A success story between LAUDA Technology and Oort Energy Ltd – a meeting of innovative technology making green hydrogen universal and empowering excellence for a better, net-zero future.

Today, more than ever, we are all aware of our impact on the health of our planet. Change comes from companies like us at LAUDA and Oort Energy alike. We understand that green hydrogen needs to be available globally in order to make a positive impact on climate change.

In an exciting and focussed mission, Oort Energy are committed to making green hydrogen economical, so market demand drives the transition to net-zero. They are doing this by globally deploying their electrolyser technology, making it accessible to everyone. This is being made possible by their broad knowledge, stemming from multiple personnel within the company while drawing on their vast experience in the Hydrogen Industry.

LAUDA Technology are supporting this movement by providing precise temperature control, essential for several parts of Oort Energy’s systems.

The unit in this particular case is an Ultracool (UC) 8; a circulation chiller that provides reliable cooling to part of the electrolyser, as seen in Figure 2. The UC 8 here is being used in conjunction with a cooling sub-system of a PEM Electrolyser, and two of these Polymer Electrolyte Membrane electrolysis systems are currently underway for delivery to international destinations at the time of writing this.

Because of the UC 8’s precise temperature range of -10°C to +35°C, and its 13.3kW cooling output, it has easily dealt with the needs of this application. It’s remotely run signal communication has also been a great advantage to the users of this system.

LAUDA are proud to support the work being done at Oort Energy and understand the need, as well as the endless possibilities, to help drive a move towards a more sustainable future. Oort Energy choose LAUDA to handle the temperature control in their applications because of the long-standing and respected relationship we share. We look forward to continuing to support Oort Energy on their mission to supply the hydrogen electrolyser technology of tomorrow, today, by supplying constant, reliable, and precise temperature control. 

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG officially opened its new production facility in Pinghu, China, on October 18, 2024. With around 2,300 square meters, the plant doubles the previous production area and is an important milestone in the company's international expansion strategy. The global market leader for precise temperature control has been developing and manufacturing in China for eleven years.

Around 50 guests attended the opening ceremony, including LAUDA President & CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser, Dr. Marc Stricker (COO) and Christoph Baumann (Director Global Production). As local guests of honor, Ernest Liu, General Manager of LAUDA Production China, welcomed Miao He (Standing Committee Member of Pinghu Party Committee and Secretary of Party Working Committee of Pinghu Economic-Technological Development, abbreviated as: PEDZ), and the Director of the Administrative Committee of PEDZ, Xuebin Wang. The celebrations included traditional Chinese performances and rituals such as drum dancing, lion dancing and mask changing (Bian Lian).

In his speech, Dr. Gunther Wobser emphasized the importance of the move from Shanghai to Pinghu and gave an overview of the commitment of LAUDA in Asia: “Our expansion in the Far East began in 2006 with the 'Focus Asia' strategic project. In 2008, we established our own sales presence with LAUDA China and in 2013 we started production. With today's opening of the new production site in Pinghu, we are not only doubling our capacity, but also underlining our long-term commitment to this dynamic region.”

The investment in the new site underlines the confidence LAUDA has in the Chinese market and in the capabilities of the local team. Dr. Marc Stricker highlighted the efficiency of the project: “Thanks to the excellent cooperation of everyone involved, we were able to complete the relocation and expansion in just nine months. This is proof of the dynamics and commitment of our entire team.”

In recent years, LAUDA has continuously invested in quality assurance of the entry-level devices manufactured in China. Ernest Liu proudly reports: “For several years now, we have been able to guarantee the well-known LAUDA quality for all of our products manufactured in China and thus supply our customers worldwide directly.” With a planned annual turnover of around 120 million euros and over 600 employees worldwide, LAUDA sees the new plant as a geographically important basis for further growth.

Dr. Wobser accentuated the strategic importance of the new location. With the expansion, the family-owned company is ideally positioned to meet the growing demands of the Asian market and at the same time optimize the global supply chain. The new premises will enable the company to respond more flexibly to customer requirements and further strengthen its innovative power. At the same time, research and development will be expanded locally.

At the beginning of October, a special employee award ceremony was held at LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG. On the occasion of Gabriele Sack's 40th anniversary with the company, the management honored the long-serving employee in the presence of her colleagues for her loyalty to the family-owned company.

Gabriele Sack's career at LAUDA began on September 10, 1984 with an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk. After successfully completing her training, she worked in various departments of the company and established herself as an indispensable expert in order processing, particularly for plant engineering.

Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA, emphasized the special merits of the anniversary in his laudation: “Mrs. Sack is a pillar of our company. With her extensive know-how in order processing for plant engineering and her reliable, conscientious manner, she is an invaluable support for our internal processes and procedures. Her calm nature and her precise, conscientious way of working are of great value to LAUDA.”

In recognition of her many years of service, Gabriele Sack received the LAUDA certificate of honor and a certificate from the state of Baden-Württemberg, signed by Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann. Hubert Segeritz, representing the mayor of the city of Lauda-Königshofen, emphasized the rarity of a 40-year anniversary and acknowledged the importance of LAUDA as a reliable employer – both for the city and the region.

Sonja Hörner-Dürr (Manager Order Processing) and Gabriele Sack's direct supervisor, highlighted the special qualities of the jubilant: “Gabi is a highly valued employee – both by her colleagues and our customers. Her helpfulness, friendliness and precision make her a valuable member of our team. She is a calming influence in our department and always works for the good of the company.”

Works Council Chairman Elmar Mohr concluded by noting the special nature of the anniversary: “40 years with a company is a remarkable anniversary. Mrs. Sack has been exemplary in balancing her career and family, as well as her volunteer work, including in the local carnival club.”

Gabriele Sack's company anniversary once again underlines the importance of long-standing employees for the success of LAUDA. It shows how valuable experience and loyalty contribute to the long-term growth of a family business. The world leader in precise temperature control underscores its position as an attractive employer and will continue to honor many of its long-standing employees in the future.