Horst Lach Celebrates His 65th Work Anniversary – and Is Far from Retiring.
Hanau, October 1, 2025 – While most people retire at 65, Horst Lach marks exactly 65 years of professional life today – without pause, driven by tireless dedication, visionary ideas, and a lifetime of work that has left a lasting mark on the diamond tooling industry. Yet he shows no sign of slowing down. He continues to work daily with passion and determination.
From a 4-Person Workshop to a Global Player
On October 1, 1960, the then 20-year-old joined the company founded by his father Jakob Lach. Under his leadership, a small diamond grinding shop in Hanau grew into an internationally operating company in Hanau and Lichtenau near Chemnitz, and its own company in Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA). Today, he continues to lead LACH DIAMANT together with his son Robert Lach.
Pioneer with Revolutionary Ideas
Horst Lach is a visionary through and through, pushing the industry forward with unconventional ideas.
He was the first to process the innovative cutting material PCD using electrical discharge – a breakthrough that made series production in the wood and furniture industry possible. Without this step, many everyday products would be far more expensive today.
His introduction of the abrasive material “Borazon” (CBN) at the Hannover Messe in 1969 remains unforgettable and is considered another milestone that made competitors break a sweat.
Author and Industry Chronicler
In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Horst Lach is also an author and chronicler. He currently publishes series such as “Poly poly or what” and “100 Years of Lach Diamant” in trade magazines like dihw and hp tooling, describing the development of diamond and CBN tools from the perspective of a contemporary witness (further information below).
85 Years Old – and Still No Retirement in Sight
At 85, Horst Lach is still almost daily at the Hanau office, driving new projects and is full of ideas. In his personal life, he rarely slows down: he swings his golf club with full energy and cheers passionately for his football club „Eintracht Frankfurt“ at the stadium. Supported by his wife Margot, five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren (one being born yesterday J), he remains a true driving force – both in the company and in life.
An Extraordinary Legacy
With courage, persistence, foresight, and innovation, Horst Lach has not only made LACH DIAMANT a world-leading manufacturer of diamond and CBN tools but has also revolutionized an entire industry.
The team at LACH DIAMANT warmly congratulates him on 65 years of service – and looks forward to many more ideas from his pen.
The editorials from his own series on the development of diamond and CBN tools, told from the perspective of a contemporary witness, can be found here: https://www.lach-diamant.de/en/news/editorial/