Obituary Hans-Joachim Rauch
Hans-Joachim Rauch, Managing Director of Tonindustrie Heisterholz for many years, passed away on 4 March 2024 at the age of 79.
Hans-Joachim Rauch, born on 24 August 1944, took over the management of the renowned Heisterholz roof tile factory together with his brother Peter in 1970 after completing his training as a fully qualified lawyer. They succeeded their father Ernst Rauch, who, as a decisive new founder, structured the tile organisations in post-war Germany and made a lasting contribution to this cause.
Under their management, 49 per cent of the company was sold to the Braas Group in 1985. Following the retirement of his brother in 1999, Hans-Joachim Rauch, as sole managing partner, initiated the takeover of the company by Lafarge-Dachsysteme GmbH, the parent company of Braas, one year later. Rauch moved to the supervisory board of Lafarge-Dachsysteme GmbH, where he remained a member until 2005. Throughout this time, he was always available to the Heisterholz workforce as an advisor and advocate.
Hans-Joachim Rauch was also very committed beyond the company management. For 20 years, he headed the social policy committee of the Federal Association of the German Brick and Tile Industry. With great circumspection, he took on the diverse demands of social policy in the particularly difficult times for the German brick and tile industry after reunification from 1995 to 2003. Thanks to his approachable manner and his negotiating skills, it was possible to settle the obligatory disputes in collective bargaining in a calm, collegial atmosphere. He was a member of the board of the Northwest Trade Association for over 30 years and had a strong voice in the association‘s decisions.
In addition, Hans-Joachim Rauch successfully managed his various shareholdings in the masonry industry (sand-lime bricks, bricks, prefabricated brick elements) into old age and only had to give up the management of his holding company three years ago due to age and illness.
Hans-Joachim Rauch was particularly characterised by his balanced, friendly and socially committed nature.
The brick and tile industry will fondly remember Hans-Joachim Rauch as a committed and amiable colleague.
