Ruthmann retires with order book ‘full’

“It is a good time to make the change – our order books are full,” Mr Ruthmann told Access International before the ceremony.

The biggest source of pride for Mr Ruthmann is to have led a family–held company, a position he assumed in 1979 after beginning as a ‘machine builder’ in April 1968. He said creating the first 100 m aerial platform in the company's 100th year had been his biggest challenge.

Also at the ceremony was Heinrich Winkelmann, who replaces Mr Ruthmann as company chairman. Mr Winkelmann has been Ruthmann's president since 2003 when he bought more than 70% of the company's shares. He will acquire Mr Ruthmann's remaining equity in January 2007.

Anton Ruthmann, which has a turnover of about €36 million, has spent the last two–and–a–half years re–designing its standard models. “Our products are very different today, completely refreshed,” said Mr Winkelmann.