

    Dear family Hufschmied,

    It is with deep sadness that I hear the news of Ralph's death Hufschmied obtained.
    I speak to the family with the greatest sympathy Hufschmied and my deepest condolences to the employees,
    Christoph Pekal (FRIMO IT)

  47. Avatar by Renate Hauk

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    On behalf of the management and staff, we would like to express our deep condolences.
    We wish you a lot of strength in this time of mourning and missing.

    Renate Hauk
    Hauk model and mold making GmbH

  48. Avatar by Thomas Mertel
    Thomas Mertel

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    I wish you a lot of strength and confidence for the coming time and would like to express my sincere condolences.

    Thomas Mertel

  49. Avatar by Doris Steinmüller-Nethl

    Dear Christel, dear family Hufschmied, dear relatives, dear Hufschmied-Team,

    Speechless, stunned and deeply saddened, we learned that Ralph is no longer here on this earth.

    With all our hearts we send our deepest sympathy and sympathy and wish you mutual comfort and love in this difficult time, time to be there for each other, to cry together, to mourn together, to remember...

    Memories are food for the soul and Ralph lives on in all our thoughts, images and actions - each in his own way.

    His uniqueness, his energy and courage to break new ground leave traces that we can all continue.
    We are grateful to have walked part of the journey with him. Energy is not lost, we learn in physics - I believe in that and much more...

    In silent mourning,

    Doris and Detlef Steinmüller

  50. Avatar of Lütfi Bozkurt
    Lütfi Bozkurt

    I realize that words provide no real comfort in a situation where you have to let someone go.
    Ralph leaves a gap in our community that we will fill with memories and thoughts but will never be able to fill.
    His open personality, his ability to innovate, as well as his constant pursuit of new challenges were infectious and inspiring.
    We have lost a valuable person.
    A person who has dedicated a lot of energy to the well-being of his family, his friends and the workforce.
    After the final accompaniment and farewell, there are now days of mourning and reorientation ahead of us.
    In His name we will let His visions live on.

    I wish you, Christel and all family members with all my heart, that you have the necessary strength
    After these difficult hours, we can look to the future again with confidence and hope.

    In sincere connection
    Lütfi Bozkurt

  51. Avatar by A. Weißgerber
    A. Weißgerber

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied Team,

    We are deeply saddened by the news that Ralph has left us so suddenly. We had great projects together, including with the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. His word carried weight. Sincere condolences to the family and good support from committed employees for the company.

    In silent mourning

    Anni and Franz Weißgerber

  52. Avatar from StarkStrom Augsburg eV
    StarkStrom Augsburg eV

    Dear family Hufschmied, dear relatives and dear team of Hufschmied machining systems,

    We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Ralph Hufschmied. The entire StarkStrom Augsburg team would like to express our sincere condolences and deep sympathy.
    In these difficult hours, we send you our best wishes for the strength it takes to get through this time of grief.
    He leaves an unforgettable impression on the history of our club. Without his commitment and support, many of our successes and achievements would not have been possible.
    With deepest sympathy and respect,
    the StarkStrom Augsburg eV team

  53. Avatar from Composites United e. v.

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    We were deeply shocked to learn that Ralph Hufschmied suddenly and unexpectedly left us. His tireless commitment and entrepreneurial successes leave a lasting mark in the world of fiber composite technologies. He also left a lasting impact on our network in many areas. His tenacity and ambition were legendary, as was his preference for clear words. At the same time, he was characterized by his belief in progress and his openness to new solutions. This complexity made him an impressive personality.

    We will miss him, but we will always honor his memory. Ralph Hufschmieds legacy lives on in the spirit of our network.

    Our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy go out to his family during these difficult days. We wish you and all employees the strength and confidence you need to overcome this painful loss.

    Remember in silent,

    the CU Executive Board, the colleagues on the boards, the CU team as well as former companions and the entire CU network

  54. Lydia Raab's avatar
    Lydia Raab

    Dear family Hufschmied, Dear Hufschmied-Team,

    When we received the sad news, we were stunned and deeply affected.
    Through Ralph Hufschmieds role as board member in MAI Carbon and then in the CU, we were often in contact. I always particularly appreciated that he was authentic in every situation and never pretended. He will live on in our memories.

    My deepest condolences go out to the family and the Hufschmied-Team.

    Remember in silent

    Lydia Raab