Germany-based
Paul Horn GmbH has announced the passing of former managing director Lothar Horn, who died on 5 February 2023 at the age of 66 after a long battle with illness. He is credited with shaping the Tübingen headquartered company into an internationally successful manufacturer of precision tools, with production sites in England (Horn Cutting Tools Ltd in Ringwood), Italy, the Czech Republic and the USA. In addition, there are subsidiaries in France, Hungary, China, Mexico, Turkey and Thailand.
At the same time, Mr Horn made the company the largest commercial employer in Tübingen. In 1991, the IT-experienced and technologically-enthusiastic son of company founder Paul Horn joined his parents' company. He became managing director on 1 January 1995. From 2009 to 2019, he was also chairman of the Precision Tools Association of the VDMA. In 2021, he received the Tool and Mould Making Medal of Honour, which recognises pioneers, visionaries and exemplary personalities in the industry.
In 1999, Lothar Horn created new production and administration facilities as well as a demonstration, research and development centre at the company’s main plant in Tübingen. Over the years, various expansions followed. The largest building in industrial use in Tübingen currently belongs to Paul Horn GmbH. With Lothar Horn's son Markus, managing director of Paul Horn GmbH since 2018, the third generation is now leading the family business into the future, together with joint managing director Matthias Rommel.
Loyalty to Tübingen was a major concern for Lothar Horn. Not only were investments in the company at this location important to him, but also social commitment. In addition to visible signs such as the Paul Horn Arena in Tübingen and the Paul Horn Hall at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre (Hall 10), he supported above all social institutions as well as the youth and junior staff of sports clubs.