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Many companies complain about a shortage of skilled labour. igus, however, is taking on responsibility and increasingly training junior staff. A new Training Factory at the company headquarters in Cologne-Porz will support this project, doubling the training capacity for professions such as mechatronics/electronics technicians and tool mechanics. The company intends to be independent from external specialists as early as 2027. In addition to the Training Factory, the company is also increasingly focussing on adult education in cooperation with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Industrie- und Handelskammer, IHK).
PFAS and PTFE (a subgroup of PFAS) have been present in many products worldwide for decades – whether pans, shoes or hoses. It is due to them that plain bearings, e.g., can operate in dry operation without lubrication. However, the organic fluorine compounds decompose very slowly and can be harmful to people and nature. The discussion about a possible ban is causing uncertainty in the industry. As a pioneer for lubrication-free high-performance plastics for motion, igus recognised this challenge at an early stage and has already developed its own PTFE-free materials. At the K plastics trade show in Düsseldorf from 8th to 15th October, the company will show that this change is not only possible, but can also be linked to technical improvements. October (Hall 5, Stand D05).
Three at one fell swoop: due to high demand, igus is launching new pulleys, skate wheels and roller adapters in series production, which were previously only available as customised products. Manufactured from high-performance plastics, the new components are an economical alternative to classic metal counterparts in numerous applications. They are lubrication-free and insensitive to dirt, durable, maintenance-free, vibration-dampening and ensure a quiet operation.
In Germany, there are a lot of family businesses with strong development despite the challenging times. igus is one of them. The Cologne-based company started out in 1964 with plastic components such as industrial plain bearings and energy chains. It is also constantly tapping into new and promising business areas, e.g. low-cost robotics. This agility is one of the reasons why igus is a finalist in the globally renowned competition “EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025”. According to the organiser Ernst & Young, this makes igus one of the best owner-managed companies in Germany that are shaping the future with confidence.
Rushing across the water on a motorised surfboard: the Jetsurf combines the thrill of jet-skiing with the feel of a motorbike. The engineers at Czech manufacturer MSR Engines rely on igus plain bearings made of high-performance plastic to ensure that the fun in salt water is not spoilt by technical failure. The polymer bearings make the sports equipment more efficient in many respects.
Driving through the desert with solar power! The Sonnenwagen team from RWTH Aachen University and Aachen University of Applied Sciences demonstrates its viability. Students have built a solar car with lightweight and robust components made of lubrication-free high-performance plastics from igus and have thus taken on the ultimate challenge: the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2025, the toughest solar rally in the world. The team fought its way to fourth place on the 3,000-kilometre route across Australia. A triumph for German engineering and sustainable mobility.
The AX-1 robot from Norwegian start-up Kilter applies herbicides to weeds with such precision that the use of chemicals is reduced by up to 95% – thanks to AI and sensor technology. To ensure that the autonomous helper is also gentle on the soil, the developers rely on lightweight and lubrication-free linear technology from the igus drylin series.
With their own trainee company “reguse”, the trainees and students of the Cologne-based company igus ensure that old electronic devices from igus employees find a second life within an environmentally friendly circular economy. They donate part of their annual turnover to charitable organisations. This year, €5,000 will go to the animal welfare organisation Notpfote Animal Rescue from Neuss.
After the start in Germany and successful stops in Asia, the igus:bike world tour is now continuing its journey in Europe. The launch in Spain marks the start of a new stage in the global mission: to raise awareness of a functioning circular economy for plastics. The aim of this world tour, which will also include the USA and Brazil after Europe, is to drive 6,000km without any lubricants, maintenance or rust.
Following the successful development of the world’s first energy chain made from recycled plastic, motion plastics specialist igus is taking the next step: the company is converting the entire catalogue range of its standard energy chain series E2.1 to the new recycled material igumid CG LW.