Otmar Kaup, the founder of forklift attachment designer and manufacturer Kaup, has passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

Kaup remained an active force within his company right up until his death, serving as one of its managing directors, bursting with ideas and drive to realise them, Kaup states.

“With the death of Otmar Kaup, Kaup has lost a driving force, inspiration and role model,” the company adds. “For decades, his name stood for drive, inventiveness and entrepreneurial vision beyond the company. 

“His vision will be missed; his extraordinary life's work will remain.”

Otmar Kaup received numerous honours and awards for his entrepreneurial commitment during his life including the City of Aschaffenburg's Citizen's Medal in 2005, the VDI Badge of Honour (2000) and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany awarded in 1998. 

The son of a blacksmith, Kaup started his working life as a blacksmith before achieving a degree in mechanical engineering and securing a role with diesel engine producer Güldner-Motoren-Werke.

He played a central role in developing the first hydrostatically powered forklift truck, the Hubtrac, at what is now known as Linde Material Handling.

Otmar founded Kaup in 1962 with his father Kilian with a staff of five. The business now boasts a global workforce of more than 900 employees. A true testament to the vision of Otmar Kaup.