HENN Connector Group - Martin Ohneberg

Description

Thank you to Martin Ohneberg , owner and manager of HENN Connector Group , for an oustanding talk in WU’s Global Executive MBA program (GEMBA). Very inspiring and full of learnings for the audience.
Henn Connector Group is another example of a highly innovative SME, with a world leader position in a niche market, headquarters in Austria, and a lot of value creation for Austria.

We discussed diversification strategies, the changes in the automotive sector with the combustion engine and car sales in general in decline, as well as internationalization.

Given the latest deglobalization trends (Trump, tariffs, wars,…) the future of Henn (and perhaps auf Austrian manufacturing businesses in general?!) is based on FDI and not so much on exporting. I would agree , At least when it comes to exporting to non-EU countries (where, in many industries, growth options can be found).
Same problem in Germany. Exportweltmeister in a context of massively increasing costs at home, and many more barriers to exporting is a receipe for disaster.
Instead we need to fight to keep , create, and attract high value adding jobs such as those in headquarters. This is largely driven by innovation, entrepreneuship and education.

Period	15 Nov 2024
Held at	Executive Academy, Austria