Ted Bauer 1930 – 2011

Ted Bauer, one of the leading players in the evolution of the MDF industry worldwide, passed away at home in Medford, Oregon on November 14, 2011 following a long illness.

A graduate of Iowa State University, Mr Bauer became well-known in the US, Europe and Australasia as the driving force behind the growth of MDF and the Medite MDF brand.

He pioneered the MDF revolution in western Europe, most notably in 1978 when he held the FIDOR conference in Eastbourne spellbound. Following his presentation, the conference agenda was abandoned when the delegates asked to have an open forum and learn more from him about this remarkable new product. It marked the turning point for MDF as the enormous market potential in Europe was recognised.

In 1981 Mr Bauer was instrumental in the decision by the Oregon-based Medford Corporation to invest US$50m and build a second Medite plant in Clonmel, Ireland. He named it the Shamrock Caper. Irish-made Medite was first produced in 1983.

Over the years, Ted Bauer travelled extensively in Europe, meeting Medite’s network of distributors and industrial users, while liaising closely initially with the sales agent Seaboard in Vancouver, London and Utrecht, and then with Medite’s in-house European sales and marketing team when it was set up in 1986. He was highly respected wherever he went, and his unique knowledge, sense of humour and ability to talk and discuss issues with all levels of management became legendary.

In 1987 Ted Bauer was appointed vice-president of Medite Corporation and in 1989 he became president and chief executive officer.

He retired from Medite Corporation in December 1993. A dinner with Medite’s European staff as well as leading members of the UK panel products trade was held in his honour at the Dukes Hotel in London. However, he continued his strong interest in Medite’s European business and in 2006 was a contributor to the first Medite 2016 Compendium, which marked Medite’s 30 years of MDF supply to the European market and also Ted Bauer’s first foray into the European MDF market.

Mr Bauer is survived by his wife Jan, to whom he was married for 51 years, and their six children and their families.