Philip Harting joins VDMA Main Board

"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 is reinforcing the Main Board at a time of ongoing transformation for Germany as a business location. As recently as June, the VDMA had lowered its growth forecast for the German mechanical engineering industry to zero growth for 2026. At the same time, the association is optimistic about the future, as innovative machines and systems continue to be in demand internationally.

"Mechanical engineering in Germany is facing major challenges," as Harting puts it. "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 the German and European Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers and represents 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 that are of great importance to its member companies. In addition to research, innovation and technology, this also includes 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.