Active in the consumer electronics, professional audio, automotive and enterprise/installation market segments, Harman has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2017, Harman became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. The global audio giant continues to expand its international footprint and now announced a new research facility in Denmark to innovate in the headphones and hearables segment.
For decades, Denmark has been recognized as one of the world's leading countries in audio technology. For example, more than 50% of all hearing aid sales in the world come from Danish manufacturers, and there are more than 60 bachelor's and master's degree programs at Danish universities and colleges where sound is an essential part of the educational program.
"As a Danish engineer who spent my whole career in the audio business, the opening of our new audio engineering lab in Denmark marks a very proud moment for me," says Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at Harman. "By expanding the footprint of our Danish headquarters in Kvistgaard we are building infrastructure and cultivating a space for innovation, collaboration, and pioneering breakthroughs that will propel the audio industry forward. Sound technology is one of Denmark’s strongest tech areas, and we are thrilled to create a place for innovation at our Danish headquarters."
The new Kvistgaard Audio Lab, located North of Copenhagen, includes a workshop where engineers will research and develop innovative technologies, and a Diffuse Sound Chamber to design and test sound performance according to the "Harman Listening Curve," a target frequency response for headphones that was already the result of intense research conducted by the company, and which is now regarded as a benchmark in audio quality.
The Audio Engineering Lab in Kvistgaard will also employ engineers from all over the world, and a collaboration with Danish universities such as DTU (Technical University of Denmark), will provide opportunities to work with local, young engineering talent, Harman says.
Harman has also joined Danish Sound Cluster, a national organization that represents Denmark's sound industry, driving sustainable growth and world class innovation. Members of the Danish Sound Cluster are diverse, yet they all focus on improving people’s lives through innovative sound solutions in hearing, acoustics, noise, sound production, and experiences.
"Today, sound technology is one of Denmark's strongest tech areas. To maintain and expand this position, the industry's players must work even more closely together. We are pleased that Harman, one of the world's largest audio manufacturers, has chosen to join. It gives us and our members the opportunity to work together in multiple ways," says Torben Vilsgaard, CEO of Danish Sound Cluster.
"To innovate, it is important to inspire and challenge each other," continues Carsten Olesen. "We need to collaborate with the best players and young talents in the industry. Leveraging the deep and rich history of audio innovation in Denmark, we look forward to collaborating with DTU and other Danish universities, and DSC to continue to drive audio innovation."
New Manufacturing Facility in Thailand
Harman recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction of a new manufacturing facility in Thailand. The new facility, which will be approximately 47,000 sqm in size, will be located just 125 kilometers outside of Bangkok in Laem Chabang, strategically sited within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and in close proximity to manufacturing facilities for numerous leading global automotive and technology brands.
While the facility will support several of Harman’s automotive business units, manufacturing at the new Thailand location will focus primarily on developing products for the company’s automotive division. The new manufacturing facility in Thailand will enable the company to further scale these solutions and effectively deliver on its promise of building in-cabin consumer experiences at an automotive grade.
Harman Automotive President Christian Sobottka, along with other Harman senior leaders, celebrated the commencement by breaking ground with Thailand Minister of Industry Pimphattra Wichaikul and other Thai officials who spoke to the economic, innovation and growth synergies that Harman’s new facility will support in the region.
"Expanding our manufacturing footprint in a location like Thailand offers enormous benefits including a rich talent pool and close proximity to OEM partners. In addition to offering years of manufacturing experience supporting both the automotive and technology sectors, Thailand is rapidly transforming into a major production hub for both electric vehicles and the next generation of automotive technology. The synergies between Thailand’s growing investments in high-tech manufacturing and the rapid pace needed to support today’s automotive customers make our decision to commit to the region an easy one," said Sobottka.
Harman has a global Operations presence with automotive manufacturing facilities in Brazil, China, Hungary, India, and Mexico, involving more than 12,000 employees. Thailand was selected as the site location for Harman’s newest manufacturing facility because of the country’s high vehicle production volume, existing significant OEM presence, and talent-rich environment for technology manufacturing. While construction on the facility is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2025, Harman will begin hiring locally for select roles this fall and plans to build its local workforce to approximately 1,200 initially leading up to the facility’s official opening date slated for later next year.
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