Focusing on the US, Mexico, India and China
Innovative solutions for electro-mobility, aerospace and rail
Following the record year of 2021 with an increase in turnover of 45 percent, the HENN Connector Group continued its growth trajectory last year. It was able to increase sales by just under 10 percent to 137 million Euros in 2022, further expand its global presence and press ahead with diversification. Owner and CEO Martin Ohneberg and his team were able to lead the globally operating company for innovative connection technology to the top of the industry over the past two years and have thus created the conditions for further growth. We encounter connection components from HENN in every area of life. New product developments for electro-mobility, aerospace rail and automation will hit the market in 2023.
Despite global crises, the Henn Connector Group was able to further increase the record results of 2021. "We take on challenges and grow as a result," said Martin Ohneberg in describing HENN’s attitude. "2022 is the year of innovation and product development. We’ve invested more than 11 million Euros and have exciting innovative products in different areas of application in the pipeline. We came closer to reaching our goal of diversification in 2022 with two new business segments (HENN connectors and HENNgineered products) and we will expand both business segments in 2023." The total amount of investments made will also increase to 13.7 million Euros this year.
Investment in sustainability
Well-established HENN connectors—connections made of plastic and metal—can now also be used with new developments for alternative propulsion types (electric, hydrogen and hybrid). According to Martin Ohneberg, "It’s essentially an investment in sustainability and climate protection. Thanks to our innovation team, the aerospace and rail markets can be conquered as well following the automotive sector."
With the opening of new production facilities in Taicang, China and the new sales location in India, additional important steps in global expansion were taken in this area of business. Initial turnover in the Indian automotive market has already been achieved, and the company’s market presence is being expanded in 2023. As for Europe, group sales in Switzerland is in the planning stage.
Growth through acquisition
HENNgineered parts—from concept to large-scale serial production—that’s the other new business segment established at HENN through the 2022 acquisition of German 3D printing specialist VMR. Two strategic company goals were achieved at the same time here: growth through the integration of an owner-operated company with high quality standards on the one hand and an important assortment expansion on the other. "With VRM, we’re able to supply the entire spectrum—from prototype, pilot production, serial production and post-serial production—from a single source. This is a meaningful step in the direction of technological expansion," according to Martin Ohneberg.
Act globally, produce locally
With the opening of the new production facility of the TKW Molding subsidiary in China, the HENN Connector Group is continuing to expand its production capacity in Asia. "On-site production not only enables us to be closer to the customer, but it also reduces transport distances and delivery times enormously," explained Martin Ohneberg. "From an ecological standpoint, it’s a big win because efficient logistics paths and modern building technologies reduce our CO2 footprint considerably."
The market introduction of wide-ranging product developments in e-mobility planned for 2023/2024 is presenting the group with new challenges. According to Ohneberg, "We’re acting globally, but need to localize production in key markets at the same time. That’s why the establishment of a global production network is a central task for the next few years." HENN production locations are to be created and expanded in the US, Mexico, India and China.
Clear growth objectives for the HENN Connector Group
Martin Ohneberg stressed that, even though the world is continually changing these days, we’re firmly sticking to our goals for further development of the group. "By 2035, we aim to achieve a group-wide turnover of 800 million Euros. We’re consistently working on this ambitious goal through our investments and acquisitions. This includes expansion of global production and concentration on the diversification of our product innovations, especially in the area of e-mobility—both on the ground and in the air. This plan for growth demands maximum commitment from us all." The goal for group-wide turnover in 2023 is 165 million Euros.
This is why Martin Ohneberg will concentrate all his efforts on his tasks as CEO of the HENN Connector Group. After twelve successful years, Martin Ohneberg is handing over operative executive direction of HENN to Matthias Nicolussi as of March 1, 2023, a well-versed expert in the industry with over 15 years of experience in various positions in the mobility field.
Great Place to Work: The global HENN family is growing
Rapid growth is reflected in the number of employees working at HENN. In 2021, the number increased to 460 employees, a big jump of 67 percent, and the non-stop growth continued last year. By the end of 2022, the HENN Connector Group employed 525 people globally—one third more than the previous year.
Martin Ohneberg is aware of the responsibility of spreading the unique corporate culture from group headquarters in Dornbirn out to the global HENN family. "Shared success with my employees is the biggest motivator for me personally. The HENNtastic values we live out make us unique, both within the company and with respect to our customers and stakeholders."
The HENN Connector Group also won several awards which attest to its status as a popular employer in 2022. For quite a while, the group has also been among the international industrial companies distinguished as a "Great Place to Work" and, in 2022, as a "Great Place to Work® for Millennials." For the various different offerings in workplace health promotion, HENN was distinguished with the BGF health seal of quality the previous year. Commitment when it comes to sustainability and responsibility for the environment are among the most important and lived-out corporate values of connection specialist HENN. In 2022, the first sustainability report was published and an ambitious environmental program drafted.
