Founder of Spirotech passed away
Mr. Frans Roffelsen, founder of Spirotech B.V. (Helmond, The Netherlands) and Spirotherm, Inc. (Glendale Heights, IL), the inventor of the Spirovent, and father of Erik Roffelsen, President of Spirotherm, Inc., passed away in Helmond, The Netherlands. Mr. Roffelsen, age 93 is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Jo; sons Erik, Rob, and Rudy; daughter Karen; six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
Mr. Roffelsen, as a true entrepreneur and innovator started his first company Metallo B.V. in 1948 as a trade, import, and technology enterprise. In 1970 the technology and research division resulted in the creation of Spiro Research B.V. and the development of the Spirovent along with many other products. Spirotech B.V.began operations in 1985 as the worldwide manufacturing and sales company for the growing product line, with Spirotherm, Inc. following in 1990 to provide a North American manufacturing and sales presence. Mr. Roffelsen and his wife owned the businesses until 2005 when his son Erik Roffelsen and wife Nelleke Roffelsen-Peters took over as second generation family ownership. Even after delegating day to day management he came to the office every day well into his eighties to keep eye on the research department, monitor and renew his many worldwide patents, and continue to invent new things. A quiet giant of the industry dedicated to family and his business, he will be missed.
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Dan Whitezell
Vice President, Marketing and Sales
Spirotherm, Inc.