DLG appoints Martin Hanstein to head DLG Test Center Technology & Farm Inputs

Extensive technical expertise and international leadership in vehicle and testing technology – Strategic development of independent testing services for agricultural and vehicle technology – Targeted expansion of the practical and international testing portfolio

(DLG). Effective January 1, 2026, Martin Hanstein assumed responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the Business Unit “DLG Test Center Technology & Farm Inputs” at DLG TestService GmbH in Gross-Umstadt, Germany. With its Test Center for Technology and Farm Inputs, DLG TestService is one of the leading, independent and internationally recognized partners for testing and certification services in agricultural and vehicle technology. At the same time, the range of services in quality assurance, research and development, and regulatory testing procedures is being systematically expanded.  

DLG TestService is part of DLG, the German Agricultural Society, a non‑profit organization dedicated to advancing practical and technical knowledge for farmers. 

In his role as Head of the “DLG Test Center Technology & Farm Inputs” business unit, Martin Hanstein is responsible for the overall management of the test center, from day‑to‑day operations to the strategic development of future‑oriented business models. A particular focus lies on strengthening practical, application‑oriented testing services, including performance and fuel consumption measurements, functional and endurance testing, safety‑ and quality‑related assessments, testing according to national and international standards, as well as services provided under the OECD Tractor Codes. In addition, the international visibility of the testing portfolio will be further enhanced.

Extensive experience in vehicle technology and testing

Martin Hanstein brings nearly two decades of professional experience in vehicle and powertrain technology, performance testing and industrial project management. Since 2023, he has headed the Vehicle Technology and Performance Testing department at DLG TestService, where he has expanded the department’s technical scope and has been responsible for complex testing programs.

Prior to joining DLG, he held senior engineering and project management roles in the automotive industry, most recently at Opel, working both for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and for engineering service providers, and collaborating closely with suppliers. His career is shaped by strong expertise in the development and validation of powertrain systems as well as extensive experience in leading interdisciplinary and cross‑functional teams.

With his degree in mechanical engineering and his long‑standing, internationally oriented work in research and development and in test and validation processes, Hanstein brings ideal qualifications to actively shape the future direction of the Test Center. His focus areas include supporting regulatory processes, promoting sustainable technologies and strengthening international networks in vehicle and agricultural technology.

DLG Test Center: Independent testing and certification service provider

With its Test Center for Technology & Farm Inputs, DLG TestService is one of the internationally leading testing and certification bodies for tractors, agricultural machinery and farm inputs. All testing is based on recognized standards developed by the DLG and is complemented by comprehensive quality assurance in accordance with national and international norms. The practical, application‑oriented test methods are continuously developed by independent expert commissions. In addition to standardized test procedures, the Test Center in Gross-Umstadt offers customized testing programs for research and development as well as individual customer solutions. As an accredited and designated body, DLG TestService stands for independent, reliable and technically sound testing and certification services.

More information on the Test Center for Technology & Farm Inputs:
www.dlg-testservice.com/en/agricultural-technology-farm-inputs/profile

Media contact

Dr. Malene Conlong
International press communications
+49 69 24788-237
m.conlong@DLG.org

About DLG

With more than 31,000 members, DLG is a politically independent and non-profit organisation. DLG draws on an international network of some 3,000 food and agricultural experts. DLG operates with subsidiaries in 10 countries and also organizes over 30 regional agricultural and livestock exhibitions worldwide. DLG’s leading international exhibitions, EuroTier for livestock farming and Agritechnica for agricultural machinery, which are held every two years in Hanover, Germany, provide international impetus for the local trade fairs. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany,  DLG conducts practical trials and tests to keep its members informed of the latest developments. DLG’s sites include DLG's International Crop Production Centre, a 600-hectare test site in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany and the DLG Test Centre, Europe's largest agricultural machinery test centre for Technology and Farm Inputs, located in Gross-Umstadt, Germany. DLG bridges the gap between theory and practice, as evidenced by more than 40 working groups of farmers, academics, agricultural equipment companies and organisations that continually compare advances in knowledge in specific areas such as irrigation and precision farming. 

www.dlg.org