The LAUDA trade fair stand with the team at analytica 2026 © Foto Besserer
World market leader increases customer contacts again
analytica 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analytics, and biotechnology, has come to a close in Munich after four successful days. With 1,135 exhibitors from 40 countries, the international trade fair once again confirmed its role as the industry’s most important gathering. For LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, the global market leader in precise temperature control, analytica 2026 was a special event: The family-owned company is celebrating its 70th anniversary throughout the year and entered the show with the clear goal of inspiring the public. The strategy paid off: Customer contacts saw single-digit percentage growth – even in light of geopolitically driven travel restrictions. A festive evening with international guests rounded out the trade show appearance and underscored the close ties of LAUDA with its partners.
Focus on the New LAUDA Universa Product Line and Digital Solutions
Under the trade show motto “LAUDA – The Home of Innovation. Since 1956,” the temperature control specialist presented its booth concept in Hall B1, Booth 504, centered around three key themes: the new modular LAUDA Universa product line, comprehensive digital solutions, and expanded service offerings. The trade audience showed great interest in the completely new designed Universa product line, which was showcased for the first time at analytica in all three performance classes – ECO, PRO, and MAX. With a temperature range of -90 to 300 °C, temperature stability of up to ±0.01 K, a modular design, and natural refrigerants, the product line sets new standards for flexibility, performance, and sustainability in the laboratory.
LAUDA Mobifreeze also attracted a great deal of attention. It is the world’s first mobile, battery-powered ultra-low-temperature chest freezer, capable of operating independently of the power grid at temperatures as low as -86 °C, and is fundamentally transforming cold-chain logistics for temperature-sensitive substances.
At the digitalization podium on the LAUDA booth, visitors experienced firsthand how the LAUDA Command app, the LAUDA.LIVE Services cloud solution, and an AI-powered chat and voice assistant ensure device operation, remote maintenance, and round-the-clock service availability. In addition, LAUDA participated in the special “Digital Transformation” show with a combination of Universa bath thermostats, intelligent sensor technology, and a cobot robot arm as a fully integrated, automated laboratory workflow.
“In our 70th anniversary year, one thing was paramount for us at analytica: staying close to our customers, inspiring them with our solutions, and creating real added value. The strong response to our Universa product line, our digital solutions, and our service innovations confirms our belief that we will gain even more momentum in this area in the future,” summarizes Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA and also Chairman of the trade show’s Exhibitor Advisory Board. “As the world’s leading trade fair, analytica provides the ideal setting for this – and motivates us to boldly drive the development of precise temperature control technology forward.”
Press Event at the LAUDA Booth
A press event was once again held at the LAUDA booth for representatives of the trade media. Members of management and the product marketing team gave the press representatives a tour of the booth, presented the latest innovations, and were available to answer questions.
Following analytica, LAUDA is seamlessly continuing its busy trade show schedule: Starting in April, the company will be exhibiting at a total of 13 additional trade shows – including the Hannover Messe, the Battery Show in Stuttgart, the Automotive Testing Expo also in Stuttgart, and Lab Supply events at various locations throughout Germany. These trade show appearances offer LAUDA the opportunity to present its innovations to a broad professional audience from other industries and application fields and to continuously deepen its dialogue with customers and partners.
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President & CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser (center), together with Dr. Mario Englert and Dr. Marc Stricker, welcomed the representatives of the international subsidiaries of LAUDA to the first World Jour Fixe of the year at the company headquarters in Lauda-Königshofen. The managing directors of the worldwide subsidiaries meet with the LAUDA management team for this annual strategy meeting. © LAUDA
LAUDA management team launches strategy process at the 2026 World Jour Fixe
The international management team of LAUDA met for its annual World Jour Fixe from March 18 to 20, 2026, at the company's headquarters in Lauda-Königshofen. For the first time in the spring, the managing directors of the global subsidiaries also met with the management team of LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG – shortly after the company's 70th anniversary and just before the analytica trade fair in Munich.
The three-day strategy meeting focused on general discussions, the development of concrete future scenarios, and the further development of the company-wide Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). In cross-functional working sessions covering sales, production, and the supporting functions of finance, human resources, and IT, participants developed scenarios and measures designed to secure the continued success of LAUDA in the coming years.
The three-day strategy meeting focused on the development of concrete future scenarios and the further development of the company-wide Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). “The World Jour Fixe impressively confirmed that we, as the management team, are united and determined to set the right course for the future,” emphasized Managing Partner Dr. Gunther Wobser. “We are confident that we will achieve our sales and order intake targets – and ideally even exceed them by winning new major projects.”
The Lauda-Königshofen location provided more than just the organizational setting: As the headquarters of the family-owned company, it represents the roots of LAUDA and served as the central starting point in this anniversary year for jointly looking ahead. An opening evening at the “REBgut” restaurant and a joint dinner in Markelsheim followed by a bowling tournament strengthened team spirit.
The scenarios and measures developed will be further refined in the coming months to consistently continue the growth trajectory of LAUDA as the world market leader in precise temperature control.
LAUDA will be presenting the new Universa product line and digital innovations
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrates its 70th birthday this year and will be present at analytica 2026 as a world market leader for precise temperature control solutions. Under the trade fair motto "LAUDA – The Home of Innovation. Since 1956", the family-owned company will be presenting its modern stand concept in Munich from March 24 to 27 with three central themes: the new LAUDA Universa modular product line, comprehensive digitalization solutions for the laboratory of the future and new service offers for maximum availability and operational safety.
Universa in the limelight – modular, sustainable, digital and high-performance
The LAUDA Universa product line, a completely newly developed generation of innovative bath and circulation thermostats, will take center stage at our stand. The pioneering devices combine advanced technology with environmentally friendly refrigeration technology and offer highly flexible solutions for a large number of important applications.
LAUDA will be presenting all three performance classes of the Universa product line for the first time at analytica. First up is the Universa ECO U 8 E as a cost-efficient entry-level device with an 8 l bath. Universa PRO is available both as an immersion thermostat and as the U 420 P with a 4 l bath for a variety of standard applications. Universa MAX U 845 M with an 8 l bath as well as Universa MAX U 2040 m with a calibration rack and a 20 l bath can be seen in action. These devices are designed for demanding applications.
The product line is based on four central pillars: customizability, performance, connectivity and sustainability. Its modular structure allows baths, control heads and cooling units to be flexibly combined and also upgraded at a later date. With a temperature range of -90 to 300°C, a temperature stability of up to ±0.01 K, heating outputs of up to 3.6 kW and cooling outputs of up to 1.6 kW, the Universa thermostats are suitable for numerous applications in research, science and industry.
"The LAUDA Universa product line upholds the proud tradition of the first universal thermostat in the world, which my grandfather and company founder Dr. Rudolf Wobser developed in 1949," says Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA. "The new Universa generation enables us to revive this innovation and once again define the temperature control of the future."
Digitalization written large – from the Command app to AI readiness
Digitalization is an integral part of the product development and corporate strategy at LAUDA. Visitors can experience the company’s comprehensive digital solutions live at the digitalization area on the LAUDA stand.
All Universa thermostats are equipped with USB, Ethernet and even WiFi interfaces as standard and can be effortlessly integrated in existing lab systems. The LAUDA Command app allows devices to be controlled remotely via smartphone, tablet or PC. Temperature profiles can be analyzed, programs managed and device settings easily customized – irrespective of the location.
The Universa PRO and MAX variants can also be expanded with up to 11 different interface modules – from analog through to EtherCAT or OPC/UA. Remote maintenance, monitoring and data acquisition are possible by connecting to the LAUDA.LIVE Services IOT cloud solution, providing increased operational safety. The future-proof architecture prepares the devices for AI-supported optimizations, which LAUDA is already researching and developing in partnership with universities.
Digital Transformation special show – automated temperature processes with cobot integration
LAUDA is also participating in the Digital Transformation special show in Hall B2, Stand 331. A combination of LAUDA Universa bath thermostats, amensio Sens-o-Spheres and the UR5e Cobot robot arm will be presented there. This intelligent laboratory automation enables direct core temperature measurement in the sample and the automated further processing initiated thereby. A fully integrated workflow with reproducible results and minimal personnel requirements is created via the interaction of intelligent sensors, high-precision temperature control and automated handling. Comfortable digital operation is provided via the LAUDA Command Professional app with real-time monitoring via LAUDA.LIVE.
Service redesigned – chat and voice AI ensures 24/7 accessibility
LAUDA has extended its service portfolio by offering innovative solutions which further increase the availability and operational safety for customers. With an AI-supported chat and voice assistant, the company is presenting a solution that ensures service accessibility, even outside normal business hours. The assistant has been trained on the LAUDA Universa, Integral, Variocool and PRO product lines and can answer questions about handling, troubleshooting and technical data.
Highlights from the LAUDA portfolio – completely with natural refrigerants for the first time
Apart from the three main themes, LAUDA will be presenting additional innovations and proven solutions. The LAUDA Mobifreeze, the first mobile, battery-powered ultra low temperature chest freezer in the world, deserves particular attention. The actively cooled freezer permits mains-independent operation for up to 4 hrs and down to -86 °C and revolutionizes the cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive substances – entirely without dry ice or Phase Change Materials (PCMs).
Devices from the Puridest, Hydro, PRO and LOOP lines from LAUDA‘s extensive portfolio will also be on display. For the first time, all the Alpha, Microcool, Integral and Variocool devices on display have been converted to natural refrigerant, meaning that all the thermostats are equipped to meet current and future sustainability requirements.
"In our 70th year, we can look back with pride on a successful history and are actively shaping the future of temperature control technology," says Dr. Gunther Wobser. "The Universa devices, digital solutions and extended service offers presented at analytica demonstrate how innovation, sustainability and customer focus interact – true to our motto: Improving the world together with precise temperatures."
LAUDA will be presenting its innovations in Hall B1, Stand 504 at analytica 2026 in Munich from March 24 to 27. The company is also participating in the Digital Transformation special show in Hall B2, Stand 331.
Fig. 1: LAUDA_Universa_analytica.jpg
The new LAUDA Universa product line combines modular design, high performance, comprehensive connectivity and sustainability – for the laboratory of the future. © LAUDA
Fig. 2: LAUDA_Digitalisierung_analytica.jpg
Digital transformation at LAUDA: from the Command app and LAUDA.LIVE to cobot integration – precise temperature control meets intelligent automation. © LAUDA
Fig. 3: LAUDA_Mobifreeze.jpg
LAUDA Mobifreeze revolutionizes the cold chain logistics with mobile, battery-powered ultra low temperature cooling down to -86 °C. © LAUDA
Elmar Mohr (center) was honored for 40 years of service at LAUDA by President & CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser (right). Those congratulating him were (from left to right): Dr. Mario Englert (CFO), Uwe Stastny (Deputy Chairman of the Works Council), Dr. Sabine Möhrlein, Mayor Dr. Lukas Braun (Mayor of Lauda-Königshofen), and Dr. Marc Stricker (COO). © LAUDA
Decades of Commitment to the World Market Leader
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrated Elmar Mohr's 40th work anniversary with the company at a special ceremony. In the presence of the management team, the executive board, and several honored guests, the long-serving chairman of the works council was recognized for his exceptional commitment and loyalty to the family-owned company.
Elmar Mohr began his career at LAUDA on January 27, 1986, in the refrigeration department. Just one year later, the trained toolmaker moved to the toolmaking and prototype construction department of the development division, where he contributed his expertise for over two decades. He has served as chairman of the works council since March 2010, shaping the collaboration between management and the workforce. In addition to his role as chairman, he was a member of the editorial team of the employee magazine “WIR bei LAUDA” (WE at LAUDA) from 1995 to December 2017.
Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO, praised the honoree's exceptional contributions in his laudatory speech: “Elmar Mohr combines skilled craftsmanship with outstanding business acumen. His creativity and versatility make him a valued partner for management. In negotiations, he impresses with his willingness to find solutions, remaining calm and objective while also demonstrating the necessary decisiveness and backbone. Even after his upcoming retirement, I hope to continue our dialogue.” In recognition of his many years of service, Elmar Mohr received the LAUDA Certificate of Honor.
As Chairman of the Works Council, Mohr guided the company through turbulent times and made a crucial contribution to constructive collaboration. “The tradition of toolmaking has remained important to me,” Mohr emphasized in his acceptance speech. “I have also brought this meticulous craftsmanship to my work as Chairman of the Works Council.”
Dr. Lukas Braun, Mayor of Lauda-Königshofen, conveyed the congratulations of the city and the Minister-President to the honoree. He emphasized that Elmar Mohr embodies social partnership in action and that his constructive work has significantly contributed to the positive working environment at LAUDA. This strengthens not only the company and the Lauda-Königshofen business location, but the entire region. The mayor presented him with a bottle of wine and a certificate from the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Uwe Stastny, Deputy Chairman of the Works Council, spoke on behalf of the workforce and praised the collaborative work within the council. He emphasized that Elmar Mohr had led the Works Council with foresight and a strong sense of responsibility for over 16 years. His continuous professional development and his commitment to the workforce had set a high standard.
Elmar Mohr's phased retirement begins on April 1, 2026. The passionate table tennis player and cyclist will then have more time for his hobbies.
Seven decades of innovation and precision: LAUDA will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026 and can look back on an extraordinary success story from pioneer to global market leader. © LAUDA
From Pioneer to Global Market Leader: Temperature Control Specialist Has Been Writing Extraordinary Success Story
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrates its 70th anniversary on March 1. The global market leader generates around 100 million euros in annual sales with approximately 570 employees across three locations in Germany and twelve foreign subsidiaries. Renowned customers all over the world rely on the precision of LAUDA – from chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and biotech to medical technology, the semiconductor industry, electromobility, and hydrogen technology.
Exactly seven decades ago, Dr. Rudolf Wobser founded the measuring instrument factory LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER KG in Lauda. With innovations such as novel laboratory thermostats in a modular system and refrigeration thermostats with mechanical cooling, the company established itself on the market in its early years. Wobser laid the foundation for success in 1949 with the development and series production of the world’s first thermostat. For the first time, a compact device could reliably heat and cool using liquid circuits. After fleeing the GDR in 1955, he systematically built up the business. Groundbreaking new developments such as industrial systems (1964), measuring instruments (1967), and the world’s first microprocessor thermostat (1982) shaped the company’s further development.
After the death of the company founder in 1977, his sons Dr. Gerhard Wobser and Karlheinz Wobser took over the management. Karlheinz Wobser retired at the end of 2002. Dr. Gunther Wobser was appointed as the new President & CEO and, together with his father Dr. Gerhard Wobser, remained at the helm of the company until 2010, when his father retired after 39 years.
Under the leadership of Dr. Gunther Wobser, the third generation of the family, the company’s international business activities were significantly expanded. In 2005, LAUDA France is founded as the first foreign subsidiary, followed three years later by branches in Latin America, China, and the USA. With acquisitions in Spain (2011) and the USA (2014) as well as further foreign subsidiaries in Great Britain (2012) and Italy (2014), the world market leader continuously expands its international presence. In 2015, the new subsidiary LAUDA Scientific took over the development, sales, and service activities for LAUDA measuring instruments. In 2016, the subsidiaries LAUDA Ibérica Soluciones Técnicas, S.L.U. in Spain and LAUDA América Latina Tecnologia Ltda. in São Paulo, Brazil, were founded. LAUDA expanded its portfolio in 2019 with the acquisition of the long-established company GFL Gesellschaft für Labortechnik mbH. LAUDA Medical GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 2021, followed in 2025 by the subsidiary Degree LAUDA Precision Pvt. Ltd. in Pune, India.
Parallel to its international expansion, LAUDA continuously invests in the expansion of its infrastructure at its headquarters. In 2013, a new logistics center and a new production hall with a total investment volume of around 6.2 million euros are inaugurated in Lauda-Königshofen. In 2014, LAUDA expanded its management team with Dr. Marc Stricker, followed by Dr. Mario Englert in 2017. In 2022, the company underwent another office expansion, investing approximately 1.1 million euros.
The technical range of services extends from compact laboratory thermostats to customer-specific large-scale systems with a cooling capacity of over 400 kilowatts. LAUDA devices and systems operate in a temperature range from -150 to 550 °C with a consistency of up to one thousandth of a degree Celsius – a level of precision that is indispensable in highly demanding applications.
Since 2015, LAUDA has consistently held the title of “world market leader” in the field of constant temperature equipment and systems for precise temperature control. The latest product developments underscore this position: In 2024, LAUDA launched Mobifreeze, the world’s first actively temperature-controlled, mobile ultra low temperature chest freezer. This was followed in 2025 by the market launch of LAUDA Universa – a modular product line with standard Wi-Fi control. In addition, LAUDA received the EcoVadis Silver Medal for sustainability achievements in 2025, as well as the “Best of AI Award” for its own AI platform LAUDA.GPT. The temperature control specialist is planning sales growth of around 15 percent to approximately 115 million euros for 2026.
“Our 70th anniversary fills us all with extraordinary pride,” explains Dr. Gunther Wobser. “Together we improve the world with precise temperatures – this aspiration drives everything we do. In this anniversary year, we want to be even closer to our customers and devote even more attention to them worldwide. Continuous innovation, excellent processes, and further growth will secure our position as the global market leader in the coming decades.”
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG is already inviting all interested parties and citizens to an open house on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Lauda-Königshofen. Details will be announced in good time in the daily press and on the social media channels of LAUDA.
