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World market leader LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. is setting new standards in sustainability and innovation with a trailblazing new development in its portfolio: the Integral IN 2040 XTW process thermostat is the first LAUDA process thermostat to use CO₂ as a natural refrigerant, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. This pioneering development will expand LAUDA's broad portfolio for precise temperature control, which comprises environmentally friendly carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon-based alternatives to conventional F-gases. With this development, LAUDA is once again emphasizing its commitment to innovation and continuing its longstanding efforts towards greater sustainability and future viability. The Integral IN 2040 XTW is therefore a perfect example of technological excellence combined with ecological responsibility.

Sustainability in focus

Around 95 percent of the CO₂ emitted over the lifespan of constant temperature equipment occurs during ongoing operation. To minimize this ecological footprint, LAUDA has long focused on high energy efficiency and low CO₂ emissions. This is achieved with solutions such as electronic cooling control, speed-controlled compressors and natural refrigerants. 

Natural refrigerants at LAUDA

Thanks to the European F-Gas Regulation and the availability of efficient new technologies, LAUDA has been gradually transitioning both its device portfolio and industrial system solutions to natural refrigerants for several years already. Depending on the requirements, location of use and target temperature, LAUDA offers constant temperature equipment with different refrigerants, including carbon dioxide (R744) as well as hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) and ethane (R170).

“The switch to sustainable refrigerants not only fulfills current regulatory requirements, but it also part of our commitment to environmentally friendly temperature control technology,” says Dr. Marc Stricker, Managing Director of LAUDA.

The new Integral IN 2040 XTW process thermostat

Integral XT devices operate according to the flow principle with a cold oil blanket that enables the utilization of temperature control media over a large temperature range – optimal for dynamic temperature control tasks. The electronically controlled, magnetically coupled pump can set the flow rate optimally both for the requirements of pressure-sensitive consumers and for applications with high hydraulic resistance.

With the Integral IN 2040 XTW, LAUDA presets its first process thermostats to use CO₂ as a refrigerant. As a refrigerant, CO₂ stands out for its stable cooling output at temperatures under 20°C, non-flammability and low global warming potential (GWP) of 1, compared with over 1,000 for many F-gases. In line with other Integral products, the highly efficient IN 2040 XTW with CO₂ cooling technology offers an impressive temperature range of -45 to 200°C and 20.8 kW cooling output at 20°C outflow temperature. The new variant in the established product line combines tried-and-tested technology with innovative cooling technology. Thanks to its frequency-controlled compressor, the Integral IN 2040 XTW is extremely efficient, especially in partial load operation, and consumes up to 50 percent less energy than comparable F-gas devices. It is also quieter to run in ongoing operation, making it more pleasant to work with.

The Integral IN 2040 XTW can be retrofitted with additional interface modules for variable scenarios in process control systems and can be operated in internal LAN via a web server on a PC or tablet.

Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, accompanied a high-ranking business delegation led by Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut to India at the beginning of February. The world market leader for precise temperature control used the trip to intensify its already very successful business relationships in what is now the world's most populous country with over 1.4 billion people.

Before the actual travel program, the trip began with an important strategy meeting in Mumbai with Sandeep Sawant, Managing Director of Sawant Process Solutions and LAUDA representative. The company is the most important partner of LAUDA in the Indian market. The focus was on current market developments and new prospects for intensified cooperation.

Dr. Wobser then took part in the five-day trip with stops in Delhi, Pune and Mumbai as part of the 44-strong business delegation. The agenda included company visits to JBM Group, Bucher Hydraulics and Siemens as well as high-level business talks on the opportunities for Indo-German cooperation.

“The dynamism of the Indian market is very impressive. The interlocutors are very self-confident and have a clear, ambitious vision of the future,” summarizes Dr. Wobser his impressions. “Up until now, I was more of an Asia and China fan, but now I can see great opportunities for LAUDA to expand in the Indian market.”

In Pune, the ‘Oxford of the East’ with 265,000 students, the delegation visited leading industrial companies such as Bharat Forge and Marquardt. These contacts showed great potential for technological partnerships. The trip concluded with the 21st edition of the popular wine festival ‘Stuttgart meets Mumbai’, where Dr. Wobser was able to deepen relations with Indian partners.

“This trip marks an important step for our commitment in India,” emphasizes Dr. Wobser. “The excellent academic education, the dynamic development of Indian companies and the cooperation with our partner Sawant Process Solutions offer promising prospects.” LAUDA is planning to establish its own presence in Pune this year.

Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut reaffirms the strategic importance of economic cooperation with India. With a trade volume of over four billion euros in 2023, India is an important trading partner for Baden-Württemberg. Around 350 companies from the state are already active in the country. Baden-Württemberg's partnership with the state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai and Pune are located, has been in place for exactly ten years.

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG honored Theo Schlegelmilch on the occasion of his 40th anniversary with the company. In the presence of the management team, managing directors and other guests of honor, the long-serving employee was celebrated for his commitment and loyalty to the family-owned company.

Theo Schlegelmilch began his career at LAUDA on February 4, 1985, in parts production. In the following decades, the trained glazier worked in various departments of the company, including dispatch and powder coating. Since 2010, he has been working in the foaming shop, where he makes an important contribution with his expertise. Perfect insulation of the temperature control units is a decisive quality factor for precise temperature control.

In his laudatory speech, Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO, paid tribute to the jubilee's outstanding achievements: “Theo Schlegelmilch is as versatile as a Swiss army knife. Over four decades, he has distinguished himself in various positions through his flexibility and willingness to learn. His continuous training and his many years of experience in setting up and dismantling trade shows make him a valuable employee.”

Sebastian Weißmann, Manager Production Refrigeration, emphasized the jubilarian's exemplary work ethic: “Theo is characterized by his clean and dedicated way of working. As an early riser, he always organizes his working day independently and reliably. As an experienced veteran of the foaming plant, he has contributed to the growth and current standing of LAUDA for over four decades – making him an important role model for the younger generation. His expertise will leave a big gap.”

Deputy Works Council Chairman Uwe Stastny paid tribute to Theo Schlegelmilch as a helpful, committed and friendly colleague who had also been a member of ‘IG Metall’ (Industrial Union of Metalworkers) for 40 years.

Dr. Wobser added: “Although the foaming department often works behind the scenes, it is indispensable for the quality of our appliances. Employees like Theo Schlegelmilch, who fulfill their tasks with dedication and precision, are the foundation of our family business.” In recognition of his many years of service, the jubilarian received the LAUDA certificate of honor.

Marco Hess, Deputy Mayor of the town of Lauda-Königshofen, conveyed the town's congratulations and emphasized the importance of long-standing employees in his speech: “If everyone sees themselves as an important cog in the company, as Mr. Schlegelmilch does, then the sum of all contributes to the big picture. LAUDA ensures growth, prosperity and jobs in our city and the region.” The official representative honored the jubilarian with a gift of wine and a certificate from the state of Baden-Württemberg, signed by Minister President Winfried Kretschmann.

For Theo Schlegelmilch, the transition to a new phase of life will begin on July 1, 2025, with the start of the partial retirement phase. The passionate hiker will then have more time for his hobby.