On 1 October, Markus Gromer, CEO of Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG, marks his 30th anniversary with the company. Having joined HEINZMANN in 1995, he assumed the role of Managing Director in 1999. In 2009, following the handover of the business from his father, Anton Gromer, he took over leadership of the family enterprise and has since been guiding it successfully into the future. To mark this milestone, Markus Gromer reflected on his career and vision for the company in a dedicated interview.
BeV: 30 years with the company – how does it feel when you look back today?
MG: I can hardly believe it has already been 30 years. Time has flown by, but of course there have been many milestones along the way that remind me just how long I’ve been part of HEINZMANN.
BeV: What has been the greatest challenge in your career so far?
MG: There were several moments that have stayed with me. One of the most memorable was meeting Lee Iacocca, the legendary automotive manager behind the Ford Mustang and Chrysler’s first family van. Later, he turned his attention to electromobility and was looking for a company to develop a motor for his electric bicycle – he chose HEINZMANN, and we built it. Unfortunately, the project did not succeed as the time simply wasn’t ripe. We still own two of his bicycles today. Yet for HEINZMANN it was a success: for the first time we sold 50,000 motors for e-bikes. We also managed to navigate crises such as those in 2008 and 2012 thanks to our broad product portfolio.
BeV: Which achievements from the past 30 years make you particularly proud?
MG: Aside from my encounter with Lee Iacocca, another unforgettable moment was the start of our business relationship with a major Finnish manufacturer of combustion engines. It all began back then in a marquee at the Hannover Fair. This illustrates how crucial personal contact is. If the chemistry isn’t right, doing business becomes difficult. That’s why I always tell our sales staff: the personal connection is decisive. If it’s missing, progress often only comes once there’s a change of personnel on the customer side.
BeV: As CEO, what is especially important to you at HEINZMANN?
MG: HEINZMANN must always invest in the latest technologies and remain open to developments such as artificial intelligence. We must also continue to grow internationally, especially in the United States. Equally vital is attracting new talent and building a strong team – today, that’s the only way to succeed.
BeV: What has been the most rewarding moment of these 30 years?
MG: There have been many wonderful moments. Winning new contracts has always been a milestone. Also unforgettable were the celebrations of our 100th and 125th anniversaries with all our employees.
BeV: What do you wish for the future of the company?
MG: That we continue to stay young at heart and constantly evolve. HEINZMANN should always be among the best and provide customers with the very best solutions – with the determination to go the extra mile.
BeV: What advice would you give to young founders in your industry today?
MG: My advice applies to all industries: if you start a business, you must give it 100% commitment – otherwise you will fail quickly. Hard work and a bit of luck are essential – some fail simply because they lack the latter. It’s crucial never to lose sight of your goal. The positive news is that the start-up scene in Germany is growing, and formats like Die Höhle der Löwen show that founding a business can be fun. Start-ups are vital to driving Germany forward with fresh ideas.
The interview was conducted by Verena Behringer (commercial apprentice in her first year of training).
HEINZMANN Group - Thinking in Drive and Control
HEINZMANN is a globally active family business founded in 1897 with its headquarters in Schönau (D), in the Black Forest.
Today, in the field of engine management HEINZMANN is one of the leading suppliers of components and systems for industrial combustion engines, generators and turbines. As a specialist and development partner, HEINZMANN is committed to developing exactly the right solution for increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.
In the Electric Drives division, HEINZMANN also demonstrates innovative strength and development expertise in engine technologies of the future. The company has established itself as a reliable partner and system provider for electric drive systems.
Our collaborative interaction with more than 40 globally active subsidiaries and sales companies characterizes the spirit within the HEINZMANN Group of Companies and makes us a reliable partner.
www.heinzmann.com | www.heinzmann-electric-motors.com
Jubilarian Markus Gromer, CEO HEINZMANN
(Source: © Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG, September 2025)