Businesses in distress: 300-employee family enterprises facing bankruptcy
Family-Owned Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH Enters Insolvency Proceedings
On July 18, 2025, Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH, a family-owned company based in Weinsberg, filed for insolvency [1][3]. The insolvency filing came as a result of a prolonged global slump in demand across all sectors served by Vollert, particularly in the precast concrete industry, and a significant loss on a major steel industry project.
Current Status and Ongoing Operations
Despite the insolvency filing, Vollert continues its operations without restrictions, and employee wages are secured for three months through insolvency payments from the employment agency [1]. The company is undergoing insolvency proceedings under the supervision of the provisional insolvency administrator, Marc-Philippe Hornung, who is tasked with reviewing and exploring potential restructuring or solution options [1].
Vollert remains active on projects worldwide, including recent contracts involving warehouse expansions and intralogistics solutions in Austria, Germany, Finland, and Sweden [2]. The insolvency filing was unexpected given recent orders and the company’s centennial anniversary celebrations, but the loss of bank guarantee capacity forced the filing [1].
Impact on Foreign Locations
Vollert India Pvt Ltd, operating since 2011 and manufacturing precast concrete components, continues operations with a demonstrated long-term commitment to the Indian market. There is no current information indicating disruption at this subsidiary due to the insolvency [4]. Other international activities, such as projects in Brazil and Europe, appear ongoing as of July 2025 [2].
Potential Future Plans
The immediate focus is on fully assessing the company’s situation and identifying viable restructuring or stabilization solutions together with management and the appointed insolvency administrator [1]. No public announcements have detailed specific restructuring measures or sale possibilities, but the insolvency process aims to secure the company’s survival and continuation of operations.
The insolvency puts the tradition of Vollert's plant at risk, as well as the jobs of Vollert's 300 employees. The city of Weinsberg is in a state of emergency due to Vollert's insolvency. Behind the scenes, Vollert's management was dealing with a sudden funding gap, and a realistic restructuring plan needs to be drawn up, including the foreign locations, as international presence is seen as key to the future [1].
In summary, Vollert is currently in insolvency but remains operational, with management and legal experts evaluating restructuring options. Foreign subsidiaries such as Vollert India continue unaffected, indicating efforts to maintain a global presence despite financial challenges [1][4]. The IG Metall union is expressing deep uncertainty about the situation. The future of Vollert remains uncertain as the insolvency process unfolds.
References: 1. Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH files for insolvency 2. Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH continues operations during insolvency 3. Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH's financial struggles 4. Vollert India unaffected by parent company's insolvency
- The ongoing insolvency proceedings of Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH have led to an evaluation of potential restructuring options, which may involve reevaluating their business operations in various industries, including finance.
- The foreign locations of Vollert, such as Vollert India Pvt Ltd, are continuing their operations, signifying a commitment to maintaining a robust presence in other industries, like the precast concrete industry.
