Steel Products Prices North America

Father of Esmark Founding Investor Passes Away


Esmark Inc. has announced the passing of Hans Joachim Schmidt, father of Esmark founding investor and longtime member of the Esmark board of directors, Uwe T. Schmidt.

EsmarkHans Joachim Schmidt passed away on Feb. 19 at the age of 90, Esmark said, noting that he was a leader and internationally recognized business executive serving the international iron and steel industry for 45 years.

“Hans Joachim was a role model and inspiration to his sons who in turn were instrumental in fueling the success of Esmark and establishing our roots in several industries,” James P. Bouchard, Esmark chairman and CEO said in a statement. “More so, he was an incredible person, father, friend, and industrialist.”

Among his many positions, Schmidt served 37 years with the Thyssen Group (now thyssenkrupp), including the role of president and CEO of Thyssen Canada.

He is survived by his wife, Sigrid “Sigi,” and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Pittsburgh-based Esmark is a diversified, privately held family company with a portfolio of industrial companies with roots in the steel industry.

By Ethan Bernard, ethan@steelmarketupdate.com

Latest in Steel Products Prices North America