"This is a top performance that makes us proud. We are very satisfied with our business development," said CEO Philip Harting. The growth came from all regions and all markets. This means that the company has more than doubled its turnover in ten years: in the 2007/08 financial year, turnover amounted to 345 million euros.

"With our global network of development, production and sales companies, we are ideally positioned. Our customers know that they can rely on the proven Harting quality of our products, connectivity solutions and services." Harting sees itself as a pioneer and partner of Industry 4.0: "When it comes to automation, digitalization and the networking of machines with the cloud, our products and solutions are among the best in the industry worldwide." Growth was driven by impetus from the transportation, mechanical engineering, automation and robotics market segments.

Growth in all regions
All regions in which Harting operates contributed to the positive result. The strongest growth was recorded in the Asia region with an increase of 18 percent to 187 million euros (previous year: 158 million euros). (previous year: 158 million euros). In Europe (excluding Germany) and the Middle East, known as EMEA, sales increased by 17 percent to EUR 263 million (previous year: EUR 225 million). In the Americas region, the technology group recorded an increase of eight percent to 79 million euros (previous year: 73 million euros). Business also continued to develop positively in Germany. Here, Harting recorded an increase of eight percent to 233 million euros (previous year: 216 million euros). "We were able to improve on the already high level in Germany. That is a pleasing achievement," said Philip Harting. The technology group now generates around 70 percent of its total turnover abroad.

341 new jobs created worldwide
The sales growth and investments in securing the future had a positive effect on personnel development, as CEO Dr. Michael Pütz explained. The number of employees (including trainees) rose to 4,980 over the course of the 2017/18 financial year, which corresponds to an increase of 7.4%.

CEO Margrit Harting emphasized the importance of the Technology Group for the region. She cited awards for quality, products and sustainability as well as the Group's local and regional commitment. "We have to face the challenges of competition on a daily basis. Nevertheless, we know our roots and are committed to social engagement," emphasized Margrit Harting. The company has traditionally been involved in the areas of culture, sport, education and youth, supporting and promoting associations, initiatives, projects and events.

Growthhas peaked
However, growth rates in the first few months of the new 2018/19 financial year have been weaker. "The zenith of growth has been passed," Philip Harting made clear. The technology group is therefore only expecting an increase in turnover of just under five percent for the current 2018/19 financial year. The German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) expects the global electrical market to grow by four percent in the coming calendar year. pb