Newsletter_02-2024_EN

EN 02/24 

Siltronic AG produces 

first wafers in its new 

Singapore fab

Siltronic AG produces first wafers 

in its new Singapore fab 

From left to right: Dr. Michael Heckmeier (CEO of Siltronic AG), Claudia Schmitt (CFO of Siltronic AG), 

Niew Bock Cheng (Site President Siltronic Singapore) and Bernhard Schmidt (Siltronic Senior Vice President and Project Lead) (Photo: © Siltronic AG) 

On 7th November 2023 Siltronic announced the production of the 

first wafers in its latest state-of-the-art 300 mm fab in Singapore. 

The production marks an important milestone in the strategic capacity 

expansion of Siltronic’s global production network. 

„It fills me with immense pride to see the production of the first 

wafers from the line. This is a decisive milestone in the history of 

Siltronic. I am delighted to see that the test wafer production has 

started slightly ahead of schedule. I would therefore like to congratulate 

and thank all the employees and suppliers involved for their 

contributions. We look forward to supplying our customers with leading-edge 

wafers from this new state-of-the-art fab,“ said Dr. Michael 

Heckmeier, CEO of Siltronic AG. 

Despite many challenges, including the global pandemic and 

supply chain constraints, the construction of the new fab, which 

started in 2021, is on schedule and on budget. By the end of 2024, 

around 2 billion Euro will have been invested into this greenfield 

project. This will be followed by further investments on a smaller 

scale to further ramp the production. 

The large-scale project covers an area of approximately 20 soccer 

fields. At peak construction times, more than 5,000 workers were 

on site for both construction activities and facilities installation. The 

fab is supported by approximately 5,500 piles which extend up to 60 

meters into the ground. In total, 150,000 m³ of concrete and more 

than 35,000 tons of steel have been used. 

In the mid-term, the new fab is expected to be highly cost efficient 

due to the high degree of automation and deployment of digitalization, 

coupled with its strategic proximity to the existing 200- 

and 300 mm fabs in Singapore, which will lead to economies of scale 

and synergies. 

The new fab will serve both medium and long-term demand 

growth in the semiconductor market, which is driven by megatrends 

such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and electromobility. As 

originally planned, the production ramp phase will commence from 

the beginning of next year. 

„The trust and support of our customers has been a key factor 

for this investment. In the ramp phase, sales from the new fab have 

been secured to a high degree by long-term agreements. Customers 

have also contributed significantly to the initial financing of the fab 

through prepayments,“ added Claudia Schmitt, CFO of Siltronic AG. 

Siltronic AG 

D 81677 München 

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 02-2024 

page 2/23

State-of-the-art 

electron beam 

lithography system 

for Jenoptik’s high-tech 

fab in Dresden 

February 2024 

Dear cleanroom professionals , 

A difficult year is over for the chemical 

and pharmaceutical industry in Germany. 

Hopes of an economic recovery have not 

materialised. 

Jenoptik is investing a low double-digit million-euro amount in a stateof-the-art 

system for the high-tech fab currently under construction in 

Dresden. The new electron-beam lithography system (E-Beam) will be 

used to manufacture high-precision micro-optical components for customers 

in the semiconductor and optical communication sectors. The 

manufacturer is the Jena based e-beam technology specialist Vistec 

Electron Beam GmbH. The system will be delivered at the beginning of 

2025. 

- Production falls by 8 per cent 

- Sales decline of 12 per cent 

- Forecast for 2024: further drop in turnover 

- Policy change with a focus on a competitive 

economy necessary 

„We are in the middle of a deep, long valley. 

And it is still unclear how long we will have to 

walk through it,“ comments the President of 

the German Chemical Industry industry, 

Markus Steilemann, commented on the 

situation. A rapid upturn is not in sight. 

(More at page 10) 

We hope that the situation looks better for 

you. To give you some confidence, we have 

compiled some interesting articles for you: 

> Siltronic AG produces first wafers 

in its new Singapore fab 

> Efficient, innovative, and sustainable 

component cleaning for the entire 

production chain 

> Dry cleaning process for optimum cleaning 

results in electronics production 

> The german chemical-pharmaceutical 

industry has presented its results for 2023 

> . . . 

With kind regards 

Reinhold Schuster 

We are at the LOUNGES: Stand 12.2 

I look forward to seeing you there ! 

Concept image of the new high-tech fab. © studiobrand.3dvisuals 

Creating the smallest structures with maximum precision 

This type of electron-beam lithography system can „write“ structures 

with a precision in the 10-nanometer range (approximately 1/2,000th of 

a hair) on substrates up to 300 mm in diameter. 

The Vistec SB3050-2 electron-beam lithography system is based 

on the so-called Variable Shaped Beam principle, with which even large 

areas can be structured highly accurately and effectively. The high degree 

of automation, combined with flexibility in terms of usable substrates, 

are further features of the Vistec SB3050-2 that enable it to be 

used in an industrial environment. The system is equipped with Cell 

Projection functionality, opening up further possibilities for applications 

in micro-optics. 

Jenoptik has been active in Dresden since 2007. With the new hightech 

fab at Airportpark Dresden, the company is consolidating its production, 

which is currently spread across several small external sites, 

while at the same time expanding its capacities. The clean room production 

in the new fab will cover 2,000 square meters with clean room areas 

of classes ISO 5 and 3 and meet the highest requirements for freedom 

from vibrations and temperature stability. 

High environmental standards are taken into account for the entire 

fab: Jenoptik is striving to fulfill the currently most comprehensive 

and stringent building criteria in terms of sustainability with the „KfW 

40 Standard“ and the „LEED Gold Standard Certification“. At the same 

time, high-quality jobs will be created and the number of employees on 

site will increase to a total of more than 120. The Saxon state capital will 

thus become the main location for the micro-optics sector. 

JENOPTIK AG 

D 07743 Jena 


page 3/23

With the multi-bath ultrasonic cleaning systems consisting 

of standardized modules, here a UCM PerformanceLine, cleaning solutions 

can be individually configured, for example for ultra-fine cleaning and high-purity applications. 

(Picture: Ecoclean GmbH) 

Ecoclean: Solutions as diverse as the tasks in industrial parts cleaning 

Efficient, innovative, and sustainable 

component cleaning for the entire 

production chain 

Whether degreasing, classic component cleaning or high-purity applications - the demands on cleaning solutions have 

increased in all areas of the manufacturing industry. Ecoclean is responding to these changed market requirements with an 

even broader and more modularized product range. The focus here is on higher cleaning quality, improved costs, and more 

energy-efficient processes. 

Component cleaning is an essential manufacturing step in all industrial 

sectors to ensure requirement-compliant downstream processes 

and high, stable product quality. Regardless of the industry, new 

and modified products, increasingly compact and complex geometries, 

an ever-greater variety of materials, and workpiece dimensions 

ranging from one millimeter or less to several meters all contribute 

to the fact that the spectrum of required cleaning applications is 

more diverse today than ever before. The demands on the process 

and the cleanliness to be achieved vary depending on the production 

stage as well as on the product and industry. For example, in the 

final cleaning of high-tech components, including those for the semiconductor 

industry, medical, sensor and analysis technology, and 

precision optics, particulate contamination in the nanometer range 

and nanolayers of residual film contamination must be removed. 

In contrast, in general industry, for example, with its very different 

areas and components, the first task is often to clean off large quantities 

of chips and machining media. Frequently, factors such as high 

throughput requirements, heavy workpieces, a widely varying range 

of components and short delivery times also play a role. In addition, 

cleaning must in any case be economical, energy-efficient, and 

resource-efficient. 

Adapt cleaning solution to the task 

To optimally adapt a cleaning solution to the task at hand, other product 

and company-specific criteria must be considered in addition 

For energy-efficient and fast cleaning processes, the plants 

have effective heat recovery and can be equipped with different 

process technologies. (Picture: Ecoclean GmbH) 


page 4/23

to the cleanliness specifications to be met. This requires a manufacturer 

whose product range offers corresponding flexibility in terms 

of the cleaning media to be used as well as the plant and process 

technologies. As a full-range supplier of future-oriented, flexible, 

and energy-efficient solutions for industrial component cleaning, 

Ecoclean and UCM, the Group‘s division specializing in precision 

and ultra-fine cleaning, cover the entire spectrum of wet-chemical 

processes using water-based media, solvents and modified alcohols. 

This means that cleaning processes and systems, including the most 

suitable process and drying technologies for both batch and individual 

part cleaning, can be very efficiently tailored to product- and 

company-specific requirements. Process design is carried out in the 

company‘s own test centers, with cleanroom test centers with adapted 

plant and measuring technology available for tasks in medical 

technology and for high-purity applications. 

Modular system makes special chamber systems 

available more quickly 

With a broad range of standardized chamber systems for cleaning 

with water-based media, solvents, and modified alcohols, as well as 

a wide variety of process technologies such as spray and high-pressure 

cleaning, ultrasonics, injection flood washing (IFW), vapor 

degreasing, Ultrasonic Plus, Pulsated Pressure Cleaning (PPC) and 

plasma cleaning, Ecoclean covers most cleaning tasks in general industry 

as well as the automotive and supplier sectors. However, applications 

that required individually designed special equipment, for 

example due to component dimensions, throughput requirements, 

cleanliness specifications or other company-specific factors, have 

increased significantly in recent years. To reduce the design effort 

required for this and shorten delivery times, the plant manufacturer 

has developed the innovative modular systems EcoCvela for waterbased 

cleaning and EcoCstretch for cleaning with solvents or modified 

alcohol. For the solvent systems, the modular concept includes 

four working chamber sizes with diameters from 750 to 1,200 mm 

and equipment with several flood tanks. For individual cleaning processes, 

the systems can be equipped with all process technologies 

available for solvent cleaning. With the EcoCvela, the diameters of 

the modular working chambers vary from 650 to 1,500 mm. In addition, 

the plants can be equipped with several working chambers 

and flood tanks. In these highly flexible plants, various process technologies 

and systems for efficient heat recovery also ensure short 

process times and energy-saving operation. For very high cleanliness 

requirements, both plant types can also be supplied with the 

corresponding high-purity equipment. 

Modular solutions also for multi-bath ultrasonic cleaning 

In the area of multi-bath ultrasonic cleaning systems, solutions 

consisting of standardized modules are also offered in the form of 

the UCMBaseLine, UCMSmartLine, UCMPerformanceLine and 

UCMHighLine model series. With the modules for the process steps 

cleaning, rinsing, PPC, drying, loading, and unloading, as well as a 

flexible transport system, cleaning systems for a wide range of applications 

can be configured and commissioned cost-effectively and 

easily. This is also supported by the fact that the electrical and control 

technology is already integrated. For high-purity applications, the 

systems are designed with the appropriate equipment and for operation 

in or connection to a cleanroom. 

With its further diversified portfolio, Ecoclean enables companies 

from all industrial sectors to meet changing cleaning requirements 

not only in an economical and stable manner, but also in a 

resource-saving and future-oriented way. 

UCM AG 

Langenhagstrasse 25 

CH 9424 Rheineck 

Telefon: +41 71 8866760 

Telefax: +41 71 8866761 

eMail: info@ucm-ag.com 

Internet: http://www.ucm-ag.com 

Special plants for water-based cleaning are covered by the modular 

EcoCvela with working chamber diameters up to 1,500 mm as well as 

several flood tanks and, if required, several working chambers. 


The modular EcoCstretch concept was developed for solvent cleaning 

applications that previously required special equipment with complex 

design and long production times. Among other things, it includes four 

working chamber sizes and several flood tanks. 



page 5/23

quattroClean snow jet technology - scalable, inline-capable 

and cleanroom-compatible 

Dry cleaning process for optimum 

cleaning results in electronics production 

Whether energy, mobility or industry - electronic components and systems play a key role in the transformation towards 

climate neutrality. Due to higher demands on power density and reliability as well as new solutions, the requirements for 

technical cleanliness during the production of these components have increased enormously. The scalable, cleanroomcompatible 

and inline-capable quattroClean snow jet technology is a dry, reliable and sustainable means of meeting these 

requirements for a wide range of cleaning applications. 

Technical cleanliness has a decisive impact 

on the performance, functionality, reliability 

and service life of electronic components 

and systems, from semiconductor & 

microsystem products, PCB joining & assembly 

technologies to the manufacture of 

battery cells & modules and the production 

of photovoltaics & laser-structured organic 

electronics. The benchmark is the level 

of cleanliness defined as necessary for the 

downstream processes or end application, 

which must be achieved in a consistent and 

reproducible manner. To ensure compliance 

with the sometimes extremely high limits 

regarding particulate, filmic-organic and 

inorganic residual contamination, cleaning 

is usually carried out in a cleanroom. In a 

design adapted to the respective cleanroom 

class, the quattroClean snow jet technology 

from acp systems has established itself as a 

solution for such high-purity tasks. 

SCC 1 and highest filmic cleanliness 

levels demonstrably achieved 

The technology concerns a dry process 

which is used for full-surface or selective 

parts cleaning. The cleaning medium is liquid 

carbon dioxide recycled from chemical 

production processes and the generation of 

energy from biomass. The carbon dioxide is 

guided through a wear-free, two-substance 

ring nozzle and expands on exiting to form 

fine snow crystals. These are bundled by a 

separate jacket jet of compressed air and 

accelerated to supersonic speed. When the 

easily-focused jet of snow and compressed 

air impacts on the surface to be cleaned, 

a combination of thermal, mechanical, 

The process is designed in the company’s own cleanroom test facility. 

Optimum process parameters are also defined here. The process 

media - carbon dioxide and compressed air - are prepared in such 

a way so as to ensure the air quality required by the semiconductor 

industry, for example. (Photo credit: acp systems) 

The dry quattroClean snow jet technology ensures 

that particulate cleanliness in accordance with SCC 1 

is consistently achieved. In the case of filmy residues, 

cleaning results correspond to those attained with other 

ultra-fine cleaning processes. (Photo credit: acp systems) 


page 6/23

Effective, dry and cleanroomcompatible 

cleaning solutions 

such as the quattroClean snow 

jet technology are a must 

in order to reliably meet 

the sometimes enormously 

increased requirements for 

technical cleanliness in the 

electronics industry or to clean 

pre-assembled components. 

(Photo credit: acp systems) 

solvent and sublimation effects occur, which 

is the basis of the cleaning action. The crystalline 

carbon dioxide sublimates completely 

during the process, leaving the treated 

surfaces completely dry. The detached contaminants 

are then extracted together with 

the process gas, thus preventing re-contamination 

of the parts or contamination 

of the surroundings. Time-consuming and 

energy-intensive rinsing and drying processes 

are no longer necessary. 

Extensive tests have shown that the 

quattroClean snow jet technology consistently 

meets the requirements of surface 

cleanliness class (SCC) 1 according to VDI 

2083, Sheet 9.1:2006 with regard to residual 

particulate contamination. In addition, particulate 

cleanliness corresponding to SCC 

0.1 can be achieved with repeat accuracy for 

components that have been cleaned beforehand 

in an ultra-fine wet-chemical process. 

In the case of film residues, cleaning results 

are comparable to those of other ultra-fine 

cleaning processes such as wet chemical 

and plasma cleaning or vacuum bake-out. 

Sustainable cleaning with 

Green Screen certified medium 

In combination with process gas from Linde, 

the effective quattroClean process has 

been awarded the Green Screen Certificate 

for Cleaners & Degreasers from Clean Production 

Action. The independent, non-profit 

organization has thus created a benchmark 

specifically for cleaning media that are 

used as process chemicals in manufacturing, 

especially in the electronics industry. 

The compact, stainless steel JetCell cleaning 

cell with rotating nozzles was developed for 

automated cleaning applications and is 

capable of cleaning large areas in a short time. 

It can be easily integrated into an interlinked 

manufacturing environment or operated 

as a stand-alone device. 

(Photo credit: acp systems) 

The certificate confirms that the process 

gas does not contain any chemical substances 

which are harmful to humans or the 

environment. 

Cleanroom-compatible cleaning 

solutions for every application 

To optimally tailor the cleaning solution to 

the respective requirements and production 

situation, acp systems offers a range 

of machines based on standardized modules 

as well as individually planned systems. 

The design and features of the solutions, 

which are made entirely of stainless steel, 

are adapted to the cleanroom class concerned. 

This ensures a cleanliness of 99.995 

percent for the liquid carbon dioxide when 

it is prepared and a quality of 1.2.1. according 

to ISO 8573-1:2010 for the compressed air. If 

necessary, a gas scrubber can be integrated 

into the ultra-clean compressed air supply 

(XCDA) to filter out any traces of organic 

substances. The quality of the air generated 

meets semiconductor production requirements, 

for instance. 

One of the solutions offered by acp systems 

is the compact JetCell with rotating 

nozzles, which will be on show at this year‘s 

Productronica. The flexible plug & play 

cleaning cell was developed for automated 

cleaning applications and is easily integrated 

into an interlinked manufacturing environment, 

e.g. immediately downstream of 

a punching or injection molding machine. 

Alternatively, it can be operated as a standalone 

solution. It boasts a high cleaning performance 

with an extremely low media consumption. 

During surface cleaning, which 

can be performed simultaneously from above 

and below, seamless process monitoring 

& control ensure that each part is treated 

with the previously validated process parameters. 

Integrated interfaces enable the 

digitally-controllable cleaning system to be 

connected to a higher-level host computer. 

Cleanroom test facility for 

process design and validation 

acp systems has its own cleanroom test facility 

for process design. This allows cleaning 

tests to be carried out in a validated ISO 

Class 7 cleanroom with zones up to Class 5 

according to ISO 14644-1. All process parameters, 

such as the volume flows for compressed 

air and carbon dioxide, the number 

of nozzles, the area to be cleaned and the 

duration of the jet, are precisely tailored to 

the respective application, while also taking 

the material properties, type of contamination 

and required level of cleanliness into 

account. The values determined can be stored 

as part-specific cleaning programs in 

the system’s control unit. 

Thanks to the dry quattroClean snow jet 

technology, a cleaning solution is available 

that can be used to perform a wide range of 

cleaning tasks in the electronics industry 

reliably and efficiently. The process not only 

ensures the required cleanliness of electronic, 

mechanical, optical and sensor components 

but also saves energy and resources at 

the same time. 

acp systems AG 

Berblingerstraße 8 

D 71254 Ditzingen 

Telefon: +49 7156 480140 

eMail: mail@acp-systems.com 

Internet: http://acp-systems.com 


page 7/23

Fabmatics strengthens the cleanroom segment within the SCIO Group. 

Deal closed: 

Fabmatics is officially part 

of SCIO Automation 

When the deal closed on December 27, 2023, the takeover of Fabmatics GmbH by SCIO Automation GmbH, which was agreed 

on October 30, 2023, subject to official approvals, was completed. Headquartered in Dresden, Fabmatics is now officially 

part of international automation platform SCIO Automation (SCIO for short). Fabmatics is an experienced automation 

specialist for material flow and handling processes in the semiconductor industry. This acquisition, means that cleanroom 

customers will benefit from SCIO’s comprehensive portfolio along the entire value chain and its global market presence. 

The Fabmatics deal shows that SCIO is continuing 

its international growth strategy. At 

the same time, Fabmatics’ portfolio is complementary 

to SCIO’s existing customer-specific 

material flow and storage solutions for 

the cleanroom, which are successfully used 

by international customers. “We are pleased 

that Fabmatics, which has a truly global distribution 

network, is another strong company 

that is now part of SCIO. This will enable us 

to develop our cleanroom logistics segment 

even further along with our SCIO subsidiaries 

Fabmatics and Schiller Automatisierungstechnik 

into a supporting pillar for our portfolio,” 

said Michael Goepfarth, CEO of SCIO 

Automation, about the transaction. 

Fabmatic’s material flow and handling services and Schiller’s 

customized storage and transport systems complement each other 

seamlessly, enabling customers to obtain their automation solutions 

along the entire cleanroom value chain from a single source in the 

future. 

The deal is an important step in SCIO’s international growth 

strategy, giving it the scope to expand its global business further and 

to ensure that the Group can bring its performance, products and 

services to the market more easily and efficiently. 

“With SCIO, we can see that they are best placed to continue 

Fabmatics’ success story over the coming years. SCIO’s strategic 

focus and company portfolio, not only brings with it a wealth of industrial 

experience in automation technology, meaning that there is 

a huge potential for synergy projects moving forward, but also provides 

a stable and resilient financial backing for Fabmatics’ continued 

growth, as the SCIO Group has its own shareholder structure. We 

are looking forward to seeing how the business progresses in this 

new and exciting chapter. At the same time, we would like to thank 

our founders and shareholders Dr. Steffen Pollack, Lothar Andritzke 

and Manfred Jähnert, as well as the investment company SüdBG for 

many years of trusting and appreciative partnership,” said Dr. Andreas 

Purath and Dr. Roland Giesen, from the Fabmatics management 

team. 

Fabmatics, headquartered in Dresden, Germany, was founded in 

1991 and has been automating intralogistics processes in semiconductor 

fabs, semiconductor process plants 

and other high-tech production environments 

for more than 30 years. 

Fabmatics’ customers include almost 

all of the well-known chip manufacturers 

worldwide. In particular, the system integrator 

has a strong market presence when it 

comes to modernizing 200-millimeter semiconductor 

fabs worldwide, and it supplies 

cleanroom material flow solutions from a 

single source that ensure a more efficient, 

faster and safer production flow in semiconductor 

fabs. Their range of services includes 

a modular product range of hardware and 

software designed to automate handling, 

transport and storage processes, as well as solutions for identifying 

and locating products. 

Alongside Fabmatics GmbH, its Utica-based (New York) subsidiary 

Fabmatics USA Inc. also becomes part of the SCIO Automation 

Group. Fabmatics, with its approximately 300 employees, will continue 

to operate as an independent entity, and will stand to benefit 

hugely from the vast array of potential synergies working closely with 

the other SCIO companies. It will make a significant contribution to 

mutual growth in the cleanroom segment. 

The deal means that the founders of Fabmatics GmbH as well 

as SüdBG, as shareholders for the last nine years, are ceding their 

shares to SCIO Automation. “We founded our company in 1991 during 

the turbulent post-reunification period to take control of our 

own futures and create new jobs. Since then, alongside our employees, 

we have developed Fabmatics into a powerful player and 

automation specialist for the semiconductor industry. Today, after 

a history that goes back more than 32 years, the time is right for a 

change in the shareholder structure. We are handing Fabmatics over 

to new owners who have been carefully selected. We are convinced 

that with SCIO at its side, Fabmatics will benefit from its international 

network and continue its extraordinarily successful development 

to the next level of quality,” said Dr. Steffen Pollack, representing the 

founders and former shareholders. 

Fabmatics GmbH 

D 01109 Dresden 


page 8/23

AIXTRON‘s neues Innovationszentrum 

The leading provider of deposition equipment 

to the semiconductor industry is 

investing around EUR 100 million at its 

headquarters in Herzogenrath, Germany. 

With this, AIXTRON is laying an important 

foundation for further successful growth. 

Herzogenrath, 23.11.2023: Spatenstich zum Bau des neuen 

Innovationszentrums der AIXTRON SE am Standort Herzogenrath. 

V.l.n.r.: Dr. Christian Danninger, Finanzvorstand CFO AIXTRON SE, 

Dr. Benjamin Fadavian, Bürgermeister Stadt Herzogenrath, 

Dr. Felix Grawert, Vorsitzender des Vorstands CEO & President AIXTRON SE, 

Kim SChindelhauer, Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender AIXTRON SE, 

Franz-Josef Türck-Hövener, Technischer Beigeordneter Stadt Herzogenrath. 

(Foto: AIXTRON/F.Stark) 

AIXTRON starts construction 

of new innovation center 

AIXTRON SE (FSE: AIXA, ISIN DE000A0WMPJ6) has officially started the construction of the new innovation center at 

its headquarters in Herzogenrath, Germany. The leading provider of deposition equipment to the semiconductor industry 

is investing around EUR 100 million in 1000m2 of clean room with additional space for the required metrology equipment. 

This research facility will feature the latest technologies available in the industry. The first systems are scheduled to move 

into the new building during the second half of 2024. The official handover is planned for early 2025. 

This milestone in the company‘s successful history was marked 

with a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony attended by representatives 

from politics, science and research as well as key suppliers of 

the company. The framework for this significant step was a celebration 

in honor of AIXTRON’s 40th year since its founding: The company 

started in December 1983 as a spin-off from RWTH Aachen 

University. Since that time, AIXTRON has always been at the forefront 

of innovation and new, groundbreaking semiconductor technologies. 

The new innovation center continues on this path and forms 

an important foundation for the company‘s continued successful 

growth. 

„We have just completely renewed our portfolio with our successful 

G10 product family. The demand from our customers is already 

very high, so we are in the middle of a volume ramp. And we 

are now also starting to work on the next generation of innovative 

technical solutions. With this, we will successfully drive forward the 

electrification of the world with the megatrends of digitalization, 

electromobility, and energy efficiency. The new innovation center 

provides us with essential capacities for all of this,“ says Dr. Felix 

Grawert, CEO of AIXTRON SE. 

The cleanroom area of the innovation center will be of class ISO 

6, expandable up to ISO 4. The new complex, known in the industry 

as „fab“, will be one of the most compact and complex semiconductor 

fabs in the world: the area has two sub-levels. The first sub-level 

accommodates, e.g., the pump filter cabinets of the systems while 

the facility level houses all supporting processes and systems for the 

entire infrastructure. 

This type of space utilization increases cleanroom efficiency by 

a factor of up to three compared to the previously used cleanroom 

areas. 

AIXTRON SE 

D 52134 Herzogenrath 


page 9/23

The german chemical-pharmaceutical industry 

has presented its results for 2023 

– Production drop by 8 percent 

– Sales decline by 12 percent 

– Forecast 2024: further sales reduction 

– Policy change is needed, focusing on a competitive economy 

Prospects remain stormy also for 2024. 

A difficult year is coming to an end for the chemical-pharmaceutical 

industry. Hopes of an economic upswing have not materialised. 

Markus Steilemann, President of the German chemical industry association 

Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V. (VCI), comments 

on the situation: “We are in the middle of a long, deep trough. And 

it is still unclear how long we must persist to pass it.” A fast upturn is 

not in sight. 

Germany is in a crisis which is not only affecting the chemical 

industry alone. The entire German economy is suffering from the 

weak business climate and structural problems. In order to get Germany 

back to the road of success, the association takes the view that 

a profound policy change and a focus on a competitive economy 

are urgently needed – as this will secure the basis for a sustainable 

future. Steilemann emphasises: “The endless discussion and the 

outcome of the budget agreement dramatically underline that politicians 

need to wake up at long last so that the prosperity model 

Germany does not suffer failure.” 

Drop in chemical production by 11 percent 

2023 was a bad year for the industry. Overall, chemical and pharmaceutical 

production fell by 8 percent. When excluding the pharma 

business, the decline was 11 percent. Companies increasingly lacked 

orders. With an average of around 77 percent, the industry’s capacities 

were underutilised. This means that production has been below 

the economically necessary basic capacity utilisation of 82 percent 

for nine quarters. 

Manufacturers of inorganic basic chemicals as well as soaps, detergents 

and cosmetics cut their production by 10 percent. The output 

of fine and specialty chemicals fell by 4 percent. After the boom 

for vaccines, the pharma sector too struggled with adverse location 

conditions and recorded a reduction by 3 percent. 

At around 230 billion euros, the industry’s sales were 12 percent lower 

than back in 2022. The drop was particularly marked in domestic 

business were sales declined by 16 percent to 86 billion euros. Foreign 

sales amounted to 144 billion euros and were 10 percent below 

the previous year. Also, falling prices of chemicals contributed to the 

sales decrease. In 2023, producer prices for chemical-pharmaceutical 

products were on average around 1 percent lower than one year 

earlier. 

Outlook 2024: Recovery is long in coming 

At the end of 2023, the industry remains in recession mood. Both 

the current business situation and the expectations for the next 

months are negative. Thus, there should be a further lack of orders 

in chemicals business. In this setting, the VCI does not anticipate 

chemical production to be back on the increase in 2024. Sales are 

expected to fall by 3 percent. 

This forecast is endorsed by the results of the latest membership 

survey: Companies are not hoping for an upswing in the short term. 

45 percent see an improvement in 2025 at the earliest. 

40 percent of companies are complaining about falling profits 

The sales decline, falling sales prices and high production costs put 

strong pressure on the profits of companies. According to the most 

recent VCI membership survey, almost 40 percent are complaining 

about significant profit drops. Roughly 15 percent of companies are 

already in the red. 

At the same time, the continuously difficult state of business is 

forcing companies to make painful adjustments. Steilemann warns: 

“The longer this situation lasts, the more we must expect the shutdown 

of further plants.” Meanwhile, abandoning loss-making business 

areas, investment shifts abroad or staff reductions can no longer 

be ruled out. 

Germany needs an “Offensive 2030” 

Industry also needs competitive energy pricing for a competitive 

economy and a green transformation. This means in the short run: 

burden-easing on energy prices. And in the long run: high speed in 

the rebuilding of the energy system – widening the offer of electricity, 

expanding grids and creating reserve capacities with backup 

power plants and energy storage facilities. But for the electricity 

price package, which is still being planned under the agreement in 

the budget dispute, merely the status quo is maintained. 

However, the energy issue is just one of many unresolved problems. 

The list of shortcomings continues to include the dilapidated 

infrastructure, the skills shortage or excessive bureaucracy and regulation. 

Steilemann demands: “We have to rethink Germany, and we 


page 10/23

need an Offensive 2030.” After all, a competitive economy secures 

the basis for a sustainable future. This is the only way to achieve the 

key political goals of prosperity, green transformation, social and 

welfare state as well as sound public finance. 

It emerges from the VCI membership survey that companies are 

fighting the crisis with all their strength. 70 percent have announced 

that they will focus even more strongly on efficiency measures. Every 

second company is planning to intensify its innovation efforts. 30 

percent want to rapidly drive forward the ecological transformation. 

VCI President Steilemann states: “We are a location with immense 

potential, and we are reaching out to politicians to now tackle the 

urgently needed structural reforms with full vigour.” 

The German federal government should take the following steps: 

– Free the economy from bureaucracy and prevent further 

burdens through a moratorium. 

– Massively speed up approvals and licensing and transform 

Germany into a digital country. With a modern administration, 

other nations realise savings of 2 percent of their gross domestic 

product. 

– Prioritise in public spending. Here, cost-benefit considerations 

should be decisive and not political ideology. 

Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V. (VCI) 

D 60329 Frankfurt am Main 

Could Bio-Printing Be the Future of 

Affordable and Personalized Healthcare? 

The healthcare industry stands on the brink of revolutionary change with the advent of bio-printing technology. Vital3D, a 

biotech company specializing in 3D bio-printing solutions, sheds light on how this technology can address the twin challenges 

of soaring healthcare costs and the need for personalized medical treatments. 

Healthcare costs are increasing at record rates around the world, at a 

global average of 10% from 2022 to 2023, according to the 2023 Global 

Medical Trends Survey. As governments and healthcare providers 

seek to reduce costs through policy and preventative care, biotech 

researchers are pursuing change through cutting-edge technological 

solutions like bio-printing. 

Bio-printing is an emerging technology with the potential to address 

key challenges faced by today‘s healthcare sector. By enabling 

the creation of patient-specific tissues and organs, this technology 

has the potential to reduce medical expenses and revolutionize patient 

care significantly. 

Bio-printing and cost-efficiency 

Traditional organ transplants are beset by a host of costly challenges, 

including organ shortages, compatibility issues, and the logistical 

complexities of organ procurement and transportation. Bio-printing, 

on the other hand, provides a more streamlined and cost-effective 

approach to organ transplantation. 

“At the most basic level,” says Vidmantas Šakalys, CEO of Vital 3D, 

a biotechnology company that specializes in 3D bio-printing solutions, 

“the ability to bio-print organs on demand avoids all the complexities 

involved in delivering organs from donors to recipients.” 

However, bio-printing also has the potential to improve long-term 

Image by freepik 

patient care through biocompatibility. 

Šakalys continues: “With bio-printing, tissues and organs can be designed 

to match with the recipient‘s physiology and immune system, 

thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and potentially reducing postsurgical 

complications. As a result of biocompatibility, bio-printed 

organs will reduce reliance on costly immunosuppressive drugs, 

which are necessary for traditional organ transplant procedures.” 

Technological advancements enhancing healthcare 

As bio-printing technology evolves, it promises to make healthcare 

more accessible and has the potential to end the chronic shortage 

of transplantable organs. The ability to create organs and tissues on 

demand significantly reduces wait times for transplants, which can 

be life-saving. 

Advancements in bio-printing can also be shared globally, allowing 

for technology transfer to developing regions, which can build 

local capacity for advanced medical treatments, reducing the need 

for patients to travel long distances for specialized medical care. 

The future and challenges 

While the future of bio-printed organs is promising, there are still 

obstacles ahead, according to Šakalys. “As bioprinting is new technology, 

at the beginning it will be more expensive than traditional 

transplants from donors, because of technology development and 

regulatory and approval costs.” 

“However,” Šakalys continues, “in the long run costs will go 

down and have the potential to reach a significantly lower price tag 

than traditional donor transplants. Looking ahead, the widespread 

adoption of bio-printing in healthcare has far-reaching implications, 

promising a future where organ shortages are a thing of the past, and 

personalized medicine becomes the norm, not the exception.” 

Vital3D 

10224 Vilnius, Lithuania 


page 11/23

EDAG Group: 

Enormous growth opportunities 

in new industries 

The EDAG Group, engineering service provider to the global mobility industry and a technology developer for industrial 

solutions, focuses more and more on sectors outside the mobility industry. The reason for this is the increasing growth 

potential, for example in the semiconductor and chemical industries. 

Coming from the automotive world, the efficient 

planning, design, optimization and 

implementation of smart factories and their 

production facilities, and the associated 

networked product development, is a quality 

guarantee of the EDAG Group. For years, 

customers have relied on the development 

partner, which scores points for its qualifications, 

company size, financial stability and 

international location structure. 

Dirk Keller, Managing Director of EDAG 

Production Solutions, is responsible for the 

strategic orientation and further development 

of industrial production solutions. „As 

an engineering service provider, we are not 

an OEM or plant manufacturer that is primarily 

focused on selling its products. As 

an independent company, we can look for 

the best and most efficient solutions on the 

market in order to optimally meet customer 

requirements,“ emphasizes Keller. „Additionally, 

we develop and implement customized 

solutions for areas where there is still no 

adequate alternative on the market.“ 

EDAG Group Managing Director and 

CEO Cosimo De Carlo adds: „With our company 

EDAG Production Solutions, we advise 

customers and realize complex projects 

for them in the field of smart factories and 

manufacturing plants. We are familiar with 

the challenges, legal requirements and, of 

course, all relevant issues relating to our customers‘ 

production, and are able to provide 

optimum support for the reorganization or 

optimization of their plants. 

Knowledge transfer from the automotive 

industry to other industries 

Over the last 20 years, the automotive industry 

has developed into a highly automated 

and standardized production process. 

Other industries can benefit immensely 

from the sector‘s experience. This also 

applies to the semiconductor industry, for 

example. Since the coronavirus pandemic, 

the demand for and production of chips has 

Dirk Keller is responsible for the strategic orientation and further development of 

industrial production solutions at the EDAG Group. (Photo: EDAG Group) 

increased enormously due to growth in information 

and telecommunications technology 

products. Increasing electrification and 

digitalization of all areas of life will ensure 

growth in the semiconductor industry in the 

long term: new semiconductor production 

facilities are being built almost all over the 

world. „The EDAG Group benefits from these 

market developments. The semiconductor 

industry currently accounts for 20 percent 

of our subsidiary Production Solutions‘ 

revenue - and this is set a growing trend. Our 

experience from the automotive industry is 

extremely helpful here,“ adds Keller. In addition 

to the semiconductor industry, medical 

technology is also a growing sales area. Both 

industries have very high safety and cleanliness 

standards, and in both industries the 

clean room is of great importance both for 

production and for the construction of the 

plant technology. We have built up a high level 

of expertise in this area and have already 

implemented large-scale customer projects 

for well-known groups in both industries.“ 

International production networks are 

particularly interesting and highly scalable 

for companies. The EDAG Group has a longstanding 

practice of starting the roll-out in a 

production facility in Europe. The resulting 

experience will be used to roll out the system 

to other plants. EDAG‘s strong sales structure 

in Europe, with an international team of 

experts at around 60 locations worldwide, is 

key to this. The EDAG Group makes use of 

its local knowledge to respond to individual 

customer requirements, always monitoring 

market developments and evaluating new 

market potential in these industries. This 

also includes the American market, where 

the EDAG Group will continue to expand its 

sales activities in the coming years. 

EDAG Engineering GmbH 

D 65205 Wiesbaden 


page 12/23

A research scientist is using a tablet Computer in a modern high-tech laboratory to study genetics. (Source: Bayer AG) 

Collaboration to focus on cardiovascular diseases and ophthalmology in China 

Bayer and RTW Investments lead 

Series D financing in Chinese biotech 

Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals 

Bayer and RTW Investments, LP (“RTW”) today announced an equity 

investment into Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals Limited (“JIXING”) in the 

amount of USD 35 million and USD 127 million respectively. JIXING, 

founded and backed by RTW, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical 

company committed to bringing innovative medicines to Chinese 

patients with serious and life-threatening diseases. The collaboration 

will grant Bayer privileged rights to negotiate the commercialization 

of JIXING’s pipeline assets in the areas of cardiovascular 

diseases and ophthalmology. 

In addition to tapping into Bayer’s deep experience in the cardiovascular 

and ophthalmology fields, the collaboration will leverage 

the company’s significant presence in China. Bayer and JIXING will 

also form a joint portfolio strategy committee to explore potential 

additional business development opportunities, and Xiaolan Zhou, 

Executive Vice President, Pharmaceuticals Division, Bayer AG, President 

of Bayer Pharmaceuticals China, President of Bayer Greater 

China, will join JIXING’s Board of Directors. 

“Collaborating with RTW is an important step in our ongoing efforts 

to transform patient care in areas of high unmet medical need,” 

said Juergen Eckhardt, M.D., Member of the Executive Committee 

of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division and Head of Business Development, 

Licensing & Open Innovation and Head of Leaps by Bayer. 

“With the investment in JIXING, we continue to expand our global 

network and strengthen our local presence in China.” 

“JIXING is on an exciting growth trajectory, driven by a worldclass 

research and development team with a unique understanding 

of how to most effectively deliver innovative therapies that address 

complicated diseases to millions of Chinese patients,” said Roderick 

Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of RTW. “We 

believe JIXING is well-positioned to achieve its mission to bring 

breakthrough therapeutics for millions of people across China.” 

“We are pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with Bayer, 

a leading multinational pharmaceutical company with a strong 

presence in China,” said Sandy Mou, Board Executive Director and 

Chief Executive Officer of JIXING. “Today’s milestones will help, 

strengthen JIXING‘s capabilities to develop and produce new drugs 

from preclinical stage to market launch, and enable us to rapidly expand 

our reach globally. We look forward to continuing to advance 

and deliver innovative therapies and solutions to patients.” 

Leaps by Bayer, the impact investment arm of Bayer AG, is joining 

RTW, who incubated JIXING in 2019, in leading JIXING’s Series 

D financing. 

BAYER AG 

D 51373 Leverkusen 


page 13/23

Leveraging collaboration opportunities to continue to deliver ultra-high-quality 

products and services while achieving growth ambitions. 

Cherwell Joins the AnalytiChem 

Group of Companies 

Cherwell, cleanroom microbiology solutions expert, is excited to announce 

it is joining the AnalytiChem group of companies. Cherwell 

will join seven other businesses within the group, located across Europe, 

North America and Australia. 

Cherwell was founded in 1971 and serves customers across the 

UK and internationally with a range of products and solutions focused 

on environmental and process monitoring within pharmaceutical 

manufacturing. Cherwell will continue to operate from its 

location in Bicester (Oxford), UK and continue to be led by Andy 

Whittard, the current Managing Director. 

Andy Whittard stated: “AnalytiChem shares our vision for 

growth, philosophy, culture, market approach and guarantees the 

continuity of Cherwell as a provider of ultra-high-quality products 

and services. Within the AnalytiChem group, Cherwell will be able 

to leverage collaboration opportunities, especially with our new 

sister company bioTrading, alongside our focused offering of environmental 

and process monitoring products to the pharmaceutical 

manufacturing sector. Together with the great team at Cherwell we 

look forward to the exciting next steps in the development of the 

company.” 

Andy Whittard, Managing Director, Cherwell 

Raoul Biskupek, Group CEO at AnalytiChem adds, “As AnalytiChem 

we are focused on highest quality capabilities for the benefit of our 

customer base, something Cherwell clearly demonstrates with its 

focused portfolio manufactured in Bicester and services provided 

remote as well as on-site. With the addition of Cherwell to our group 

we can offer an even broader, while specialised portfolio across the 

geographies we are active in. This complementary offering opens 

exciting growth opportunities for our subsidiaries in the adjacent 

countries and our strong distribution partners network.” 

Cherwell Laboratories Ltd 

OX26 4XB BICESTER, United Kingdom 

Gerresheimer and Aptar Digital Health 

collaborate to develop integrated 

solution for cancer therapy 

“Combining our efforts opens up new exciting possibilities for optimizing 

the respective drug therapy and improving the quality of life 

for cancer patients”, said Daniel Diezi, Vice President Digitalization 

& New Business Models at Gerresheimer. “This collaboration in 

oncology will lay the groundwork for Aptar Digital Health and Gerresheimer 

to potentially expand into other therapeutic areas in the 

future.” 

“We are honored to collaborate with Gerresheimer, a global industrial 

partner in drug delivery devices,” said Sai Shankar, President 

of Aptar Digital Health. “By combining our collective and proprietary 

expertise in device and software engineering, we believe this collaboration 

has the potential to deliver innovative solutions for patients, 

healthcare providers and the healthcare industry.” 

Enhancing patient experience 

Both companies believe that patient experience in oncology can 

be improved with innovative subcutaneous injection devices and 

digital platforms. For pharmaceutical companies, this collaboration 

is an opportunity to offer a patient-centric solution, and tackle challenges 

such as treatment interruptions or discontinuations related 

to administration issues or adverse effects. It also supports the transition 

from intravenous to subcutaneous administration of oncology 

drugs. 

Support and accompaniment of immunotherapies 

The integrated solution will first be designed for targeted anticancer 

therapies such as PD-1/PDL-1, CTLA-4, with the potential to 

expand to all therapies delivered subcutaneously. 

Gerresheimer AG 

D 40468 Düsseldorf 


page 14/23

The Most Protective Lab Glove 

in the Kimtech Portfolio 

To enable scientists in demanding environments to conduct their 

work both safely and comfortably, Kimberly-Clark Professional has 

introduced Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves. 

Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves offer outstanding protection 

and strength, along with superior dexterity and comfort. They feature 

US Ergonomics certification, which demonstrates that the gloves 

deliver measurable ergonomic benefits to the user by improving 

comfort and fit and by minimising the risk factors that may cause 

injuries. It is the most protective glove in the Kimtech lab glove 

portfolio. 

“The Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Glove design helps reduce 

stress on joints, ligaments and tendons,” said Franck Bureth, EMEA 

Regional Scientific Category Leader, Kimberly-Clark Professional. 

“This reduces workplace hand injuries related to repetitive use and 

hand strain, which in turn increases worker efficiency through improved 

grip and performance.” 

In addition to these benefits, the gloves boast: 

– A proprietary nitrile formulation and premium nitrile grade 

– The latest manufacturing technology 

– Enhanced chemical splash protection (Type B (JKOPT)) 

– Extended chemotherapy drug splash protection 

The Polaris Difference 

Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves are designed for use in laboratories, 

life science applications and non-sterile pharmaceutical 

manufacturing environments. They have been tested against 

29 common chemicals and 24 chemotherapy drugs . Available in 

two lengths, (25cm and 30cm), Kimtech Polaris and Kimtech 

Polaris Xtra Nitrile Gloves help close lab coat gaps to ensure 

maximum protection. 

Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves also deliver optimal skin health 

protection and minimise any skin reaction through non-detectable 

levels of vulcanizing agent in the finished product. Textured fingertips 

and smooth finishing help prevent drops and breakage incidents, 

even when wet. 

Its proprietary formulation and Dark Magenta color make it a 

unique and highly effective addition to any scientific environment. 

For more information about Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves, visit 

www.kimtech.eu. 

Recyclable through The RightCycle Programme 

Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Gloves can be recycled through Right- 

Cycle by Kimberly-Clark Professional® . The RightCycle Programme 

is the first large-scale recycling effort for non-hazardous lab and 

cleanroom personal protective equipment (PPE) waste. This industry-changing 

initiative takes recycling PPE to a new level. Instead of 

used PPE, such as protective clothing and nitrile gloves, going into 

landfills, these previously hard-to-recycle items are collected at a facility 

and turned into new consumer goods. For more information, 

visit www.kimtech.eu/rightcycle. 

Kimberly-Clark Europe 

RH2 9QP Reigate Surrey 

Vereinigtes Königreich 

[1] Tested against EN ISO 374-1 

[2] Tested against ASTM D6978 

[3] Tested against ISO 10993 for Biocompatibility 

[4] The programme is available in the U.K., Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, 

Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. 


page 15/23

The aim of the cooperation is to optimize material data for silicone elastomers in order 

to make process simulation with SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding even more reliable. 

SIGMA Engineering and Momentive 

Performance Materials agree on 

strategic partnership 

The partnership between the world market leader in LSR injection 

molding simulation and one of the leading manufacturers of silicone 

and silicone derivatives is good news for the silicone processing industry. 

The challenge here is to produce high-precision components 

with high requirements that simultaneously exhibit the highest thermal 

expansion and the greatest compressibility of all elastomers. The 

more precise the material data and understanding of the material, 

the better the predictions made by the simulation. The partnership 

will offer high added value for this industry thanks to the synergies 

created. 

The use of standardized laboratory values for the definition of 

material laws in the simulation is not sufficient to describe the complex 

behavior of components. The observation and consideration of 

process parameters during processing is not yet part of conventional 

material data. In future, it will be necessary to use data from real injection 

molding processing in order to refine and calibrate the material 

data. This improves the reliability of the simulation results as well 

as the material data. 

Thomas Klein, Managing Director of SIGMA Engineering, is 

delighted about the partnership and the goals behind it: „Partnerships 

are formed to create something bigger together and offer added 

value to the market.“ 

„We are very much looking forward to working together with 

SIGMA Engineering,“ says Holger Albrecht, Vice President and 

Head of the Elastomer Business Unit at Momentive. „The more precise 

the material data in LSR processing, the more accurate the simulation 

can be. This is certainly an advantage for companies in the 

silicone processing industry - because there is potential for far-reaching 

optimizations in the manufacturing process.“ 

SIGMA Engineering GmbH 

D 52072 Aachen 


page 16/23

With a suitable product range, GEMÜ is a reliable and competent partner 

for manufacturing cultivated meat. 

GEMÜ taps into a new market 

The production of cultivated meat is based on known biotechnological 

processes that are identical to those used in other large-scale 

applications for cell culture technology. For this future market, 

GEMÜ offers complete valves, as well as measurement and control 

systems, from a single source. 

Cultivated meat is a steadily growing market that represents an 

efficient and sustainable option for the future supply of meat. GEMÜ 

is entering this market and, thanks to their expertise, is becoming a 

competent partner for manufacturers of cultivated meat. As with other 

large-scale cell culture applications, such as antibody therapeutics, 

one or more bioreactors, which form the heart of the system, are 

used in the production. Auxiliary processes such as water treatment, 

filtration, heating and cooling systems are also required. As one of 

the world‘s leading suppliers of valves and control systems for the 

pharmaceutical, biotechnology and foodstuff industries, GEMÜ can 

optimally support these processes with the appropriate components 

and the right expertise. 

GEMÜ offers suitable solutions for the production of cultivated 

meat for both aseptic and non-aseptic areas. 

Diaphragm valves (e.g. GEMÜ 650, GEMÜ 653, GEMÜ 687) and 

diaphragm globe valves (e.g. GEMÜ 657, GEMÜ F40) are mainly 

used for demanding, aseptic process steps such as inoculating the 

bioreactor or transferring the cells between the bioreactors. Drainage-optimized 

tank bottom valves that are based on the diaphragm 

valve principle guarantee aseptic cell harvesting with minimal product 

loss. 

For the laboratory phase in the cultivated meat sector, customized 

and individually tailored single-use solutions guarantee the necessary 

process reliability and flexibility. 

Auxiliary processes in which the media does not come into 

contact with surfaces that come into contact with the product are 

classed as non-aseptic applications and also play an important role 

at GEMÜ. Thanks to the extensive product range, globe valves (e.g. 

GEMÜ 550, GEMÜ 554), butterfly valves (e.g. GEMÜ R480, GEMÜ 

R490) or ball valves (e.g. GEMÜ B22, GEMÜ 24) can be used for this 

purpose. 

„In combination with expandable automation components, 

our valves are technically very well positioned to support and drive 

forward the new cultivated meat market, from the laboratory phase 

through to commercial production,“ says Tibor Tot, Business 

Development Manager in the Business Unit Pharma, Food & 

Biotech. 

GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG 

D 74653 Ingelfingen 


page 17/23

Entrance area Mitte with the date of the Chillventa from 8 - 10 October 2024 

The international refrigeration, AC, ventilation and heat pump community should be 

sure not to miss the world’s leading fair for refrigeration technology. 

A strong tailwind for Chillventa 2024 

The international refrigeration, AC, ventilation and heat pump community should be sure not to miss the world’s leading 

fair for refrigeration technology: From 8 to 10 October 2024, Chillventa in Nuremberg will once again showcase the key 

trends and innovations in refrigeration, AC, ventilation, heat pump and insulation technology and automation. Preparations 

are in full swing for the exciting and wide-ranging supporting programme including forums, special presentations, and guided 

tours. The Chillventa CONGRESS on the day before the trade fair is once again set to be a special knowledge highlight. 

“Buoyed by the success of the magnificent European Heat Pump 

Summit 2023, we are now fully focused on the next major reunion 

at Chillventa in October 2024. Exhibitors from all around the world 

are looking forward to the standout event in autumn next year. We 

are almost fully booked, with 95% of stand spots already taken. This 

fantastic commitment is overwhelming, and we are already looking 

forward to three exciting trade fair days,” says Daniela Heinkel, Director 

of Chillventa at NürnbergMesse. 

Discover exhibitors and products online now 

All exhibitors currently registered can be found in the comprehensive 

and regularly updated exhibitor and product database on the 

Chillventa website: www.chillventa.de/en/exhibitors-products 

The floor plans for Chillventa 2024 are also already available online: 

www.chillventa.de/en/exhibit/plan-your-stand/floor-plan 

Extensive supporting programme 

“In 2024, visitors can yet again look forward to a wide-ranging supporting 

programme that is always developed in line with the latest 

trends and issues affecting the sector,” says Heinkel. 

The four specialist forums deliver excellent knowledge firsthand. 

In three of the forums, exhibitors present their latest products 

and solutions to the experts in attendance, covering topics like applications, 

training and codes of practice, climate, ventilation and 

heat pumps, and refrigeration technology. The forum A PRACTICAL 

GUIDE TO DIGITISATION will also be back with advice for skilled 

trade businesses in 2024. The supporting programme has a whole 

lot more to offer: With numerous special presentations, guided tours 

and competitions like the German Championship for Refrigeration 

Technicians, Chillventa once again offers great added value. The 

mehrmacher platform presents its innovative “reverse recruiting” 

approach at the special display area JobMatch: As potential employers, 

companies at Chillventa can advertise their vacancies for skilled 

personnel. 

High-calibre speakers will share their expertise from research, 

development and industrial practice at the Chillventa CONGRESS, 

which is held as always on the day before the exhibition. 

NürnbergMesse GmbH 

D 90471 Nürnberg 


page 18/23

analytica 2024: a guide to Laboratory 4.0 

– Special show in Hall B2: experience digital transformation live 

– Uniform communication standard for all laboratory equipment 

– Greater efficiency through laboratory robots and artificial intelligence 

A milestone on the path to Laboratory 4.0 has been reached in time for analytica 2024. With the Laboratory & Analytical 

Device Standard, LADS for short, a communication standard is now available that connects software systems and analytical 

and laboratory equipment from different providers.“ The digital transformation of the laboratory world is progressing inexorably. 

Vendor-independent equipment communication will now significantly speed up this development,” says Susanne 

Grödl, Deputy Exhibition Director analytica at Messe München. “With analytica, we invite you to take a look into the networked 

laboratory of the future.” 

The analytica special show Digital Transformation in Hall B2, for 

example, shows how fully automated laboratory processes from 

sample preparation to analysis and evaluation can be achieved 

thanks to seamless equipment communication. All the details about 

LADS will also be available at the stand of the industry association 

SPECTARIS, which played a key role in driving the development of 

the plug-and-play communication standard. 

Digitalization relieves the workload for laboratory staff 

One of the highlights of the analytica special show Digital Transformation 

is the autonomous laboratory robot Kevin, which especially 

takes over routine tasks from laboratory staff. Kevin can, for example, 

transport samples and supply systems with reagents, pipette 

tips, and many other items. The mobile helper was developed at the 

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation 

(IPA) and is now being prepared for series production by the 

United Robotics Group. Both Fraunhofer IPA and the United Robotics 

Group will be exhibiting at analytica. 

Visitors to the special show will also experience the benefits of 

digital warehousing, including online inventory management, and 

automatic label printing. All that not only increases efficiency in the 

laboratory, but also occupational safety, since incorrectly or inadequately 

labeled reagents and improperly stored hazardous substances 

thus finally become a thing of the past. There are many more 

digitalized and automated applications to discover at the stands of 

the about 1,000 exhibitors and in the analytica forum presentations. 

“Laboratory digitalization is not about replacing individual 

equipment, software updates, or new programs, but about a fundamental 

change,” as Susanne Grödl points out. “This is a huge challenge 

that is all the easier to master the closer equipment manufacturers, 

software developers and users cooperate, and the better the 

transfer from research into practice succeeds.” analytica offers the 

ideal platform for all players to exchange ideas. The special show 

Digital Transformation, for example, is being organized by analytica 

together with a dozen exhibitors, including the equipment and software 

providers Gerstel, Integris LIMS and Mettler-Toledo, the industry 

association SPECTARIS, and laboratory equipment suppliers 

such as Düperthal Sicherheitstechnik and SmartLab Solutions. 

Artificial intelligence as a driver 

The fact that artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into 

the laboratory world is particularly evident at the analytica conference, 

the scientific highlight of analytica. Medical diagnostics is 

leading the way, using artificial intelligence in tumor diagnostics, for 

example. The conference session “Applications of AI Algorithms in 

Laboratory Medicine” on the afternoon of April 10 will focus on that 

topic. Artificial intelligence can be used not only in medicine, but 

also generally in imaging and spectroscopy, as the closing lecture of 

the all-day symposium “A Dream Comes True: Fantastic News from 

Analytical Chemistry” on April 9 will show. Several series of lectures 

at the analytica conference will also focus on managing research 

data. In view of the ever-increasing flood of data, especially in life 

sciences, digital solutions that go far beyond Excel spreadsheets are 

urgently needed. 

“The combination of trade fair, practice-oriented supporting 

program and scientific conference offers plenty of inspiration for 

the digital transformation of the laboratory world,” as analytica Exhibition 

Director Armin Wittmann sums up. “analytica in Munich is 

therefore the ideal guide to Laboratory 4.0 and, as the flagship of the 

international trade fair network, sets standards in laboratory digitalization. 

It thus provides the global laboratory community with the 

right know-how to make well-founded investment decisions for a 

successful future.” 

Messe München GmbH 

D 81823 München 


page 19/23

Registration documents now online 

Messe Düsseldorf invites exhibitors to K 2025 

“It’s K time again” – for all the companies intending to participate in 

K 2025 in Düsseldorf. From 8 to 15 October 2025 the international 

plastics and rubber industry will again meet at its most important 

international trade fair. Registration documents are now available at 

www.k-online.com . For all companies wishing to take part in K 2025, 

the deadline for registrations is 31 May 2024. 

The ranges on display at this the leading trade fair comprise the 

segments machinery and equipment, raw materials and auxiliaries 

as well as semi-finished products, technical parts and reinforced 

plastic products. What’s more: K 2025 is not only the industry’s performance 

barometer and its global marketplace for innovations but 

also provides orientation, sets sustainable economic impulses and 

present forward-looking trends. 

“No other trade fair presents as many complex solutions and 

none is as international as K in Düsseldorf. Its exhibitors thrill experts, 

users and decision-makers with outstanding quality and performance 

time and again,” says Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director 

at Messe Düsseldorf, and adds: “All of this makes K the perfect 

platform for successful international business and the No. 1 meeting 

point for the global plastics and rubber sectors.” 

K 2025 in Düsseldorf addresses the mega themes climate protection, 

digitalisation and circular economy. K 2022 already succeeded 

in making a powerful statement in these fields presenting 

sustainable solutions that will be taken to the next level in 2025. Exhibitors 

at the forthcoming K will showcase further innovations for 

the responsible and value-driven handling of plastics and rubber as 

well as flag up new avenues that allow plastics to be managed in closed-loop 

systems. 

The USPs of K in Düsseldorf include not only its extensive lineup 

of ranges exhibited by companies from all over the world but also 

the quality and variety of its side events including – in addition to the 

official Special organised by Plastics Europe and Messe Düsseldorf – 

the Specials Rubber Street, Science Campus and the Start-up Zone. 

Registration documents for K 2025 can be downloaded at: 

http://www.k-online.com/2330 

Companies that already exhibited in 2022 can log in and register 

using their previous access data. First-time exhibitors are guided 

through the registration process step by step. 

K Basics 

In 1952 K was held by Messe Düsseldorf for the first time and takes 

place in a 3-year cycle. The latest K in 2022 registered 3,020 exhibitors 

from 59 countries occupying 177,516 sqm net exhibition space 

and 177,486 trade visitors, of these 71% from abroad. For more information 

go to www.K-online.com. 

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH 

D 40001 Düsseldorf 

analytica and ceramitec 2024 in parallel 

– added value for exhibitors and visitors 

From April 9 to 12, 2024, analytica, the world’s leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology, and 

ceramitec, the world’s leading trade fair for the ceramics industry, will be held in parallel at the Munich Exhibition Center. 

That will create added value for exhibitors and visitors at both events, as the entire value chain from material development 

to analytical precision will be covered. 

The ceramics industry will benefit, for instance, from automated 

laboratory systems, modern analytical tools, and innovative measurement 

technologies that provide accurate data on material composition 

in order to control and further optimize the quality of the raw 

materials used and the end products. 

In many laboratories, in turn, technical ceramics are used in 

devices and components because they can withstand extreme temperatures 

and high mechanical stress and are resistant to aggressive 

chemicals. Some ceramic types are also biocompatible, which 

makes them suitable for certain experiments in biomedical research. 

The supporting program for both two trade fairs will also include 

presentations and discussion panels that are beneficial for both 

sides. At ceramitec, guided tours will be offered that provide an introduction 

to the range of products and services for technical ceramics 

and ceramic components. In the Occupational Safety and 

Health Forum at analytica, experts will once again show, in part with 

explosive live demonstrations, how safety can be ensured in daily laboratory 

work. 

Exhibitor and visitor tickets for analytica and ceramitec grant 

admission to the parallel event. 

Messe München GmbH D 81823 München 


page 20/23

Anuga FoodTec 2024, Hall 4.1, Booth A011: Ruland offers state-of-the-art processing 

systems for the production of new vegan and standard liquids. 

Reliable production systems 

for innovative products 

Plant-based and vegan alternatives to dairy products are all in trend. New products made from innovative proteins and raw 

materials pose technological challenges to the production process. With its many years of expertise in plant engineering, 

Ruland Engineering & Consulting also designs and builds reliable process plants for new products. 

As soon as the product idea is ready for production, Ruland supports 

the transfer of technologies and parameters from laboratory tests to 

the industrial manufacturing process. In this engineering phase, the 

process engineer combines the customer‘s product expertise with 

standard requirements for plant construction: reliable engineering 

with cost and risk assessment, product safety, continuous product 

quality, compliance with all hygiene standards and legal regulations. 

Understanding the entire production process across all stages 

and selecting the right process technology is crucial for a successful 

project. In addition to the system design, building conditions, the infrastructure 

for the media supply and the dimensioning of pipework, 

media connections and the energy supply are decisive for the layout. 

The result is a functioning and profitable process plant for industrial 

production. In this process Ruland combines the plant manufacturer’s 

product expertise and its cross-industry experience from all liquid 

product projects. The customer receives a reliable production 

plant for its innovation with stable product quality and the desired 

output to successfully place their product on the market. 

At Anuga FoodTec, the Ruland experts will be available as contacts 

for all topics relating to plant engineering and construction for 

conventional or innovative liquids. 

Ruland Engineering & Consulting GmbH 

D 67435 Neustadt 

Pilot plants offer a good opportunity to test the production of new products before they are scaled up to an industrial production. 

(Copyright: Ruland) 


page 21/23

When something needs to be lifted, a crane, ropes or chains are needed – plus 

anchoring points on the load itself. Ganter offers a wide range of solutions here. 

Securely Fastened Loads 

The classic and simplest lifting points are lifting eye bolts according 

to DIN 580, which are screwed into existing threads on the load. 

When threads are not possible, lifting eye nuts according to DIN 582 

are used instead. Ganter offers these standard parts in two materials: 

steel and stainless steel. 

However, a look in the Ganter portfolio reveals far better and 

stronger lifting points that are optimized for specific materials and 

– most important – easier to handle. In particular, the integrated 

RFID tags are worth mentioning as a special highlight. These make 

it possible to clearly identify specific lifting points during wear and 

safety inspections and manage them digitally and without system 

interruption. 

Such RFID tags can be found in the lifting eye bolt GN 581 and 

the lifting eye nut GN 583, for example, which are still able to rotate 

around their vertical axis even after installation. Both of these 

options also identify load rings GN 586.1, although here the lifting 

eye can also be folded down. And thanks to the eye ring with ball 

bearing, load rings GN 5860 are fully rotatable even under load. 

Load rings GN 587.1 are not screwed in but welded on. This load 

ring is also suitable for outdoor applications since the design of the 

weld-on block permits a closed seam that is safe from corrosion. The 

ring itself can be swiveled by 180 degrees, and an optionally integrated 

spring can secure it in any position. 

The lifting point GN 589 for welding can accept loads from any 

direction and impresses with its minimal height. This is an extremely 

important feature when the maximum hook height of the lifting 

equipment is limited. 

A practical alternative to threaded or welded solutionsis the 

mounting bolt solution, predestined, for example for devices or tools 

that change position frequently and quickly. GN 1130 operates according 

to the lifting pin principle with axial locking and a release 

button. 

The new threaded lifting pin GN 1133 eliminates the time-consuming 

process of screwing into and out of the thread on the load. 

Rather than balls, this part uses threaded segments that are retracted 

and extended at the push of a button to create a positive connection. 

The integrated shackle, which rotates by 180 degrees, forms the connection 

to the lifting gear. 

Speaking of shackles: You can find those in the Ganter product 

range as well. The shackles GN 585 are based on the US standard 

RR-C-271 and feature a significantly higher load capacity compared 

with the DIN version. 

When it comes to lifting points, Ganter always has an eye on the 

details – making the parts even simpler and more efficient to use. 

Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KG 

Triberger Straße 3 

D 78120 Furtwangen 

Telefon: +49 7723 65070 

Telefax: +49 7723 4659 

eMail: info@ganternorm.com 

Internet: http://www.ganternorm.com 


page 22/23

New ALLIOLiGHT system lights 

TUBE 

ALU-LINE 

ALLIO 

Applikation ALLIOLiGHT TUBE 

The cable management specialist icotek integrated the company 

ALLIOLiGHT into the icotek group in spring 2022, thereby securing 

entry into the field of system lights. ALLIOLiGHT has been producing 

and selling switch cabinet lights for the industry and IT applications 

since 1990. 

Robust machine lights with IP67 

The TUBE system light provides effective lighting for machinery and 

equipment, with M12 connectors for standardised connections and 

a luminosity of up to 3400 lumens. 

The light is easy to mount, rotates and offers a circuit-independent 

service life of 50,000 operating hours. 

Depending on the application, the user chooses different materials 

for the tubes: the TUBE is available in chemical-resistant borosilicate 

glass and in impact-resistant polycarbonate. Fluctuating 

temperatures, oil, water or various chemicals therefore do not affect 

the luminosity or the service life. 

Innovative LED lighting for the industry and IT applications 

The ALU-LINE system light offers effective lighting in control 

cabinets for the industry and IT applications. Its aluminium housing 

makes it particularly high-quality and stable. 

The ALU-LINE light offers an integrated socket as a practical 

additional benefit. This is available in the variants EU, CH, BE or GB. 

The high-power LED shines with 1350 lumens and offers a balanced, 

homogeneous area light. Another advantage is that the through-wiring 

of several lights is possible. The ALU-LINE system light is also 

available with a motion sensor but this is optional. 

Compact LED lighting for the industry and IT applications 

With its compact design and 190° rotating tube, the ALLIO system 

luminaire offers space-saving lighting for control cabinets. This also 

enables easy retrofitting in existing enclosures. The high-power 

LED illuminates with 1000 lumens and offers a service life of 50,000 

hours. The opal white polycarbonate tube provides a homogeneous, 

glare-free area light. A variant with a motion sensor is also available. 

The new products and accessories are now available from icotek. 

icotek GmbH 

D 73569 Eschach 

Impressum: 

cleanroom online / W.A. Schuster GmbH · Mozartstrasse 45 · D 70180 Stuttgart · Tel. +49 711 9 64 03 50 · Fax +49 711 9 64 03 66 

info@reinraum.de · www.cleanroom-online.de · GF Dipl.-Designer Reinhold Schuster · Stgt, HRB 14111 · VAT DE 147811997 

Original texts and images 

The contributions mentioned by name are the responsibility of the particular author. Reprinting, also of extracts, are permitted only with the approval of 

the editor and with reference to the source. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and illustrations. The publisher 

is granted the exclusive, spatial, temporal and contentual limited right to freely use the article in unchanged or edited form for all purposes as often as 

desired or to transfer it to third parties for use. This right of use relates to print and electric media (Internet, databases, data carriers of all kinds). 


page 23/23

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