Published on: July 23, 2025 / Updated on: July 26, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Insolvency: Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH, a supplier of intralogistics, precast concrete and shunting systems, is bankrupt – Image: Xpert.Digital
After 100 years: Traditional German company and machine manufacturer Vollert files for insolvency – what this means now
Shock in Weinsberg: Plant manufacturer Vollert insolvent – What will happen to the 360 employees?
It's a shock for the German industrial landscape and the Heilbronn-Franken region: Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH from Weinsberg, a globally recognized specialist in plant engineering and intralogistics, has filed for insolvency – and in the very year of its 100th anniversary. What comes as a bombshell just weeks after the anniversary celebrations is the result of a fatal combination of a weak global economy, losses on a major project, and a sudden reduction in bank financing. While business operations will continue in full for the time being under the supervision of the provisional insolvency administrator, Marc-Philippe Hornung, and all orders are to be fulfilled as planned, the approximately 360 employees, customers, and suppliers of the family-owned company face an uncertain future. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a restructuring can succeed and the long-established machine manufacturer can be saved.
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How did the insolvency filing come about?
On July 18, 2025, Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH filed for insolvency at the Heilbronn District Court. The court subsequently ordered preliminary proceedings and initiated the usual protective measures.
What is Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH?
The Weinsberg-based family business has existed since 1925 and has evolved from a metalworking shop into a globally operating provider of intralogistics, precast concrete, and shunting systems. Subsidiaries are located in Brazil, India, China, and the USA, among other countries. The company will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Who was appointed as the provisional insolvency administrator and what is his role?
On July 21, 2025, the local court appointed attorney Marc-Philippe Hornung of SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz as the provisional insolvency administrator. His task is to secure the assets, continue business operations, and examine restructuring options. The legal basis for this is found in Section 22 of the German Insolvency Code (InsO), which describes the provisional insolvency administrator's mandate to safeguard assets. Generally, a provisional administrator monitors cash flows and coordinates all key decisions with management.
What were the reasons for the economic difficulties?
Vollert cites weak global demand in all core sectors, particularly for precast concrete elements, as well as losses from a major steel project as the main reasons. In addition, a short-term reduction in loan guarantees by banks strained liquidity immediately before the awarding of new major contracts.
How does the insolvency affect ongoing business operations and existing orders?
Managing Director Hans-Jörg Vollert assured customers and partners in a circular letter that all current orders will be fulfilled as planned and that operations will continue without interruption. The provisional insolvency administrator also confirmed the continuation of business operations in full. This is intended to keep supply chains intact and ensure that contractual relationships remain unaffected.
What does this procedure mean for customers and suppliers?
Existing contracts generally remain valid. The insolvency administrator can decide whether to fulfill them or terminate them if no services have yet been exchanged. Suppliers should avoid making advance payments and consistently use retention of title clauses. Customers have an interest in making agreed partial and final payments only upon delivery in order to minimize risk.
What does the insolvency mean for the workforce?
Around 360 employees, approximately 270 of whom work at the company's headquarters in Weinsberg, will initially receive their wages through insolvency payments from the Federal Employment Agency, which cover up to three months. The legal basis for this is Section 165 of the German Social Code, Book III (SGB III), according to which the agency covers the net wages for the three months preceding the insolvency. No dismissals have been issued so far; however, the provisional administrator is examining all options to ensure the continuation of business operations in a socially responsible manner.
What legal steps are involved in a standard insolvency proceeding?
After an insolvency petition is filed, the court examines whether grounds for insolvency exist (insolvency, impending insolvency, or over-indebtedness). During the preliminary phase, an administrator protects the assets. If the assets cover the costs, the proceedings are opened. A creditors' meeting then decides on whether to continue the business, liquidate it, or implement an insolvency plan.
What happens after the preliminary insolvency proceedings?
If the examination is successful, the court opens the main insolvency proceedings. The appointed (often the same) insolvency administrator then liquidates or restructures the company, negotiates with creditors, and can submit an insolvency plan. If restructuring fails, orderly liquidation follows. The goal is to achieve the highest possible creditor satisfaction and – if the plan is successful – the continued existence of the business.
What are the possible renovation options?
The provisional administrator is examining various options: continuing operations under new financing structures, selling to an investor, or an insolvency plan that reduces debt and preserves business operations. Due to the high export rate and innovative product range, management sees opportunities for a fresh start, provided fresh capital or a buyer can be found.
How do local stakeholders assess the development?
Weinsberg's mayor described the insolvency filing as a "black day" for the town and region and hopes for a viable solution to secure jobs. Union representatives point out that the order books are actually full, but that financing collapsed at short notice.
What is the significance of the company's 100th anniversary in this context?
In June 2025, Vollert celebrated its anniversary with customers and employees. According to management, the celebrations would have been cancelled had the banking situation been foreseeable. Nevertheless, the company emphasizes that a century of experience and an international project portfolio can serve as a foundation for its restructuring.
How does the company communicate?
In addition to internal staff meetings, management informed all customers in writing about the insolvency application and the guarantee of continued operation. Vollert continues to advertise durable systems and new projects on its website and social media channels to maintain customer trust.
What lessons can medium-sized businesses learn from this case?
This case illustrates how heavily project-based business depends on the confidence of financiers. A temporary drop in demand and losses from individual projects can jeopardize even healthy order books if banks reduce loan guarantees. Early liquidity monitoring, financing diversification, and prudent risk hedging for large orders are essential.
What happens next?
Until the creditors' meeting, business operations will remain stable under the administrator's supervision. If an investor is found or an insolvency plan is approved, Vollert can continue to operate as an independent company. Otherwise, it faces liquidation. Customers, suppliers, and employees should therefore closely monitor upcoming court dates and administrator reports.
What specific actions can customers take now?
- Request written confirmation of orders already placed and closely monitor delivery dates.
- For new orders, use security instruments such as advance payment guarantees or retention of title.
- Review payment terms and adjust them to the insolvency risk.
- Assess the dependence on Vollert parts in a timely manner when dealing with external or co-suppliers.
What should employees be aware of?
- Apply for insolvency compensation immediately if the administrator does not handle this in a bundled manner.
- Contractual obligations remain in effect; salary losses are covered retroactively by insolvency pay.
- In the case of redundancies, a statutory maximum notice period of three months to the end of the month applies.
- The works council and the trade union accompany the process and can demand negotiations on a social plan.
Which deadlines are important for creditors?
Once insolvency proceedings have been opened, a claim must be filed; the court sets the deadline. Anyone who has delivered products should assert any retention of title immediately. Individual enforcement actions should be avoided until a decision is reached regarding the opening of proceedings, as the provisional administrator can review potential challenges.
Can the company restructure under its own administration?
Management has not yet filed for self-administration proceedings. Whether such a request will follow depends on the administrator's report and the creditors' approval. Self-administration can expedite processes, but requires a sound financial and restructuring plan.
Are there examples of successful remediation in similar cases?
German machinery and plant manufacturers have found investors and restructured themselves through insolvency plans in the past. Transparent communication, clear market positioning, and a viable future concept were crucial. Vollert is counting on its international project expertise to convince a comparable investor.
How long can a standard insolvency proceeding take?
For medium-sized industrial companies, the average duration of insolvency proceedings is between one and three years, depending on the asset structure, number of creditors, and complexity of the restructuring. A fast-track insolvency plan can significantly shorten this period.
What role does the export share of 80 percent play?
A high export share reduces dependence on the German market but increases exchange rate and project financing risks. For restructuring, the international network can be an advantage if global customers continue to place orders and provide short-term liquidity.
What distinguishes a "strong" from a "weak" provisional administrator?
According to a court order, a weak administrator with reservation of consent was appointed at Vollert, meaning that the management can continue to operate, but only with the administrator's approval. A strong administrator would act independently and assume all powers of disposal.
Save or fail? The decisive moments of Vollert Anlagenbau
The insolvency of Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH is a classic example of the vulnerability of project-oriented medium-sized companies to economic fluctuations and financing risks. The preliminary proceedings will initially keep the business stable, and all orders are to be fulfilled. Crucial to the further course of events are the report of the preliminary administrator, the creditors' decision, and the ability to either attract investors or implement a viable insolvency plan. Customers, suppliers, and employees should closely monitor the next steps but, for the time being, assume that business operations will continue.
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