Otmar Noe turns 80

Photo: Liane Merkle

On February 23, 1939, our company’s founder, Otmar Noe, was born in Steinbach, now part of Mudau.

His craftsmanship talent became evident early on: at the age of 14, he began his apprenticeship as a blacksmith with his father, successfully passed the journeyman’s examination, and in 1964 qualified as a master blacksmith and vehicle builder. Further training as a certified welding specialist at the Welding Training and Research Institute in Stuttgart laid the foundation for everything we are today.

In 1969, Otmar Noe and his wife Siegrun took the leap into self-employment. With hard work, perseverance, and a spirit of innovation, he transformed the once small village forge into what we know today as Otmar Noe GmbH – an internationally active, medium-sized company based in Mudau in the Odenwald region, with around 70 dedicated employees.

We are proud that our founder never regarded his knowledge as complete. In 1985, he also earned a degree in business administration for skilled crafts at the State Academy of Skilled Crafts in Mannheim. Beyond our company, he contributed his expertise as a member of the administrative and advisory boards of Sparkasse.

In 2001, he transferred the company shares to his son Jürgen and his nephew Joachim Bundschuh. Even after stepping down from management in 2003, he continued to support us as senior partner and advisor – with the same commitment and clear vision.

Today, our portfolio includes state-of-the-art specialized forestry tractors that stand out for their quality and durability. Our customers span the globe – from Europe to overseas markets.

Otmar Noe’s entrepreneurial achievements have been honored many times, including the Medal of Merit from the municipality of Mudau and the Golden Master Craftsman Certificate from the Mannheim Chamber of Crafts.

Beyond all this, he has always remained deeply connected to his homeland – as a long-standing member of the local music club, which he joined in 1962, as a co-founder of the Mudau Golf Club, and through his decades of service as treasurer of the Settlers and Garden Friends.

At Otmar Noe GmbH, we are grateful for the life’s work of our founder. Even at the age of 80, he continues to inspire us with his passion and actively shape the further development of our company.

Dear Otmar, we warmly congratulate you on your 80th birthday and thank you for your vision, your drive, and the values on which our company still stands today.