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.