LPW is reorienting itself

With the new test and service center, LPW supports its customers in terms of future-proof precision cleaning and challenging tasks. (Photo: LPW)

The structural change in industrial component cleaning is in full swing. Due to increasing globalization, digitalization, miniaturization, and automation, the demands are rising rapidly and relentlessly. This has far-reaching consequences for manufacturers of cleaning systems. Because technical cleanliness at the highest level is required across all levels and especially in process chains – as well as holistic considerations and a change in mindset. LPW Cleaning Systems GmbH has faced these challenges and realigned accordingly.

"Almost ten years ago, we aligned all R & D activities with the emerging transformation processes across all industrial sectors. In 2009, the first high purity system for semiconductor ultra-high vacuum technology was developed. Since 2015, the pressure-based CNP process, which was already tested in the 1990s, first patented in the USA in 2002, and since that year in Europe, has been used industry-wide," says LPW Managing Director Gerhard Koblenzer.

Based on this foundation, the company has been able to focus on the next steps over the past two years: In addition to developing new technologies, refined processes, and new high purity system solutions like the PowerJet ULTRA, a cleanroom-based test and service center (TDZ) was established at the company site in Riederich. Koblenzer states: "Especially during the pandemic, it was the central location for high-quality customer trials, either live or via video conference. Additionally, it supported the qualification and training of our personnel as well as handling the steadily increasing demand for high-quality contract cleaning."

Application Engineering and Digitalization

Another significant step for the company was digitalization – and the development of LPW Application Engineering as a completely new business field. "Technical cleanliness is not just a technical issue. It is more a matter of understanding and mindset regarding the requirements across functions. Therefore, we now comprehensively support our customers in implementing and optimizing suitable procedures and processes," says Koblenzer.

Expansion of International Activities

In collaboration with the Surface Alliance, alongside joint development projects, expanding activities in the North American market was a focus. By intensifying cooperation with WashTech in Queretaro/Mexico as a service and production partner, as well as establishing a Surface Alliance Cleaning Cooperation based in Texas, further important steps have been taken on the international market as well.

Gerhard Koblenzer states: "Although the pandemic certainly caused some turbulence for us, we stayed on course. It required a lot of focus and strength from the entire LPW team, but ultimately, we are more than satisfied with all the measures and innovations implemented – and so are our customers."