In 1980, he took over the management of the “GRIMME Landmaschinenfabrik” (GRIMME agricultural machinery factory) from his father, which at that time employed 300 people and manufactured 10 products.
In 1985, he married his wife Christine, who has been responsible for public relations at the company since 2003.
Franz founded the first foreign subsidiary in the USA in 1985, established Internorm, a specialist in plastics technology in 1987, followed by Ricon, a company for the production of webs and conveying equipment in 1995. 2003 saw the acquisition of US potato technology manufacturer SPUDNIK and the Danish vegetable technology specialist ASA-LIFT in 2013.
Still a family company, Franz and his wife Christine support their sons Christoph and Philipp, who are the fifth generation to run the group of companies.
Franz Grimme, comments “My wife and I are very proud that our sons Christoph and Philipp have taken on full responsibility for the companies and that we can both support them with advice and assistance. It is a very comforting feeling to know that everything is in good hands. I am also inspired by the large GRIMME team; we have achieved a considerable degree of progress together and still have a lot to accomplish.”
