For 80 years, Lehmann-UMT GmbH has stood for innovation, perseverance, and strong ties with both customers and employees. Founded on June 16, 1945, from modest post-war beginnings, the company has grown into a globally operating enterprise, today recognized as a specialist in filtration, conveying technology, and environmental solutions. The management looks back with pride—while confidently facing the future. “We have always regarded our customers’ challenges as a driving force to develop new solutions,” says Titus Lehmann (owner and managing director). A look at the history, present, and future of a company that unites tradition with modernity.

80 Years of Company History and Its Significance for Titus Lehmann

The roots go back to 1945, when the company was founded under the most difficult post-war conditions. “My grandfather literally started from scratch—with agricultural aid products such as beet cutters,” says Titus Lehmann. Defining milestones followed during the GDR era with expropriation and nationalization, until the company was returned to family ownership by Heinz and Thilo Lehmann after German reunification in 1990. In 1998, the third generation, Titus Lehmann, founded his own company, Lehmann-UMT GmbH. In 2014, Lehmann Maschinenbau slipped into economic difficulties. For Titus Lehmann, the decision was clear: with Lehmann-UMT he acquired Lehmann Maschinenbau, including its products, employees, and assets.

“Today, we proudly look back on three generations that have shaped the company—and the fourth generation is already waiting in the wings.”

This year also marks the company’s 80th anniversary, a milestone of great importance. However, as Titus Lehmann adds: “It’s not just a jubilee that you celebrate and then move on—it accompanies us throughout the entire year.” What was particularly moving, he says, was celebrating this milestone with employees, customers, and partners. At the same time, the anniversary provided an opportunity to present new products and technologies. “Together with our team, we didn’t just look back—we did a lot for our customers: further developing our StingR® filter, launching a new system on the market—the high-pressure separator, which presses residual liquids out of the sludge after filtration—and in doing so, we are actively shaping the future.”

Die Anpassung des Unternehmens im Laufe der Jahrzehnte an veränderte Marktbedingungen und technologische Entwicklungen

„Wir bestimmen nicht den Markt – unsere Kunden tun das mit ihren Anforderungen“, betont Titus Lehmann. „Die Probleme der Kunden animieren uns neue Produkte zu entwickeln.“ Daraus seien viele Innovationen hervorgegangen, etwa der patentierte automatisch rückspülende StingR®-Filter, der feinste Partikel bis zu zwei Mikrometer zuverlässig filtern kann. Die Entwicklung dieses einmaligen Produktes dauerte ganze 6 Jahre. Das Unternehmen ist allerdings nicht nur in der Filtertechnik vertreten, sondern auch in der Transfertechnik mit den Expeditionsausrüstungen und Polarschlitten am Südpol im „ewigen Eis“. „Wir produzieren umwelttechnische Anlagen rund um unseren Doppelschneckenextruder für die Bereiche Biogas und Torfersatz.“

Auch unsere Fertigungstiefe ist ein Erfolgsfaktor: von der Konstruktion bis zum Endprodukt geschieht alles im eigenen Haus. „Das macht uns flexibel und erlaubt es, schnell auf neue Herausforderungen zu reagieren“, so Betriebsleiter Jonathan Gehmlich.

The Corporate Culture at Lehmann-UMT

“We are not a hierarchical company where one person dictates everything. We make decisions together and give employees responsibility,” explains Managing Director Titus Lehmann. The company rests on many shoulders. This philosophy—combined with a family-oriented spirit, openness, and flat hierarchies—has shaped the company. Employees are involved in decision-making and actively contribute. “This is our DNA: combining tradition and innovation—as a team.” Thanks to this approach, the company is well positioned to master the diverse demands of different markets.

Current Projects and Innovations

A particular focus is on sustainable solutions: innovative filtration systems that feed liquids directly back into the production process. “Last year, we opened up a new field in filtration—plastic processing for eyeglass lenses—as well as a filtration system for the gear industry, which handles enormous chip volumes while still filtering down to below 5 microns.” Another new product from Lehmann is the high-pressure separator: “This reduces the amount of liquid that has to be disposed of, keeping it directly in the system and saving real money,” says Jonathan Gehmlich. “Our systems not only save customers tens of thousands of euros annually but also make an important contribution to conserving resources.”

Environmental technology has also been further developed in recent years. The twin-screw extruder technology has been taken to a new level. “In 2023, we upgraded the 110 kW extruder to a new platform—longer service life, higher throughput, and thus cost optimization for our customers,” says Titus Lehmann. For the wood fiber sector, the 180 kW extruder was developed in 2024, providing more power and throughput to break down difficult-to-process fibers. “This year we introduced the 240 kW extruder to the market, completing a full range for recycling fibers, peat substitutes, and more,” adds the managing director.

Looking Ahead: Where Do You See Lehmann-UMT in the Next 10 Years?

The vision is clearly internationally oriented: “We are well equipped with state-of-the-art products and competitive in the global market,” emphasizes Titus Lehmann. “Our products are already in use worldwide—from India to Antarctica.”

Lehmann-UMT GmbH also maintains a strong presence at trade fairs. In the field of filtration and conveying technology, the company will be represented next year at GrindingHub and AMB. In environmental technology as well, major trade fairs such as the World Biogas Expo will not take place without them.

Looking forward, Lehmann-UMT plans to focus even more on automation and intelligent machine networking. The goal is to make processes more efficient, less energy-intensive, and more customer-oriented. “We are convinced that with our innovative solutions, we will continue to play a leading role in the global market in the years to come,” says Jonathan Gehmlich.