The founder of Husky, Robert Schad, has passed away

Robert Schad, founder of Husky Injection Molding System, a global manufacturer of injection moulding machines, moulds and hot runner systems, has died in Toronto, Canada, at the age of 95. Born in Germany, he emigrated to Canada in 1951 after studying mechanical engineering and founded Husky in 1953, initially manufacturing snowmobiles. In the 1960s, production shifted to moulds and injection moulding machines, the first of which was designed by Schad himself.

By transforming its manufacturing operations, the company has grown steadily over time, specialising in the production of high-speed moulding machines that are shipped to more than 100 countries, generating annual sales of approximately 1 billion dollars and employing more than 1,000 people. Pioneering a corporate culture of excellence, innovation, teamwork, leadership and corporate responsibility, he sold Husky in 2005 and was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2006.

He then went on to found Athena Automation in 2008, also in the injection moulding sector, and developer of a robust and precise, yet flexible, two-platen solution platform. In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Schad was also a philanthropist, having established the Schad Foundation to support projects that address environmental issues, and has been an active member of Earth Rangers, an organisation that protects and preserves wildlife and educates young people about sustainable environmental stewardship. During his long life, he also received honorary doctorates from Carleton University and McMaster University, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Plastics Academy.