Claas recently made changes to its shareholders committee. Helmut Claas has been elected honorary chair as his daughter Cathrina Claas-Muhlhauser now takes over the chair role.

Over Helmut’s past 25 years as committee chair, Claas has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery. It was originally founded in 1913 by Cathrina's grandfather and uncles, and she now completes the company’s transition to its third generation of the Claas family.

During Helmut’s time as chair, the company reached many milestones which include the growth of the brand's presence all across the globe. Production and sales locations have since been opened in countries such as India, USA, Russia, China and South America.

Milestone

A strategic milestone for the company was the acquisition of French tractor manufacturer Renault Agriculture in 2003.

This 25-year period has also seen the development of the Lexion combine harvester, brought to market in 1995, which today accounts for a major proportion of all combines sold on the European market.

Not to mention the company’s huge success with its Jaguar forage harvester series which also accounts for a large proportion of new forages harvesters sold today.

Claas employs over 11,400 people worldwide and a reported turnover of €3.8bn for the 2019 financial year.