A life for innovation and networking
Hartmut Herdin was born in Stuttgart on March 23, 1954 and began his career in the mechanical engineering industry after studying business administration. Early on, before many other experts, he recognized the importance of technical cleanliness for the quality and functionality of products, especially in high-tech industries such as automotive, aviation and medical technology.
His passion for networking industry players and promoting innovation led to the founding of the parts2clean trade fair in 2003. The decision to set upwas a bold one at the time - it was a time when even the major OEMs and Tier 1s were still rubbing their eyes in disbelief and amazement at how this residual dirt could suddenly become such a nuisance. On a broad front, there was not only a lack of concepts for dealing with the problem, but also a lack of basic understanding. In this environment, parts2clean formed a central meeting point for experts, users and suppliers and regularly became a source of inspiration for many decisive developments within the industry. However, the success of parts2clean was not only due to the right topic at the right time. Hartmut Herdin always had an open ear for the industry, its exhibitors and their interests and goals. His friendly, cordial manner together with his drive and energy always left an impression. As a result, parts2clean developed into the world's leading trade fair for industrial parts cleaning and became a highly visible stage that brought the topic to the attention of decision-makers.
Another project close to Hartmut Herdin's heart was Deburring Expo, which he launched in 2015. This trade fair was dedicated to deburring technology and precision surface finishing. Herdin added cleaning to the trade fair theme and developed the Parts Finishing concept. Also noteworthy is a new stand concept designed to reduce the effort required by companies. Herdin's latest and final trade fair concept also reflects his vision of promoting knowledge transfer and making it easier for companies to access solutions. It is a great pity that he will no longer be able to witness and accompany its completion in November 2025.
Driving force in the industry
In addition to his role as trade fair organizer, Hartmut Herdin was a long-time supporter of the Industrial Component Cleaning Conference of the German Industrial Parts Cleaning Association (FiT) and eventually took on the role of organizer. His special feel for the needs of the industry and his talent for bringing the right people together made the FiT conferences an important date in the calendar of many experts.
A lasting legacy
Hartmut Herdin was not only a forward thinker and pioneer, but also a companion who knew how to promote dialog between companies, research and users. His foresight and perseverance helped to make the issues surrounding technical cleanliness heard, to find answers to the challenges and to raise the parts cleaning industry to the level it has now reached.
Hartmut Herdin was more than just an entrepreneur - he was a mentor, inspirer and friend to many. His commitment and enthusiasm will remain unforgotten. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends and companions. In Hartmut Herdin, we have lost a true pioneer and visionary. His legacy will continue to accompany and inspire us.