LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, the world market leader in precise temperature control, has successfully completed the renovation and expansion of its training workshop. The project, which began in mid-May 2023, now offers optimal training opportunities for commercial apprentices and underscores LAUDA's commitment to the future of the company and its employees.

Dr. Gunther Wobser, President and CEO of LAUDA, emphasizes the importance of this investment: “As a world market leader, it is our responsibility to create optimal conditions for training our future skilled workers. By modernizing our training workshop, we are establishing new standards for ourselves in vocational training and enhancing our reputation as an attractive regional employer.”

The extensive modernization includes doubling the number of workstations from six to twelve with state-of-the-art standard workbenches. In addition, the number of soldering tables with solder fume extraction has also been increased from four to eight, enabling comprehensive soldering training for apprentices and skilled workers. A special highlight is the equipment of the workbenches with separate power supplies, which indicate various safety levels through signal lights.

Dr. Mario Englert, CFO of LAUDA, explains: “The investment in our training workshop is an investment in the future. We have spent a six-figure sum in renovation and modernization to provide our trainers and apprentices with the best teaching and learning conditions.”

Further improvements include the enclosure of the room for better noise protection, a trainer's office with two workstations, and a huge 86-inch digital flipchart for interactive presentations and training sessions. The project concept was developed internally by an experienced team of production planners and training managers. It is particularly noteworthy that the implementation was largely carried out in-house by the commercial apprentices. Under the expert guidance of experienced trainers and project managers, the apprentices were able to directly apply their theoretical knowledge to practice and gain valuable experience in project realization.

With the completion of the modernized training workshop, LAUDA once again underscores its commitment to training and developing young talent. The company offers a wide range of future-oriented apprenticeship occupations, including Electronics Technician for Devices and Systems (m/f/d), Warehouse Logistics Specialist (m/f/d), Mechatronics Technician (m/f/d), and Mechatronics Technician for Refrigeration Technology (m/f/d). The new workshop provides optimal conditions for practical, high-quality training in commercial occupations and simultaneously serves for the further education and training of existing personnel, thereby promoting knowledge exchange and continuous professional development within the company.

new.degree GmbH will cease its business operations on June 30, 2024. The wholly owned subsidiary of LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, the global market leader for precise temperature control, was founded in 2021 to drive forward the innovation and digitalization of the parent company. There was previously a similar company based in Silicon Valley, USA, but it ceased operations during the pandemic and transferred its tasks to the German company. After careful consideration, the liquidation of new.degree, »The LAUDA Digital Innovation Hub«, will now be completed.

»The closure of new.degree is a decision that was very difficult for me personally. After all, it was my initiative, which I launched full of energy during my stay in Silicon Valley,« explains Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO at LAUDA. »Agile innovation management is still very important to me. However, the last three and a half years have shown that integrating these tasks into the parent company is more efficient.«

Bringing the innovation and digitalization topics back to LAUDA should improve the direct product reference and enable greater economic success in the long term. Only around a year ago, new.degree moved into new offices in the InnoHubs on Skyline Hill in Würzburg, which are now also being vacated. By bundling expertise under the umbrella of the parent company LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, digital activities will be more closely aligned with the core business and existing customer relationships.

Dr. Mario Englert, CFO at LAUDA and also Managing Director of new.degree GmbH since the beginning of 2024, explains: »Despite numerous ideas each year, only a few have made the leap to concrete business cases. In the current overall economic situation, it makes more sense for LAUDA to focus on its core competencies and drive digitalization forward by additional hired employees at the company headquarters.« 

The closure of new.degree GmbH does not mean the end of comprehensive innovation efforts, but rather represents a strategic step towards a more focused approach at LAUDA. »We would like to thank all former employees of new.degree GmbH for their dedicated work over the past few years,« emphasizes Dr. Gunther Wobser. »The experience and knowledge gained is of great value and will enable us to continue to drive forward the digital transformation at LAUDA in the future and be successful in the long term.«

LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG has awarded Itzik Avni, owner and Managing Director of the Israeli LAUDA representative Meshulam Avni & Son Ltd. with the Dr. Rudolf Wobser Medal. The world market leader for temperature control technology thus honored the outstanding achievements, tireless commitment and many years of successful cooperation with the Israeli partner from Nescher, southeast of Haifa. The award ceremony took place during the festive gala dinner, which was part of the LAUDA supporting program at the world's leading trade fair ACHEMA in Frankfurt am Main and was attended by numerous LAUDA dealers and international representatives.

The Dr. Rudolf Wobser Medal is the highest award given by the family business in recognition of an individual's outstanding achievements. The award ceremony was a moment of surprise and joy for the recipient: Itzik Avni is only the second recipient from outside the company. Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA, who presented the medal together with his father and former Managing Director, Dr. Gerhard Wobser, emphasized the significance of the award: “The award is a sign of our deep appreciation for Mr. Avni's extraordinary achievements - especially in difficult times such as since the terrible events of October 7, 2023.”

The agency, which has been in business since 1970, tripled its turnover from 2022 to 2023 to over one million euros and was able to not only continue its business activities but also maintain a high turnover level. The personal connection between Meshulam Avni & Son and LAUDA was also highlighted. “The strong relationship between the Avni and Wobser families, which has grown over more than 50 years and generations, reflects our commitment to long-term and successful partnerships. It is our pleasure and privilege to maintain and strengthen these German-Israeli ties,” added Dr. Gunther Wobser. A special highlight will be Itzik Avni's 50th anniversary with the company next year. Health and enjoyment of work run in the family. The company founder, his father Meshulam, worked until the age of 90 and died in April 2010 at the age of 95.

LAUDA acknowledges the achievements of Meshulam Avni & Son and looks forward to future joint projects.