Coos Spanjer 1943 - 2012

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Epe, Netherlands -- Coos Spanjer, former president of VMI died on Tuesday 4 September aged 68.

Mr. Spanjer joined VMI in 1990 and became CEO of the company in 1992, a position which he held for 18 years. Under his leadership, VMI developed into a leading machinery supplier to the worldwide rubber and tyre industry. In 2010 he resigned and took up a senior position within VMI's parent company TKH Group.

With his intelligence, unbridled energy and enormous ambition, Coos Spanjer left an unforgettable impression with employees, customers, suppliers and other business partners. Today's VMI is very grateful for the years in which Mr. Spanjer was leading the company, in The Netherlands and at our foreign subsidiaries.

We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Mia, his children and grandchildren, family and friends. We hope that joyful memories will help to deal with this big loss.

David Shaw writes:

Like many in the industry I regarded Coos -- Or JJ -- as a personal friend. His generosity of spirit was well-known. He held strong personal views about many things, but always conveyed them with charm, tolerance and a truly global understanding.

One thing I remember about him was that although he took this business very seriously, that did not stop him building strong bonds of respect and friendship with his rivals in business. He will be sadly missed across this industry.

He enjoyed life, had a taste for good wine and excellent food and loved sharing those gifts with friends and colleagues.

I feel very sad this morning, having heard the news. I know many will feel the same way.

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News release from VMI