Peter Meier, 66, founder of hardware supplier PMI, has died

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. - Peter Meier, president and CEO of hardware supplier Peter Meier Inc. and founder of Grass America, has passed away after a long illness. He was 66.

Born in Hohenems, Austria, Meier became involved in the woodworking industry in 1973, as an employee at Grass Austria. He quickly moved up the ranks of the hardware company, and in 1977 moved with his family to North Carolina, where he started Grass America.

As president of the company, he spearheaded its growth to more than $25 million within seven years. In 1986 Meier sold his shares of the company back to the Grass family and founded Peter Meier Inc., a producer of specialty  products for the furniture, cabinetry and closet industries.

A privately held company, PMI will now be headed by Peter’s wife Renate, with all key personnel remaining in place.

In addition to his work, Meier enjoyed skiing, sailing and scuba diving, and was a certified pilot of single-engine planes. In addition to his wife Renate, he is survived by his sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Services will be held Oct. 31 in Austria.

 

 

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.