The Claas group (Claas KGaA) is headquartered in Harsewinkel, Germany and is Europe's largest manufacturer of harvesting machinery. Annual turnover is around 1.47 billion DM (approx. 1 billion in U.S. currency terms). The company employs over 5,000 people worldwide and conducts business in over 150 countries. Founded in 1913 by August Claas, the company is still primarily owned today by his son, Dr. Helmut Claas. Main factories consist of: Harsewinkel, Germany (self-propelled forage harvesters and combines), Saulgau, Germany (mowers, rakes and tedders) and Metz, France (balers).