Heller welcomes H.I.G. Capital as strategic partner

H.I.G. Capital is taking a significant stake in the Heller Group, a Germany-headquartered machine tool and manufacturing system manufacturer. The partnership will ensure the success of its transformation and open up many new opportunities for Heller in the areas of investment, efficiency improvement, product innovation and international market development.

Heller CEO Dr Thorsten Schmidt (pictured) says: “The partnership with H.I.G. is a milestone for our company. H.I.G.’s additional financial resources and global network will enable us to achieve our strategic goals faster. Our aim remains clear: securing and expanding our innovation leadership in the market to reach new industries and customers.”

New opportunities for HELLER: innovation, growth and global presence

The partnership with H.I.G. Capital represents a significant development for Heller and opens up numerous prospects for the future:

1. Investments in pioneering technologies

Heller and H.I.G. plan to invest additional funds in the development of innovative technologies. The focus will be on:

Digitalisation and automation

The expansion of digital solutions will enable Heller customers to organise their production even more efficiently and flexibly. These digital solutions include artificial intelligence in the machine, the digital twin and other simulation and analysis tools, combined with the continued expansion of automation solutions for the networked production environment.

Sustainable production technologies

Heller will continue to invest in environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient production technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainability. This also includes the development of energy-efficient machines and processes.

2. Expansion of the product portfolio

Heller will expand its existing product portfolio to address new industries. The company’s high-precision machines are designed to meet the needs of diverse industries, including mechanical engineering, aerospace, energy, defence, commercial vehicles and e-mobility (structural components). The integration of additional manufacturing modules and flexible production systems meets increasing demand for customisation and batch size flexibility.

3. Expansion of the global market presence

With H.I.G. Capital as a partner, Heller will be able to continue its international expansion. The plan is to:

Develop new markets

H.I.G.’s global network will give Heller access to previously untapped markets and industries.

Strengthen global sales

Heller will continue to expand its sales and service subsidiaries to be closer to customers in strategically important regions.

Foster local partnerships

Regional partnerships and joint ventures will provide customised solutions for specific market needs.

Co-operate with industrial customers

Close co-operation with leading companies in a variety of industries will enable Heller to develop customised solutions.

4. Improving efficiency and competitiveness

H.I.G. brings extensive experience in operational improvement to companies. Heller will benefit from this expertise to:

Optimise processes

Targeted measures will be taken to make internal processes more efficient and increase the company’s agility.

Increase competitiveness

Investments in state-of-the-art production methods and the digitalisation of internal processes will further increase competitiveness.

Christian Kraul-von Renner, Managing Director of H.I.G. Capital, says: “Heller is a technology jewel. We’re  very impressed by the company’s engineering capabilities, the expertise of the workforce and the competence of the management. The business has been around for over 130 years and we’re confident that it has a bright future ahead. We look forward to working with the Heller family and the management team to realise the company’s full potential. Our goal is to strengthen further Heller’s role as a global leader in innovation and to expand the success of the company on a sustainable basis.”

Nicole Pfleiderer and Marc Heller, representing the fourth generation of the family owners, add: “This partnership allows us to shape the company’s transformation while preserving our roots. Together with H.I.G., we’re laying the foundations for sustainable growth and success.”