Heiterblick in Leipzig: Insolvency proceedings surprisingly opened!

Heiterblick in Leipzig: Insolvency proceedings surprisingly opened!

The Leipzig tram manufacturer Heiterblick has opened regular insolvency proceedings after the company got into financial difficulties. The Leipzig District Court announced the decision, turning things upside down for the 250 employees. While the company initially initiated a restructuring process under self-management, it can now no longer hope for a positive turnaround. Andreas Kleinschmidt from the law firm White & Case remains responsible as administrator, while discussions with potential investors have so far been unsuccessful. lvz.de reports that some investors plan to continue using the Heiterblick brand, while others are interested in continuing the business.

The company has already received an order from the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) for 25 new XXL trains, which are to be delivered between the beginning of 2026 and the end of 2027. In addition to Leipzig, Heiterblick will also produce trams for Görlitz and Zwickau, which promises possible positive prospects for the future. In addition to discussions with investors, LVB has ruled out joining the manufacturer, which further complicates the situation.

Production and employees

Production in Leipzig will continue to be maintained and is based on the order situation and the requirements of insolvency law. Over the next three months, work will be carried out on all current orders, while at the same time a renovation concept is being drawn up. IG Metall has already called for more intensive efforts to save the company and to set up a round table with everyone involved. Michael Hecker from IG Metall emphasized the positive future prospects and the need to secure jobs. mdr.de has reported that employees learned about the bankruptcy from the press, which unsettled many of them.

The salaries of the 250 employees are initially secured for three months through the insolvency benefit from the employment agency. The union has already announced that short-time work is planned to compensate for delays in deliveries and financing. Another problem facing the company is the deadline given to creditors until the end of August to file their claims with the administrator. A creditors' meeting is scheduled to take place at the district court on September 24th.

The future of Heiterblick

The developments in Heiterblick's insolvency raise questions about the future of the company. Possible outcomes of the proceedings could be the sale of the business, the continuation under new conditions or even the break-up of the company. However, Volker Heck, who took over crisis communications for Heiterblick, is optimistic. Despite the challenges, there is hope that current efforts to turn around the company could be successful.

The situation remains tense as everyone involved awaits future developments and decisions. Heiterblick is facing a crucial phase that will not only have a significant impact on the future of the company, but also the jobs of its employees.