TE Connectivity acquires HENN’s fluid connection systems for EV thermal management

TE Connectivity has entered a definitive agreement to acquire the plastic air and fluid connection systems business unit of HENN Connector Group, an automotive connection-systems supplier, adding thermal-management hardware to a portfolio of electrical power and data connectors.

The acquired unit will be integrated into TE’s global offering under the name HENN Fluid Line, and TE will open a new office in Dornbirn, Austria. Its products include quick-connect couplings for fluid applications that TE says are compliant with VDA and SAE standards, along with integrated assemblies that combine electrical connectors with interfaces for water, air or coolant. The assemblies consolidate functions, reduce installation space and simplify vehicle assembly, according to the company.

In electrified vehicles, high-voltage batteries, electric drive systems, inverters, charging units and electronic control units all require cooling, and quick-connect couplings join the fluid lines that link them. Advanced driver assistance systems add further demands, for the supply and cleaning of sensors.

After the sale, HENN will continue to operate independently, and the company says it will focus on premium metal coupling systems and non-mobility applications.

“This business unit was built at HENN through a strong commitment to innovation and technological expertise. By joining TE, it will now benefit from a global platform where these solutions can be scaled internationally, combined with electrical applications, and integrated into new vehicle platforms as complete system solutions,” said Martin Ohneberg, CEO of HENN Connector Group.

“The future of the automotive industry will be defined by highly integrated systems,” said Matthias Lechner, TE Connectivity’s Senior Vice President of Business Development. “By expanding our portfolio, we are strengthening our ability to combine electrical, data and fluid connectivity solutions into integrated systems.”

Source: TE Connectivity