23.11.2025
Think Globally, Operate Regionally: Rotary Lobe Pumps From NETZSCH
Compact, robust, powerful: That’s exactly what NETZSCH Pumps & Systems’ TORNADO® rotary lobe pump stands for. Thanks to the compact design, these self-priming, valveless pumps are particularly powerful and require very little space.
In this interview, Stefan Schöberl, Global Productline Manager TORNADO®, explains what’s special about the technology, talks about tasks and objectives, and describes how to benefit from rotary lobe pumps in a wide range of applications.
Between technology, teamwork and a global perspective
Customised Consulting
What defines you as the Global Productline Manager TORNADO®?
When asked what makes a successful product line manager, my answer is clear: He combines the mind of a developer, the heart of a designer, the manner of a diplomat and the instinct of a salesperson. This combination is no coincidence, but rather my aspiration. Day by day, I try my very best to bring these four perspectives together, not only to manage the productline, but also to actively shape its success together with our global team. With more than eleven years of experience in the positive displacement pump industry, I have not only built expertise and supported products, but also got to know people, markets, and cultures. On my travels to customers in countries all over the world, I have learned the best solutions arise where customers’ challenges are truly understood and system solutions are developed together. My career has taken me through several positions at NETZSCH, starting in the development department, through leading the Fluid, Innovation & Application Centre, to my current role as Global Productline Manager. This foundation is closely tied to my studies in mechanical engineering. It is my goal not only to further develop the productline, but also to establish it as a global benchmark for reliability, quality, performance, and innovation.
Asking for my motivation? Communication, openness and a passion for new things. I strongly believe innovation only happens when people share ideas, work together on solutions and act courageously. And my vision is obvious: I’m committed to more than just managing products, I want to build trust, design solutions, and realise visions to create added value for our customers and NETZSCH. Because ultimately, it’s not just about pumps – it’s about partnerships, responsibility, and the ambition to be one step ahead.
Global strategy, regional presence
What are your responsibilities as Global Productline Manager TORNADO®?
As Productline Manager, I am responsible for the global strategic orientation, further development and profitability of rotary lobe pumps. This includes defining and implementing product and market strategy, supporting international markets, and working closely with our development teams as well as our global sales network. It is my goal to develop tailor-made solutions for demanding applications. A key element in this is pursuing our guiding principle of “in the region for the region”. The production of TORNADO® across four continents already enables us to respond optimally to the specific requirements of customers in various regions. The goal is to further expand and optimise this in the future to ensure the shortest possible delivery times, competitive prices, and good accessibility.
How to benefit from TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps
What’s so special about the technology of TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps?
TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps are characterised by their robust design, high efficiency, compact size, and unique operational reliability, with a flow rate of up to 1,400 m³/h. Our self-priming, low-pulsation and powerful pumps enable reliable performance even with abrasive, highly viscous, solid- or gas-containing media – regardless of how challenging the conditions may be.
What’s different about the technology of TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps from other types?
Compared to other rotary positive displacement pumps, the TORNADO® is particularly impressive due to its ease of maintenance, high flexibility, low space requirements and high power density . The innovative design, with direct access to the pump chamber, allows quick replacement of wear parts without removing the pump from the pipeline. In addition, the TORNADO® offers maximum variability. Thanks to its modular design, the pump can be optimally configured for a wide range of applications, including pumped media, installation conditions, flow direction, and drive configuration.
Versatile use in demanding industries
What are the areas of application for TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps?
Rotary lobe pumps are used in a wide variety of industries. They are used wherever reliable pumping is required under challenging conditions. Typical applications include environmental and wastewater technology, the chemical and paper industries, the oil and gas industry, and food processing, thanks to our EHEDG- and 3A-certified hygienic design. Their ability to handle solids as well as viscous or aggressive media makes them a perfect solution for complex pumping processes.
What’s unique about NETZSCH in the field of TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps?
At NETZSCH, we combine decades of experience with innovative strength. The TORNADO® rotary lobe pump is developed to ensure maximum operational reliability and cost-effectiveness. Our global presence, broad vertical range of manufacturing, and direct customer contact enable us to deliver not only products but also holistic solutions. Thanks to our international alignment, we understand the regional requirements of our markets and respond effectively.
As a global specialist in handling complex media, NETZSCH offers not only rotary lobe pumps but also multi screw pumps, progressing cavity pumps, peristaltic pumps, grinding, as well as dosing and emptying systems. Whether environment & energy, chemical, pulp & paper, food & pharmaceutical, mining, oil & gas upstream, mid- / downstream or battery: At NETZSCH, we develop the right pump solution for your individual requirements.
