C.B.H.F.
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Class of 2016
Frank J. Hasenfratz is founder and Chairman of the Board of Linamar Corporation, based in Guelph, Ontario.
He was born in Hungary in 1935, and attended trade and engineering technical schools, while working as a toolmaker and machinist. Mr. Hasenfratz immigrated to Canada in 1957 and was a supervisor at a metal parts company until he formed Linamar in 1966.
With his vision, Linamar became a world leader in designing, developing and producing highly-engineered products. Today, Linamar is a diversified global manufacturing company. The company has operating segments serving the vehicle market (powertrain/driveline) and industrial market (machining and assembly, forging, light metal casting, skyjack).
Linamar has more than 19,500 employees in 48 manufacturing locations, five R&D centers and 15 sales offices in 14 countries, and generates annual sales of $4.2 billion.
Mr. Hasenfratz is member of the Order of Canada, and of the Canadian Manufacturers Hall of Fame. He has also been honoured with the Knightâs Cross of the Order of Merit by the Republic of Hungary
He served as President of Linamar until 1999 and CEO until 2002, succeeded in both posts by his daughter Linda. As Chairman, Mr. Hasenfratz continues to focus on productivity improvements and strategic decisions within the company.