Across the world and for many decades now the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University has stood for successful and forward-thinking research in the area of production engineering. In eight different work areas, research activities not only relate to fundamental theories and findings but also to the application of findings in an industrial context. Furthermore, practical solutions are worked out for the purposes of rationalising production.

From the goal of wishing to cover the entire spectrum of production technology from one source, we have a broad working field which focuses on the business areas of development and design, quality management, organisation, work preparation, production and assembly as well as control and automation.

The Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering is headed by four Professors: Christian Brecher (Machine Tools, Assembly Technology, Excellence Cluster, Gear Engineering), Thomas Bergs (Manufacturing Technology, Gear Technology), Robert Schmitt (Production Metrology and Quality Management) and Günther Schuh (Production Engineering). The managing director of the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering changes on a rotational basis every three years.