The Association of German Machinery and Equipment
Manufacturers (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, VDMA e.V.) has
appointed Philip Harting to its Main Board. As Chairman of the Board and CEO of
the HARTING Technology Group, Harting brings his expertise in representing the
interests of the industry.
“Mechanical engineering is an important target market for
our company,” says Philip Harting. “For me, it is therefore only logical to
represent mechanical and plant engineering in Germany and Europe and to
campaign for the interests of the industry.”
Harting joins the Main Board at a time of ongoing
transformation for Germany as a business location. In June, the VDMA lowered
its growth forecast for the German mechanical engineering industry to zero
growth for 2026. At the same time, the association remains optimistic about the
future, as innovative machines and systems continue to be in demand
internationally.
“Mechanical engineering in Germany is facing major
challenges,” says Harting. “Protectionist geopolitics and supply chains that
continue to be disrupted by wars and conflicts have a major influence on the
industry’s order situation and ability to deliver. The speed at which the
traditional German industry has to change is enormous. I am pleased to be
actively involved in shaping this change not only in the HARTING Technology
Group, but also on the VDMA Main Board.”
The VDMA is the largest interest group of German and
European machinery and equipment manufacturers, representing around 3,500
member companies. In the EU-27, mechanical engineering is the largest
industrial employer, providing jobs for 3.1 million people. In 2025, the
industry’s machinery exports amounted to around 593 billion euros, more than a
third of which came from Germany.
As an interest group, the VDMA shapes topics of major
importance to its member companies. These include research, innovation and
technology, as well as digitalisation and sustainability. “These topics will
determine the transformation of the industry and help determine the future
success of Europe as a business location,” Harting summarises.