Since 1959, Fritz August Bittmann has strongly shaped the company BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH in the fourth generation. BITO was founded in 1845 and originally manufactured hollow balls for the jewelry industry and metal fittings for the leather goods industry. Fritz August Bittmann then led the family business, which at the time was still based in his birthplace of Idar-Oberstein-Weierbach (BITO stands for Bittmann Oberstein), into the world of storage technology.

From regional manufacturer to international intralogistics provider

With his tireless commitment, courage, visionary strength and sense of responsibility, he has transformed BITO from a regional manufacturer into a major international intralogistics group and one of the largest employers in the region. When he joined the company, it employed around 40 people. Today, BITO has 1,330 employees worldwide, 890 of whom work at the two sites in Meisenheim and Lauterecken. BITO is also currently represented by a total of 19 subsidiaries in almost all European countries, in Dubai, in the USA and in Canada, and operates a further production plant in Poland.

Fritz August Bittmann's intuition for the market, for the needs of customers and his constant drive to make things even better have determined and driven this development. He always put people at the center of everything he did and greatly valued and cultivated direct contact and exchange with his employees.

Social commitment: establishment of the Bittmann Foundation

His strong ties to the region were also evident in his commitment to the region and found expression in his social engagement. The Bittmann Foundation, which he founded together with his wife and which supports children and young people in the areas of education and sport, as well as medical care in the region, is one of the most important foundations in the Nahe-Glan region. In 2013, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his outstanding entrepreneurial and social achievements. The town of Meisenheim awarded him the seal of the town in 2005 and in 2018 he was presented with the strictly limited town ring of honor.

"Fritz August Bittmann was much more than just an owner. He was not only an outstanding entrepreneur and visionary, but also a person who was always a role model for us with his humanity and respect for all employees. He dedicated his entire entrepreneurial career to the development of the BITO Group. His work and his values not only shape our actions, but also our community and our cohesion. This foundation gives us confidence for the future and allows us to continue BITO in this spirit and in grateful memory of his life's work," said the BITO management.

Even after his departure from the company as official Managing Director in 2009, Fritz August Bittmann was involved in the fortunes of his company with heart and soul until the very end. In addition, with his characteristic foresight and responsibility, he ensured at an early stage that the entire group of companies could continue to exist on a solid basis in his spirit even after his death. His wife Sabine Bittmann as owner, Winfried Schmuck as Chairman of the Managing Directors, Dominik Freyland-Mahling as Managing Director Production and Uwe Sponheimer as Managing Director Sales have been jointly responsible for the management of the company for many years together with the BITO Advisory Board. They will continue to carry the BITO Group, its values and corporate culture into the future in recognition of what Fritz August Bittmann has created.

The thoughts of the Advisory Board, the management and all employees of the BITO Group are with the Bittmann family and all those who were close to Fritz August Bittmann in these difficult hours.