What Harwin does

Harwin Plc is a privately-held, family-controlled (de Laszlo family, founded 1952) specialist manufacturer of high-reliability electronic connectors and interconnect solutions headquartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. The company operates three product ranges — HRi (high-reliability: Gecko 1.25mm pitch micro-miniature, Datamate 2.00mm high-density, M300 compact power, Kona 60A high-current), BBi (board-to-board: Archer fine-pitch mezzanine, Kontrol industrial, Indess industry-standard, Flecto floating), and EZi (board-level EMC shielding, PCB hardware, sockets, pogo pins, spring contacts) — alongside a cable assembly configurator supporting four major product families. Manufacturing is concentrated at an EN 9100 / AS9100D-certified Portsmouth site, currently undergoing a £30M expansion to double capacity (7,459 m² facility, 2026 completion). Harwin sells exclusively through an authorised global distribution network of 20+ partners including DigiKey, Mouser, Avnet, TTI, and regional specialists, supported by digital tooling (TraceParts 3D CAD, TrustedParts live pricing/stock across 6,000+ parts, 3D virtual showroom with AR) that targets design and procurement engineers before physical samples are required. The customer base spans nine vertical segments: aviation/aerospace, defense, space, UAVs, electric vehicles, energy/oil & gas, industrial automation, medical, and metering/measurement, where end-customers are typically unnamed in public materials due to aerospace/defense confidentiality conventions. Leadership transitioned in 2025 with Andrew McQuilken (formerly CRO) appointed CEO and Jon Churchill joining as COO, while William de Laszlo serves as sole Executive Chair following Damon de Laszlo's retirement. The company is also pursuing the Nivora initiative with Nicomatic and The New Materialist to develop regenerative biomaterials for connector housings, signaling forward-looking sustainability positioning for EU aerospace/automotive supply chains.

Name

Harwin

Legal name

Harwin Plc

Website

https://harwin.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Harwin is a privately-held, family-controlled UK manufacturer of high-reliability electronic connectors and interconnect solutions (HRi, BBi, EZi ranges) sold exclusively through authorised global distributors to aerospace, defense, space, medical, EV, and industrial customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electronic Connectors and Interconnect Solutions

NAICS

Electronic Connector Manufacturing (334417), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing (335931)

SIC

Electronic Connectors (3678), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)

akta.pro primary industry

Connectors & Interconnect Components (Industrial connectors, terminals, sockets, backplane) (IMAGAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

EMI/EMC & Filtering Components (Common-mode chokes, filters, shielding materials) (IMAGAJAN), Cable Accessories & Joints/Terminations (splices, joints, terminations, link boxes) (EUADADAC), Wiring Harnesses & Pre-Fabricated Assemblies (IMADAMAN)

Keywords

• High-reliability connectors
• Board-to-board interconnects
• Electronic connector manufacturer
• EMC shielding solutions
• PCB hardware components

Headquarters

HQ city

Portsmouth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Electronic Component Manufacturing (Connectors & PCB Hardware): Harwin designs and manufactures high-reliability connectors and PCB hardware, selling exclusively through authorised global distribution partners. Products range from micro-miniature to high-current connectors across aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, EV, space, UAV, and metering/measurement markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels34 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Harwin designs and manufactures high-reliability electronic connectors, board-to-board interconnects, EMC shielding, and PCB hardware for demanding applications across aerospace, defense, space, medical, electric vehicle, UAV, industrial, and metering markets. Products range from micro-miniature connectors (1.25mm Gecko pitch) to high-current power connectors (60A Kona), with cable assemblies configurable via an online tool. The company operates exclusively through an authorized global distribution network, not direct sales, and holds EN 9100/AS9100D aerospace certification.

Product overview

Harwin is a world-leading specialist manufacturer of reliable and high-performance interconnection technologies organized into three product ranges. The HRi (High Reliability) range includes Gecko micro-miniature connectors, Datamate high-density signal connectors, M300 compact power connectors, and Kona high-current power connectors for aerospace, defense, space, medical, UAV, and industrial applications. The BBi (Board-to-Board) range features Archer mezzanine connectors, Kontrol durable connectors, Indess industry-standard connectors, and Flecto floating connectors for industrial, metering, and automotive applications. The EZi (Ease-of-Assembly) range provides EMC shielding, PCB hardware, sockets, pogo pins, and spring contacts that simplify production and testing. Cable assemblies are available across the Gecko, Kona, M300, and Datamate families through an online cable configurator tool.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HRi: High-reliability interconnect solutions for satellites, aerospace, medical devices, defence - includes Gecko, Datamate, M300, and Kona series.
• BBi
• EZi

Products and services

• Gecko (G125 Series) Micro-miniature dual-row interconnect connectors at 1.25mm pitch providing 2A per contact (2.8A individual). Features patented 4-finger contact design for high vibration/shock resistance, with variants including Gecko Latch, Gecko-MT (mixed-technology, smallest lightest mixed-technology connector), and Gecko-SL (mate-before-lock screw fixings). Outgassing levels meet NASA/ESA requirements.
• Datamate (M80 and M83 Series) High-reliability miniature connectors at 2.00mm pitch delivering 3A per signal contact with enhanced temperature range (-55°C to +125°C). Available in single, double and triple row configurations with jackscrews, latches or bayonet fixings. Features 4-finger contact design, low outgassing properties suitable for space, avionics and optronics, and assured signal integrity under extreme vibration, shock and temperature.
• M300 Compact power connector at 3.00mm pitch delivering 10A per contact (5A with 2AWG wire). Features 4-finger beryllium copper contact design with extended temperature range (-65°C to +175°C). Available in 3-contact single row, 6- and 10-contact double row configurations with 1,000 mating cycles durability.
• Kona High-reliability power connectors at 8.50mm pitch delivering up to 60A per contact and up to 3,000V without flashover. Features 6-finger beryllium copper contact design with extended temperature range (-65°C to +150°C), individually shrouded contacts with recessed design to avoid accidental touch, and thumbscrew mate-before-lock fixings. Configurations include 2, 3 or 4 single row for cable-to-board or cable-to-cable applications.
• Archer Industrial-grade board-to-board mezzanine connectors comprising fine pitch (1.27mm) pin header and socket connectors plus ultra-fine pitch (0.5mm and 0.8mm) high-speed connectors. Current rating from 0.5A to 1.75A per contact, supporting data rates up to 12GHz, 24Gb/s. Features IDC options with positive latch system and halogen-free, RoHS compliant materials.
• Kontrol Compact 1.27mm pitch durable connectors for board-to-board and cable-to-board connections. Current rating of 1.2A per contact with stacking heights from 8mm to 20mm. Features polarized, fully shrouded design suited for blind-mating applications with SMT hold-down tabs providing strain relief. Available with ready-made cable assemblies in 150mm and 300mm lengths.
• Indess Industry standard and industry-compatible connectors at 2.54mm and 2.00mm pitch offering dependable all-purpose connectivity with cost-effective simplicity. Features twin-beam connections for female receptacles that mate with pin headers, available with cable options including crimp contacts and housings.
• Flecto Floating board-to-board connectors capable of withstanding ±0.5mm misalignment in both X and Y axes via spring-like terminals that absorb stress off solder joints. Fine-pitch design with up to 160 contacts in symmetrical double-row layout. Miniature pitches of 0.5mm, 0.635mm and 0.8mm with mated mounting heights down to 5.98mm. Supports both signal-only and mixed signal and power options with additional power pins rated at 3A in the 0.5mm pitch range.
• EZi Shielding Board-level EMC/RFI shielding solutions featuring SMT retention clips and replaceable 5-sided nickel silver shield cans. Enables surface-mount assembly without hand soldering, with reusable cans for rework and maintenance. Supplied in tape and reel packaging for high-speed automated assembly.
• EZi Hardware PCB hardware accessories including coin cell holders, jumper links, SMT cable clips, SMT test points, spacers/pillars/standoffs, and terminal pins. Durable components designed to simplify production or testing requirements.
• EZi Sockets Throughboard and SMT PCB contacts providing simple and effective method for connecting PCBs and odd-form devices. Eliminates de-soldering for rework or replacing ICs and modules. Options include Hi-Rel turned body sockets with multi-finger beryllium copper contact clips, SMT stamped sockets in tape-and-reel, and dual-entry twin-beam test sockets.
• EZi Pogo Pins Surface-mount spring-loaded contacts providing lightweight surface-to-surface connections maintained by spring force. Durable with high number of mating cycles. Current rating from 1A to 2A with gold-plated contact pads as thin as 0.1mm. Available with or without location pegs, including ATE test probes for testing applications.
• EZi Spring Contacts SMT spring contacts maintaining positive force against mating surfaces, available in different heights with multiple spring force options. Current rating between 1A and 14A, supporting up to 10,000 mating cycles. Includes antenna contacts (cantilever style), C-style, box-style, and multi-directional variants for RFI screening, LED connections, RFID tags, and PCB grounding.
• Cable Assemblies (via Cable Configurator) Configurable cable assemblies built using Harwin's HRi connector families (Gecko, Kona, M300, Datamate). Supports single-ended and double-ended cable configurations, connector cable assemblies, and single wire assemblies. Cable lengths from 60mm to 9990mm.

Quantifiable outcome

• Flecto connectors can withstand up to ±0.5mm misalignment in both X and Y axes, enabling multiple board-to-board connections without precision placement accuracy requirements.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NicomaticcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026Connector manufacturer partner in the Nivora initiative to develop regenerative biomaterials capable of replacing traditional plastics (PPS, PBT) used in connector housings. Aimed at addressing sustainability across the connector industry by promoting adoption of bio-sourced materials in place of petroleum-based plastics.
• The New MaterialistcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026Biomaterial innovation specialist partner in the Nivora initiative. Developing regenerative biomaterials (bio-based polymers created using processes that actively restore natural systems) for the connector industry. Focused on mechanical, thermal, and electrical property testing to ensure new materials meet stringent technical specifications.
• Knights BrownminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 17 February 2025Construction contractor appointed for design and build of Harwin's £30M multi-story manufacturing facility in Portsmouth. Committed to a substantial social value plan including working with local secondary schools, recruiting apprentices, volunteering at community projects and attending local STEM events.
• TracePartscoreTechnology or Integration · 12 July 2023Partnership ensuring designers can easily access 3D models of Harwin connectors, board-level EMC shielding and PCB hardware in all current CAD file formats for direct integration into CAD systems and design workflows. This positions Harwin's products as 'digital samples' early in the engineering design cycle.
• TrustedPartscoreTechnology or Integration · 12 July 2023Gives engineers and specifiers aggregated real-time price and availability data for genuine parts from only authorised/franchised distributors. Over 6,000 of Harwin fast-moving parts listed in local languages and currencies of key global markets, streamlining the specification-to-purchase process.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Nicomatic: French high-reliability connector specialist competing head-to-head in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Direct overlap with Harwin's HRi range and an active co-development partner in the Nivora biomaterials initiative, making it the closest comparable in size, niche, and end-market.
• Samtec: US-based specialist in board-to-board and high-speed interconnects. Directly comparable to Harwin's BBi range (Archer, Kontrol, Indess) across fine-pitch mezzanine, industrial, and embedded applications, with a comparable engineer-led, distribution-supported go-to-market.
• ITT Inc. (Cannon): Long-established aerospace/defense connector manufacturer (Cannon brand) serving aviation, military vehicles, and space. Directly comparable to Harwin's HRi range on qualification pedigree (AS9100D, MIL-spec) and customer overlap, though operating at meaningfully larger scale.
• Smiths Interconnect: Division of Smiths Group specialising in high-reliability interconnect solutions for aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets. Closest large-scale analog to Harwin's HRi product positioning, including space-qualified and ruggedised connector families.
• Hirose Electric: Japanese precision connector manufacturer with strong positions in fine-pitch, board-to-board, and high-frequency interconnects. Directly comparable to Harwin's Archer high-speed (12GHz/24Gb/s) and Kontrol/Indess industrial connector lines.
• JAE (Japan Aviation Electronics): Japanese connector manufacturer with strong aerospace heritage and broad industrial connector coverage. Comparable to Harwin's HRi range in aviation-qualified connectors and to BBi products in board-to-board industrial applications.
• Eaton (Souriau / Sunbank): Eaton's aerospace division (Souriau-Sunbank) supplies high-reliability circular and rectangular connectors to defense, space, and aviation programs. Directly comparable to Harwin's HRi positioning on ruggedised, qualification-driven interconnect.

Broad incumbents

• Amphenol: One of the world's largest interconnect manufacturers with extensive aerospace, defense, and industrial connector portfolios (including Amphenol Aerospace and Amphenol Industrial). Overlaps with Harwin across most HRi, BBi and EZi product lines but competes from a vastly broader catalog and global manufacturing base.
• TE Connectivity: Global incumbent in electronic connectivity with deep aerospace/defense and industrial coverage. Overlaps broadly with Harwin across high-reliability signal, power, and EMC products, and competes through larger R&D, broader portfolios, and direct OEM relationships.

Emerging players

• Omnetics Connector Corporation: US specialist in nano/miniature high-reliability connectors for military, medical, and aerospace applications. Comparable to Harwin's Gecko and Datamate ranges in micro-miniature pitch and ruggedised qualification, though smaller in scale and narrower in catalog.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HarwinEurope
• Facebookfacebook.com/HarwinPlc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/harwin

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harwin