"We need more pragmatism"
Interview with René Rose Stüber, Managing Director of Leybold GmbH
For 175 years, Leybold GmbH from Cologne has been developing vacuum technologies that are indispensable in research, industry, and high-tech processes. Today, the traditional company is a center of excellence for dry-running screw pumps and turbomolecular pumps. In a conversation with Wirtschaftsforum, Managing Director René Rose Stüber explains why speed, automation, and the courage to experiment will decide the future of the company.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Stüber, Leybold has a long history. From today's perspective, which milestones were particularly important?
René Rose Stüber: Over the past decades, we have experienced many technological leaps, especially in the development of turbopumps. A crucial step was the move from oil-lubricated to completely dry technologies. This was not only a technical advancement but also a contribution to greater environmental friendliness. In parallel, digitalization in manufacturing is playing an increasingly important role. The balance between humans and machines is becoming increasingly important in Germany to remain internationally competitive. Automation and digital processes are therefore key success factors.
Wirtschaftsforum: Since 2016, Leybold has been part of the Atlas Copco Group. How has this integration impacted the company?
René Rose Stüber: The integration is still ongoing, primarily because of the cultural adjustment. Atlas Copco has heavily invested in the site, in machines, processes, training, and infrastructure. We are steadfastly pursuing the goal of producing completely CO2-neutral by 2030. Almost all areas have already been converted, we are just still working on a solution for heating.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the importance of the Cologne location within the group, and how has the company developed in terms of personnel?
René Rose Stüber: Cologne is the global competence center for dry-running screw pumps in the industrial sector and for turbomolecular pumps within the Atlas Copco Group. We develop and manufacture complete systems here. It is important that the integration of development and production is seamless; engineering and manufacturing must work hand in hand so that knowledge flows back directly and products continuously improve. In Cologne, we employ about 870 people. We had to adjust our size slightly – among other things due to changes in the Chinese market and the solar sector. Many colleagues have retired, allowing us to manage a socially responsible generational change. I am particularly proud that we even have third-generation employees. This shows how deeply rooted Leybold is in Cologne and how strong the identification with the company is.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role do digitalization and AI play for you?
René Rose Stüber: An increasingly important one. We are already testing AI in production and use it in everyday applications, such as for dashboards or performance management. Without AI, it will no longer be possible to be competitive in the future. What slows us down, however, are data protection regulations. They extend many processes because each software solution must be reviewed and approved first. In Germany, this puts us at a disadvantage compared to countries that can implement such projects more quickly.
Wirtschaftsforum: What makes Leybold so successful in your opinion - and what will be crucial in the future?
René Rose Stüber: Our largest success factor is our technical competence. There is manufacturing and development know-how that hardly anyone in the world can copy. But the future will depend on the ability to compromise and make quick decisions. In Germany, we tend to discuss things for too long. While we are still considering, others have already delivered. We need to act faster and accept that perfection is not always the best approach. In the past, product development was a strictly linear process with long planning and testing phases. Today, that is no longer sufficient. We need to be more flexible - agile in the best sense. This means: trying out quickly, combining, and making bold decisions. Sometimes a simulation is the better way, sometimes a real test. It is important that we become marketable quickly. Speed determines success in the global competition.
Wirtschaftsforum: What vision do you have for the company?
René Rose Stüber: I hope that Leybold will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 25 years, and by then, continue to be the global technology center for vacuum solutions. The tradition of Ernst Leybold and the pioneers of this technology should live on. We want to enable innovations, whether in robotics, aerospace, or in new manufacturing processes. And we want to remain a true Cologne company, with people who are passionately committed.
Wirtschaftsforum: And what motivates you personally in your work?
René Rose Stüber: The people. When I see how proud our employees are when they have successfully launched a new product or produced the thousandth pump, it's priceless. This togetherness, the solidarity, that is my motivation. That's why I come to the factory every day, even though I could work from home. I want to see the people, talk to them, support them.