Long-time Works Council Chairman Heinz Bölter passed away after a short, serious illness at the age of just 62. Heinz Bölter worked for HELLA for more than 45 years.

Tuesday 2022-03-15

HELLA mourns the death of Heinz Bölter, who passed away on March 9, 2022 after a short, serious illness at the age of 62. Heinz Bölter was Chairman of the Works Council at the Lippstadt site for many years, Chairman of the Group Works Council and a member of the HELLA Supervisory Board. He is survived by his wife, four children and several grandchildren.

"Putting a lot of heart and soul into the interests of the workforce".

"We are deeply saddened by the far too early death of Heinz Bölter. With him, we are losing a person who put his heart and soul and incredible commitment into the interests of the workforce and represented HELLA's corporate values in an exemplary manner," says HELLA CEO Dr. Rolf Breidenbach. "We will miss him in many ways and grieve with his family."

Deputy Works Council Chairman Oliver Lax added: "Heinz was an admirable person and highly valued colleague. He never gave up, even in difficult negotiations he often racked his brains for nights on end to find the best solution for all parties involved. He has always stood up for his fellow employees and has left his mark on the work of the works council like no other. His death is a great loss."

Working for HELLA for over 45 years

Heinz Bölter has spent his entire professional life at HELLA. In 1975, at the age of 15, he began his apprenticeship as a toolmaker. He worked in HELLA's toolmaking department until 1994, when he was released for his works council activities. In 2002 he was elected Chairman of the Works Council at the Lippstadt site, and in 2010 he also took over as Chairman of the Group Works Council.

Heinz Bölter has driven forward numerous issues during his time on the Works Council. For example, he took a leading role in the introduction of the ERA performance appraisal system and the switch from individual work to group work in production. By agreeing groundbreaking site collective agreements, he and his works council colleagues have also made a significant contribution to the further development and strengthening of the Lippstadt site. Heinz Bölter was also involved in many ways in his free time. For example, he was a great soccer fan and volunteered at the shooting club.