Heinz Zahoransky Passes Away

Heinz Zahoransky, son of the founder of the Zahoransky Group and managing director for decades, passed away in Freiburg, Germany, on July 25 at the age of 95. Zahoransky is credited with playing a leading role in turning the family business, founded in 1902, into an international company. Today, the company has approximately 700 registered patents, 200 of which were developed by Heinz.

Retiring from management in 2005 after 46 years, Heinz focused on philanthropy and entrepreneurial achievements. He was made an honorary citizen of Todtnau and awarded the Cross of Merit of Germany, the Medal of Merit of the La Rioja region in Spain, the Baden-Württemberg Business Medal and the Entrepreneur Prize of the city of Freiburg.

Born on Sept. 7, 1928, Heinz Zahoransky’s attendance at the Kepler-Gymnasium in Freiburg was interrupted by the war and four years of imprisonment in France. He completed his studies at an evening school after returning from captivity. There, he also met his wife Hanni Galli, whom he married in 1953. He earned an undergrad degree in mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Karlsruhe in 1954, followed by his doctorate in 1958.

In 1959, he joined his father’s company. From 1963 until his retirement, he managed the company alone for three decades, laying the foundation for its successful development. After stepping down from the management board in 2005, Heinz Zahoransky remained on the company’s supervisory board until 2012.