H+E Group
The H+E Group (formerly Hero) develops and manufactures high-quality plastic parts and assemblies for vehicle interiors and the household appliance industry. As a specialist in (gas-assisted) injection moulding, Hero supports its customers on the path from the product idea to series production. Its product expertise ranges from simple plastic parts to complex assemblies featuring high-quality surfaces and an appealing feel. Its core competencies also include toolmaking and process development.
The difficult market environment created by the Covid-19 pandemic created an entry opportunity for Blue Cap in early 2021 at a reduced valuation multiple with earnings that were at an all-time low. Hero has the opportunity to increase its earnings and valuation multiple substantially over the next few years as the economy mounts a recovery and the company implements various organic growth measures. The group of companies is planning to step up its distribution activities, optimise its production network and examine options for inorganic growth.
Key facts

Company headquarters
Ittlingen (Baden-Württemberg)
Managing directors
Philipp Bentzinger,
Mike Liphardt
Revenue in 2021
EUR 33.0 million
Employees (31 Dec. 2021)
188 (incl. trainees)
Established
1976 (last change of name in 2021)
Joined portfolio
2021
Shareholding in %
71
Additional locations
Sinsheim (Baden-Württemberg)
Segment
Plastics

Strategic projects
Blue Cap AG offers the company support with the following projects:
- Integration of the organisation and production of the three sub-companies
- Expansion of sales activities and tapping into new markets
- Examination for inorganic growth
- Standardisation and modernisation of IT systems
- Reviewing further improvements to sustainability, e.g. energy efficiency and the use of recycled raw materials

Managing
directors
Philipp Bentzinger, chair of the management board, has more than 18 years of experience in the automotive industry. The 50-year-old has been a managing partner at H+E Group since 2014 and has helped the company to continually develop and grow over the last few years. Mr Bentzinger is an industrial engineer and studied in Braunschweig and Munich.
Mike Liphardt has been a member of the management board of the H+E Group since 2019. Prior to that, the 53-year-old worked for various companies such as Siemens and Doducu, and has strong technical experience under his belt. Mr Liphardt studied engineering with a focus on plastics technology in Darmstadt.
