August 1 - German industrialist Otto Rettenmaier who has, since the 1950s built a number of industrial companies, including the heavy-duty and special vehicles manufacturer the TII Group, has celebrated his 85th birthday.

In the spirit of celebration, employees at Scheurle, Kamag and TII sales raised EUR35,000 (USD50,454) through voluntary overtime and presented this Rettenmaier on the occasion of his birthday. He will support social and charitable projects with the money.

After World War II, Rettenmaier and his brother re-established the family pulp mill business J Rettenmaier & Söhne and developed among other things powder cellulose which today has a significant worldwide importance.

A passion for heavy-duty and special vehicle construction led to the acquisition in 1987 of Scheuerle and eight years later the acquisition of French manufacture Nicolas Industrie. Seven years ago Ulm-based manufacturer Kamag was acquired.

In addition to his industrial activities, Rettenmaier is also involved in the DIY market through ownership of the Europe-wide OBI chain, the construction and property sectors as well as winegrowing with the Château La Tour Figeac vineyard in Bordeaux.

Born in the Ostalb region of Swabia, he has lived in Heilbronn since 1949, been married for 52 years and has three children along with eight grandchildren.

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