Claas is marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Helmut Claas, honouring the engineer and entrepreneur whose innovations helped transform modern agricultural technology, while shaping the company into a global player in the ag machinery industry.
Born in Harsewinkel, Germany in 1926, Helmut Claas grew up between the family’s factory and local farms, developing an early passion for engineering and agriculture. After serving in the Second World War, he trained as a machine fitter, studied mechanical engineering, and joined the family business in 1957. From 1962, he led Claas alongside his brother Reinhold, steering the company through periods of rapid growth and economic challenges.
Known for combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision, Claas held more than 100 patents. Under his leadership, Claas introduced landmark machines including the Dominator combine harvester, the self-propelled Jaguar forage harvester, the Xerion system tractor and the high-capacity Lexion combine harvester. His long-term strategy also led to the acquisition of Renault Agriculture in 2003, establishing Claas as a full-line agricultural machinery manufacturer.
Claas remained actively involved in product development until his death in 2021 and oversaw the company’s generational transition to his daughter, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser.
To commemorate the centenary, Claas will publish a new book, Innovations for Generations, alongside exhibitions, social media campaigns and expanded educational initiatives through the Claas Foundation.
