Our new WMV Research & Development Center takes the surface treatment of bulk materials to a whole new level: Innovative process technologies and modern design ensure improved product quality – in the shortest possible time. New cleaning and coating systems enable additional testing possibilities. The combination of our testing facility and an AI-based software tool allows processes to be optimized in a targeted manner and energy management in industrial applications to be improved sustainably.
Ready for ‘Surface • Automation’: The new WMV Research & Development Center as a showcase
Just in time for the start of a new era at WMV, we celebrated the grand opening of the new WMV Research & Development Center in April 2025. However, the idea for this has been around for as long as WMV itself: 55 years. With our repositioning as a technology partner for automation in surface treatment, we are demonstrating what we stand for: the highly complex cleaning and coating system is currently unique in terms of its scope, technical advancement, and degree of networking. It sets new standards – and opens new perspectives for the future for our customers, partners, and ourselves.
“The new WMV Research & Development Center is more than just a facelift of our former test facility. For the cross-process design, we considered every screw, brought long-standing partners on board, and developed sustainable detailed solutions: Processes are becoming more effective, quality is improving, and productivity is increasing.”
Martin Müller, CEO WMV
High-end testing until market readiness: Process optimization and product innovation without risk
To this end, we have focused on two parameters: completeness and realistic conditions. That is why the cleaning and coating systems at the WMV Research & Development Center not only cover all stages of pre-treatment and post-treatment but are also capable of testing every one of our customers requirements under real-life conditions. This realistic testing not only increases development efficiency. It also ensures that new products and processes meet your customers required quality standards right from the start.
This significantly reduces time to market – for all sizes and geometries of bulk goods and rack goods. Our claim, “always a winning combination,” perfectly matches the highest requirements: We combine advanced technology with deep expertise to ensure every product, chemical solution, and process is perfectly aligned with your plant’s needs. This is how we achieve the best results – supported by new, highly innovative cleaning technologies and coating technologies.
A new approach: drying and blasting in surface treatment
In 2004, we teamed up with our partner, dryer manufacturer Harter, to combine centrifugal drying with heat pump drying. The result is a fully automated drying system which, among many other advantages, reduces drying time by a good 50% and saves up to 75% energy. Also developed in cooperation: an innovative blasting system integrated into a WMV centrifuge basket. Here, too, the combination of two experts has led to a (r)evolution: WMV’s innovative basket transport technology with Sinto AGTOS’ expertise in the development of blasting systems. This enables around 35% faster throughput times, 15% faster blasting time, and up to 20% less space requirements for blasting. Additional costs can be saved with the help of laser technology from our partner SLCR: the LAMA® Lightcleaner simplifies the workflow, avoids chemical residues, and saves up to 35% in costs and CO2 emissions. Speaking of savings …
“The new equipment completes the pretreatment process in our Research & Development Center, contributes to even greater efficiency and quality in testing and prototyping, and helps reduce our environmental footprint.”
Michael Kamp, Management Board Sales WMV
All systems and technologies at a glance:
Discover the new WMV Research & Development Center here
Michael Kamp, Management Board Sales
Do you have an idea for a new product? Do you want to future-proof your processes?
Do you need sample series quickly?
Use the new WMV Research & Development Center for your prototyping and testing—we will support you with our technology and expertise. Arrange your visit now with your contact person Michael Kamp.
