LAUDA presents new LAUDA Universa product line
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, world market leader for precise temperature control technology, presents LAUDA Universa, a brand new product line of innovative bath and circulation thermostats. The pioneering product family combines advanced technology with improved, environmentally friendlier refrigeration technology and offers highly flexible solutions for numerous laboratory applications. The devices have been developed based on four central pillars: customizability, performance, connectivity and sustainability.
Customizability – highly flexible, thanks to modular system
The new Universa product line comprises the three variants, ECO, PRO and MAX, which cover different customer requirements and performance classes. Its modular structure allows baths, control heads and cooling unit to be flexibly combined. »Out customers benefit from wide-ranging flexibility,« remarks Enrico Bossart, Head of Product Management. »The modular approach enables high customizability and optimal adaptation to the requirements of the respective application. Additionally, the configuration can also be subsequently expanded by exchanging individual modules.«
The identical bath openings of the high- and low-temperature thermostats mean that accessories such as covers, racks or sample holders can be used with any variant. Bore markings on the edge of the bath also offer the option for customer-specific expansions.
Powerful – Precise temperature control for every application
The new product line covers a temperature range of -90 to 300°C, with a temperature stability of up to ±0.01 K. With 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. All the devices are designed for both internal bath applications and external temperature control tasks. Quick heating and cooling times support an accelerated research, development and production process. Precise temperature control and high temperature stability contribute to reproducibility and process stability. This makes LAUDA Universa the go-to partner for laboratories and industrial operations.
»The LAUDA Universa product lines upholds the proud tradition of our first universal thermostat U 8, which my grandfather and company founder Dr. Rudolf Wobser developed in 1949, thereby creating a brand new type of equipment,« says Dr. Gunther Wobser, Managing Director of LAUDA. »With our continuous research and development, we are continuing to shape the future of precise temperature control as the recognized world market leader.«
Connective – Digital, connected and future-proof
All Universa thermostats are equipped with USB, Ethernet and even WiFi interfaces as standard. This allows them to be effortlessly integrated in existing lab systems and fulfills the requirements of digital laboratories. Via the convenient LAUDA Command app, the devices can be remotely and wirelessly controlled using a smartphone, tablet or PC. Remote maintenance, monitoring and data acquisition are possible by connecting to the LAUDA.LIVE Services IOT solution, providing increased operational safety.
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. »Their extensive connectivity makes our Universa devices the ideal components for the laboratory of the future,« explains Enrico Bossart. »Seamless integration in IOT systems like LAUDA.LIVE Services enables the continuous monitoring and optimization of the devices, in future also via advanced AI solutions, which LAUDA is already researching and developing in partnership with universities today.«
Sustainable – Environmentally friendly technology with a future
A special feature of the new Universa product line is the consideration of sustainability aspects in every product. This includes the exclusive use of natural refrigerants in all its thermostats – from its compact entry-level models to its powerful high-end devices. Meanwhile, the quantity of refrigerant is consistently less than 100 grams. Furthermore, all the refrigerating machines work with speed-controlled, patented compressors, which are extremely energy-efficient to run in everyday partial load operation, thanks to inverter technology – a unique product benefit, especially in the entry-level segment. As an additional bonus, users can look forward to significantly quieter operation. »Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us – we have anchored it in every aspect of our product development,« emphasizes Enrico Bossart.
All devices also benefit from an optimized ventilation concept, which reliably prevents condensate and oil vapors from penetrating the electronics, while minimizing condensation and media transfer – a patented feature that ensures high reliability.
LAUDA Universa is designed to last. LAUDA’s confidence in the underlying quality is expressed in its 5-year premium warranty, which is offered for the entire product line.
The right solution for any requirement
»With the new Universa product line, we have responded to our customers’ requirements and created a well-thought-out system that stands out for its modular structure, high performance, connectivity and, not least, its sustainability,« summarizes Dr. Gunther Wobser. »LAUDA Universa stands for technology at the highest level and opens up a new dimension in temperature control.« All LAUDA Universa devices are both CE- and NRTL-certified, and available in different power supply variants. This allows them to be used worldwide and offers high security of investment by complying with international standards.
The LAUDA Command Professional app enables the digital control of constant temperature equipment via tablet, smartphone or desktop. © LAUDA
The LAUDA Command Professional app
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, world market leader for precise temperatures, is expanding its digital portfolio and introducing the new version of its Command Professional app. With considerably expanded functions and continuous further development through updates via the leading app stores, the innovative application enables the comprehensive remote control and monitoring of constant temperature equipment on mobile end devices within the company network. With this solution, the company is underlining its pioneering role in the digital transformation of temperature control technology.
From Basic to Professional
For several years already, the LAUDA Command app has been a reliable and established tool for the basic remote control of constant temperature equipment. It offers users in research and industry comprehensive control over their temperature control processes. An intuitive interface allows users to monitor temperatures in real time, adjust settings and receive alarm messages.
The Professional version elevates the digital control of temperature equipment to a new level. “With the Command Professional app, we are forging new paths in the digital transformation of temperature control technology,” says Dr. Gunther Wobser, President & CEO of LAUDA. “It combines flexibility with simple process control and a considerably expanded range of functions.”
Versatile functionality for professional use
In addition to all the functions of the free Command app, such as the direct input of temperature set points, simple adjustment of parameters and access to the basic settings, the LAUDA Command Professional app offers numerous further options to make working with constant temperature equipment even easier. A programmer enables the user to program, save and start a temperature-time program. Up to five different programs can be saved. Temperature curves can be displayed graphically and exported as image files. Furthermore, measured values and set points in the graphic temperature curve can be recorded and exported for further analysis or reporting.
High safety standards
Data security is at the front and center of the app, which operates exclusively within the protected company network. All data is transferred in encrypted form – two-factor authentication and digital certificates (PKI) additionally ensure the necessary security. The app supports the relevant Machinery Directive for constant temperature equipment and can be seamlessly integrated in existing laboratory infrastructure.
First ever subscription model for more flexibility
The LAUDA Command Professional app is available to users via a subscription model – a first in the LAUDA product portfolio. This model enables low starting investments and offers high flexibility, thanks to its annual cancellation period. As a result, the expanded functions of the Professional app can also be used short-term projects.
Fit for the future through constant further development
The Command and Command Professional app are always growing with the needs of their users. Regular updates not only provide an expanded range of functions, but also integrate new LAUDA equipment series into the digital control center. Currently, the app is available for the LAUDA Integral and LAUDA Variocool process thermostats, but will also become available for the LAUDA Universa product line in the near future.
“The LAUDA Command Professional app is more than a remote control system – it is an important step towards more connected and efficient laboratories and production facilities,” remarks Enrico Bossart, Head of Product Management. “The app allows us to support our customers in the digitalization of their processes, while preserving the LAUDA precision and reliability they have come to expect.”
The app is now available for all popular mobile operating systems. Further information can be found at www.lauda.de in the “Digital Products” section.
Dr. Gunther Wobser (third from left), President & CEO of global market leader LAUDA, received the prestigious Dualis certification from IHK President Kirsten Hirschmann (third from right) for outstanding training quality. The project and training managers of LAUDA (from left) Carmen Diez, Selina Ebert and Sandra Braun, Director Human Resources, as well as Lisa Feuchtenbeiner as representative of the Heilbronn-Franken Chamber of Industry and Commerce were present at the award ceremony. © LAUDA
Award for outstanding training quality
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG has received the prestigious Dualis certification for outstanding training quality for the third time. IHK President Kirsten Hirschmann personally presented the coveted certificate to LAUDA President and CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser during a ceremony at the company's headquarters in Lauda-Königshofen. Training at LAUDA enjoys an excellent reputation in the region and is in high demand among applicants.
The world market leader for precise temperature control is currently training 28 apprentices and dual students, confirming its above-average training rate. “With this outstanding rate, LAUDA is one of the exemplary training companies in our region. However, it is not only the number of junior employees that makes the temperature control specialist an exceptional company, the quality of the training also clearly exceeds the standards,” emphasized Kirsten Hirschmann when presenting the certificate. This is particularly evident in the high regard in which the trainees are held, some of whom are themselves active as training ambassadors at schools.
“Attracting qualified specialists is a particular focus of our activities given the strong regional competition. We are proactively addressing this challenge with our systematic and high-quality training,” highlighted Dr. Mario Englert, CFO at LAUDA, whose area of responsibility also includes human resources. “The Dualis certification is not only an award for us, but also an incentive to further optimize our training concepts and adapt them to changing requirements.”
The family business offers an exceptionally good working atmosphere with collegial cohesion and guarantees intensive support for junior staff. Apprentices and dual students benefit from the wide range of training occupations and courses of study as well as modern workplaces and numerous social benefits. The future-oriented and international focus of LAUDA and the opportunity to work on innovative technologies and processes open up a wide range of perspectives for the professional development of the next generation.
LAUDA has an extensive tradition of excellent training. The company received Dualis certification for the first time on July 30, 2014, followed by recertification in 2017. The 2025 award confirms the continuous development of training quality at the family-owned company.
“For us, training young people is a key component of our corporate philosophy and our strategy for the future,” explained Dr. Gunther Wobser during the certificate presentation. “The renewed Dualis certification confirms our path and motivates us to continuously develop training at LAUDA. Highly trained specialists are the foundation of our global success.”
In the course of past audits, LAUDA has continuously implemented the IHK's suggestions for optimization. For instance, special checklists were introduced for the operational departments based on the factual and temporal structure, and a structured feedback culture with corresponding feedback forms was established. The setting up of contact persons for trainees, regular exchange meetings for those responsible for training and the implementation of projects initiated and carried out by trainees are also based on recommendations from previous certifications.
Against the majestic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the participants of the anniversary celebration gather on the Seine for a group photo. In the middle of the front row Dr. Gunther Wobser (President & CEO), flanked by Maxime Sabre (Managing Director of LAUDA France, right), who has been continuing the French chapter of success since 2023. © LAUDA
First foreign subsidiary celebrates its 20th anniversary
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG celebrated the 20th anniversary of LAUDA France S.A.R.L., its first foreign subsidiary, on March 26, 2025. During a festive boat trip on the Seine in Paris, President & CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser, together with representatives of the German parent company, the French team and sales partners, paid tribute to this important stage in the internationalization strategy of the world market leader for precise temperature control.
The French sales subsidiary, founded in 2005, marks the beginning of LAUDA's targeted global expansion. With a business model that was innovative at the time, in which the company was financed by commissions on equipment and systems sold, the company focused on cooperation rather than competition with existing sales partners.
“LAUDA France was our first foreign company and was based on a completely new business model. The risk was high and the danger of failure enormous. We didn't want to take the tasks away from our successful distributors, but rather provide them with effective local support,” said Dr. Gunther Wobser in his speech, explaining the strategy at the time.
Since its foundation, LAUDA France has developed impressively. From an initial annual turnover of 1.7 million euros, the company has grown to over eleven million euros in 2024. At the same time, LAUDA has expanded from around 200 employees and a turnover of just under 30 million euros in 2005 to 600 employees today and a turnover of around 100 million euros in 2024.
The continuous success also required increasingly larger business premises. After the first few years based in Neuilly-sur-Seine on the prestigious Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, the company moved to the Parc Technologique in Roissy-en-France in 2009. Since 2018, the company has had prestigious premises with 300 square meters of space.
Eric Couche, who built up LAUDA France from the very beginning as Managing Director and first employee abroad, was awarded the Dr. Rudolf Wobser Medal for his services until his retirement in January 2023. Since January 2023, Maxime Sabre has continued the success story as Managing Director with his nine-strong team.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Dr. Gunther Wobser and CFO Dr. Mario Englert presented Maxime Sabre with a woodcut by the artist Norbert Gleich from Lauda-Königshofen. The work of art entitled “Sieger” (Winner) symbolizes the successful cooperation between LAUDA France and the parent company as well as with the French trading partners.
“The success of LAUDA France is above all the success of our agencies and service partners,” emphasized Dr. Wobser in his speech, underlining the importance of Franco-German cooperation in economically and politically challenging times.
Every year, President & CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser (center) invites the managers of the foreign subsidiaries of LAUDA to a strategy meeting with the LAUDA management team. in 2025, the World Jour Fixe took place at the Spanish site of LAUDA Ultracool S.L.U. in Terrassa. © LAUDA
LAUDA management team strengthens future strategy at World Jour Fixe 2025
The international management team of LAUDA met for the World Jour Fixe in Terrassa, Spain, from March 18 to 21, 2025. The managing directors of the global subsidiaries, together with the management team of LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. KG, met for the first time since its opening in 2022 at the new LAUDA Ultracool S.L.U. plant.
The four-day strategy meeting focused on the common goal of increasing incoming orders and keeping LAUDA on course for growth. In intensive working sessions and workshops, the participants formulated concrete packages of measures that are to be effective in both the short and long term. In interactive workshops, the international managers worked on the implementation of ‘Objectives and Key Results’ (OKR) to pursue corporate goals more efficiently and make them measurable. The managers of the subsidiaries presented their current developments and market perspectives, while concrete solutions for the 2025 financial year were developed in cross-functional working groups.
“Direct personal exchange is a decisive factor in our corporate culture, especially in challenging times,” emphasizes President & CEO Dr. Gunther Wobser. “Our World Jour Fixe in Terrassa impressively demonstrated that we can find the right answers to the current market conditions together and achieve our ambitious goals for 2025 by joining forces.”
In addition to the intensive strategic work, the World Jour Fixe also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange. The participants were given a tour of the modern LAUDA Ultracool production facility, giving many of the international managers their first comprehensive insight into production technology on site. A special highlight was the visit to a demonstration of the famous ‘Castells’ – the Catalan human towers that are traditionally performed at festivals in the region and symbolize tradition, focus and teamwork.
After four days of intensive strategy work, the 33 participants drew a positive conclusion to the World Jour Fixe. The measures developed will now be systematically implemented over the coming months to drive forward the growth of LAUDA and further strengthen its position as the global market leader for precise temperature control.
