At 72, Dietmar Harting, with two children and six grandchildren, has been leading the family business his parents founded in 1945 for 45 years. In 1973, he became a managing partner at HARTING Elektronik GmbH, and since 1996, he has been president and partner of the HARTING technology group. That same year, the company's vision was formulated, which states, among other principles:
“We want to design the future with technology for people.” This statement aptly explains what has shaped and defined Dietmar Harting as an entrepreneur: visionary ideas for new products and technologies, and a well-defined, future-oriented vision that never overlooks the human factor, whether it be customers, employees, or, of course, his own family. Together with his wife Margrit and their children Philip and Maresa, Dietmar Harting leads the technology group HARTING. With sales of €481 million and a workforce of around 3,400 employees in 36 countries, the company is among the global players in connected technology.
When Dietmar Harting began his career at his parents' company in 1967, HARTING was still manufacturing everyday items such as lamps and irons. However, at that time the product range already included the first “electromechanical and electromagnetic components,” which were later followed by an item now known worldwide: the Han® connector, which became the cornerstone of the company's success story. Five years after his father's death, Dietmar Harting, who studied electrical engineering and economics in Munich, Hanover, and Cologne and earned a degree in business administration, took over the company alongside his mother, Marie Harting. Thanks to their technical expertise and a long-term vision that has driven the systematic internationalization of the technology group, the company has grown steadily. In 1987, the family business gained new momentum and effective support with the addition of Dietmar's wife, Margrit, who has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to developing the company culture. Following Marie Harting's death in 1989, the second-generation couple has been running the company alone. The pragmatic yet visionary engineer and the energetic creative force form a perfect and dynamic duo. In 2005, their son Philip joined the company, followed by his sister Maresa in 2007. Currently, the entire family is actively involved in managing the company, a concept that works because “we all respect each other and each of us has our own area of responsibility.” Nevertheless, the children agree that “our father still has the final say.”
This word carries weight not only within the company. Dietmar Harting, often called the “standards expert,” has focused his activities in organizations and associations, particularly on standardization issues. He was the first president of an SME to lead the Central Association of the German Electrical and Electronic Industry (ZVEI) from 1998 to 2004. At the end of his term, he was named honorary president in recognition of his achievements. As president of the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (DKE) of the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) and the Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE), Harting—currently an honorary member—has always passionately championed the advancement of standardization. The DIN Ring of Honor, awarded in 2009, and the gold pin bestowed by the DKE in 2010 are impressive accolades for his exceptional commitment.
Aside from this wide range of activities, Dietmar Harting, whom his employees always consider a perfect gentleman, has never forgotten his roots. Despite a systematic focus on internationalization, the Berlin-born entrepreneur has always remained clearly and firmly committed to Espelkamp and the East Westphalia-Lippe region. What began as a small production center in Espelkamp in 1950 has grown into five manufacturing plants and two headquarters in Minden and Rahden. The company employs more than 1,900 people in Germany, who benefit from the owners' deep commitment to the region where the company has its origins. “Creating an environment with a high quality of life” is the stated goal of Dietmar and Margrit Harting. The couple actively supports cultural, social, and sporting activities, encompassing a wide range of initiatives, from the Neues Theater in Espelkamp to the GWD Minden handball club. “The success story of your company is also the success story of this city,” declared Heinrich Vieker, Mayor of Espelkamp, when he awarded Margrit and Dietmar Harting the title of honorary citizens in 2009. They have also received recognition from across Germany. In recognition of their professional achievements, reflected in their work in standardization, their commitment to Deutsche Messe AG, and their numerous cultural and social contributions, Dietmar and Margrit Harting received the Federal Order of Merit, First Class, in 2009.
Aside from his many professional and honorary activities, Dietmar Harting dedicates his remaining time to his private passions: farming and hunting, and of course, his family. With six grandchildren, the fourth generation of Harting family business owners is well-established. They have every reason to be proud of their grandfather and to sincerely congratulate him on this special anniversary: 45 years of impressive service, not only for its length.
