The tour of the WS headquarters in the afternoon offered a comprehensive insight into the wide-ranging activities of the Renningen-based group of companies at a total of 15 stations. In addition to burner test benches and development laboratories, the highly innovative 3D printing department, the modern service center and much more, it was the numerous future projects in particular that caused astonishment among the visitors. In addition to the in-house electrolyzer, which produces hydrogen for the development laboratories from surplus locally generated PV electricity, visitors were even able to see the company's own ammonia splitting plants up close.
This meant that many guests were unexpectedly short of time to make their way to the second highlight of the day: The ceremonial inauguration of the two new halls in Renningen. Once on site, Dr. J. G. Wünning opened the event with a short speech before Prof. Pfeifer, one of the most renowned experts in thermal process technology, gave a wide-ranging overview of the status and future of CO2-free industry. A topic that can hardly be covered exhaustively in one hour, which quickly made it clear why the WS Group is working on such a wide variety of technical solutions for the energy transition.
As if the hall inauguration wasn't enough reason to celebrate, Prof. Pfeifer and Renningen Mayor Hettmer then made it a point to raise a glass to Dr. J. A. Wünning and congratulate him personally on his recently awarded Federal Cross of Merit. The recognition of the lifetime achievement of the almost 95-year-old WS founder thus became a tangibly special moment of the evening for all the guests.
After many hours of technical information, the ceremonial cutting of the symbolic red ribbon marked the start of a lavish party which, thanks to an ingenious concept with various food trucks and food stations as well as a great deal of personal input from the employees, not only managed to do without any plastic waste, but even without any significant surplus food. With the feeling of a relaxed street party, the event then became more and more like the advertised "Dance into May", to which Melissa Kross and her band offered a festive supporting program, first with stylish dance music and later with rock sounds, during which the party continued late into the night.
All in all, the WS Group can look back on nothing less than a perfect day, on which the numerous guests celebrated not only the inauguration of the new buildings but also the WS Group as a whole. The team of the WS subsidiary e-flox GmbH, which will be one of the main users of the new buildings, and all WS employees involved deserve the greatest thanks and recognition for the organization and execution of this very special day.
Federal Cross of Merit for WS founder Joachim A. Wünning: As part of a festive ceremony, Joachim A. Wünning was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on March 28, 2025. Awarded by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and presented by Klaus Brenner, the award honors Wünning's life's work.
New CNC lathe at WS - high-end solution for precision and quality in in-house production and new development. The lathe from SPINNER Werkeugmaschinenfabrik GmbH will complement the extensive machine park at WS in the future.
Just in time for the start of the year, the WS Service department is delighted to have taken over and used the new WS Service Center. After extensive conversion work in the newly acquired building, nothing now stands in the way of its use as the new control center for our service department.
There was a lot to celebrate at the WS Summer Party 2024. Around 250 guests spent a thoroughly successful day in Renningen in the best weather and found out about the many new developments in the WS Group. Good food and a cold drink or two ensured a great atmosphere and fond memories.
Several high-ranking delegations from China visited WS in Renningen to find out about the best industrial burner technology available. The focus of the visit was on the low-emission and efficient heating of electric conveyor belt systems. Due to the increasing production of electric vehicles, this market segment is currently experiencing an upswing, particularly in Asia.
Fast for the few or slow for everyone? WS is pursuing its own concept when it comes to expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In order to achieve a low-cost yet effective charging system on the factory premises, WS consistently relies on a low charging capacity.
