It is with deep sadness and respect that we say goodbye to a man who not only had a successful entrepreneurial career, but also had an impressive passion for motorsport, gliding and motorized flying. Wilhelm Schwarzmüller, who was born on September 26, 1933 and passed away on November 2, 2023, leaves behind not only a considerable entrepreneurial legacy, but also unforgettable memories of his passions and commitment.
Wilhelm, along with his brother Egon and his sister Rita, were an important part of Schwarzmüller; the three siblings worked actively in the company from the start. The family business, which was originally founded in 1871, developed under her leadership into a permanent fixture in the industry. Through their commitment and enthusiasm for innovation, they created the foundations for an impressive success story.
In 1970, “Wilhelm Schwarzmüller GmbH” was founded, another milestone in the company’s history. This marked the beginning of the "Wilhelm Jr. and Egon Schwarzmüller era," which lasted for over three decades, until 2005. During this time, the company successfully established itself on the Austrian market and began an ambitious eastward expansion. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Wilhelm set up factories in Hungary and the Czech Republic, which further promoted internationalization.
Wilhelm and Egon did not always find a consistent approach, but Wilhelm took responsibility for production and technology and became the helmsman for the company's new direction. Under his leadership, the Schwarzmüller Group began to play a leading role at the European level.
Wilhelm Schwarzmüller not only had a feeling for entrepreneurial success, but also for the importance of internationalization. He turned his hobby of flying into a strategic advantage. He regularly flew to the plants in Hungary and the Czech Republic to remain in close coordination with national management and to monitor the foreign branches.
In 2005, Wilhelm and Egon Schwarzmüller transferred operational responsibility for Wilhelm Schwarzmüller GmbH to their daughters Beate Paletar and Manuela Hasenberger-Schwarzmüller and moved to the supervisory board themselves.
Wilhelm Schwarzmüller was not only an important entrepreneur, but also a man of great passion, commitment and determination. His dedication to aviation and the success of his company are an impressive legacy. His legacy will live on in the Schwarzmüller Group and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Wilhelm Schwarzmüller will always be present in our thoughts and memories, and his achievements and commitment will continue to inspire us. Rest in peace, Wilhelm Schwarzmüller.
The Paletar family, supervisory board, management, works council and workforce of the Schwarzmüller Group