The Germany-based HARTING Technology Group is a leading global supplier of industrial connection technology in numerous industrial sectors. In this interaction during Elecrama 2025, Frank Quast, Head of Product Management Connectors Han, HARTING Electric Stiftung & Co KG, elaborates on emerging opportunities for his company in India. 

HARTING Electric is a global business unit within the HARTING Technology Group, focusing on industrial connectors. Our most well-known product is the Han Connector, a widely recognised brand in the industry. This global recognition has been a cornerstone of our success. Beyond this, we continuously expand our portfolio to cater to specific market segments, developing tailored connectivity solutions for a wide array of applications.

We prioritise core markets rather than chasing every opportunity. Our major focus areas include machinery and energy. Machinery has been a stronghold for us since the company’s inception, and energy plays an increasingly critical role in our vision. Our commitment to the all-electric society emphasises the need for efficient energy transmission and sustainable practices. At HARTING, we aim to minimise the carbon footprint of our connectors by incorporating sustainable production practices, including the use of renewable energy sources. We have been working on this for over a decade and are now offering CO?-reduced product variants. Customers can choose between standard components or more eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring transparency in sustainability efforts. 

We are heavily invested in digitalisation, offering digital twins of our products. These digital representations provide comprehensive data, including 3D drawings, technical specifications, dimensions, weight, and CO? footprint. Engineers can access this data directly from our platform, allowing seamless integration into their systems. This automation improves efficiency and reduces manual efforts, saving time and resources. Additionally, our digital twins support enhanced communication and data sharing, enabling real-time updates and accurate product configurations. The true cost of ownership is not just about product price; it is about the entire ecosystem, including digital support, supply chain efficiency, and reduced operational costs.

One of our key highlights was Han-Modular Domino module, making its debut at Elecrama. This unique and innovative solution revolutionises industrial connectivity by combining multiple interfaces into a single compact module. Traditionally, multiple connectors were needed to handle data, signal, power, and pneumatic interfaces. With Domino Module, we consolidate these into a single, efficient interface, reducing size by up to 40 per cent. This results in lighter and smaller connections, lowering CO? emissions while optimising space in applications. By cutting modules in half, we achieve greater flexibility and adaptability, allowing customers to customise their connectivity setups with ease. 

The EV and renewable energy sectors are rapidly evolving, requiring advanced connectivity solutions. A key challenge in EV charging infrastructure is energy storage. Peak energy loads need buffering, which demands specialised connectors. HARTING provides high-power, high-voltage connectors—capable of handling up to 1400A and 4000V—ideal for transformers and energy storage systems. These plug-and-play solutions simplify installation and maintenance, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs. 

We strongly believe in India’s economic growth and are committed to expanding our presence in the region. Our strategy includes increasing local production, following the Make in India, for India approach. This aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub and helps us better serve local customers with tailored solutions. As India transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the demand for electrical interfaces will rise exponentially. We see immense potential in India’s evolving infrastructure, especially in sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial automation. We aim to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative and reliable connectivity solutions that provide maximum benefits to our customers in India and drive the country’s progress toward a sustainable future.