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New owner for Orwo Net: Hope for Bitterfeld-Wolfen!
Orwo Net in Bitterfeld-Wolfen has found a new owner in the Customization Group in order to secure the tradition and jobs.
New owner for Orwo Net: Hope for Bitterfeld-Wolfen!
In Bitterfeld-Wolfen there is a breath of fresh air for the traditional Orwo Net GmbH, which has a history that goes back over a hundred years. The Cologne Customization Group (TCG) will become the new owner on July 1, 2023. This takeover is no coincidence, as the company went bankrupt in March 2025, which resulted from difficult market conditions and an intense price war. Christian Heintze, the insolvency administrator, confirmed the takeover and is pleased about the continuation of the location, which can secure 146 jobs. The number of employees was previously at around 244, which shows that this step also promotes social responsibility.
Insolvency, a condition in which a company can no longer meet its payment obligations, was a not entirely unexpected turn for Orwo Net. Rising costs and falling demand have significantly eroded profitability in recent years. Bitterfeld-Wolfen's mayor Armin Schenk expressed optimism about the new investor's realignment of the location. TCG plans to expand the factory into a *European leading location for photo products* and places particular emphasis on quality, digitalization and sustainability.
A look into history
Orwo's history is as remarkable as its current challenges. Originally founded as the Agfa film factory, the company brought the world's first color film to market. In the GDR the name was changed to Orwo and the company supplied the Eastern Bloc with its products. After bankruptcy over 20 years ago, Pixelnet and Orwo Media were founded, but they also died. In 2003, Orwo Net was re-established out of bankruptcy and has been trying to survive in the increasingly competitive market ever since.
Although TCG can take on 146 employees, unfortunately 72 employees will have to lose their jobs. Their employment relationships should be terminated in a socially acceptable manner, which is often considered important in such cases. The insolvency regulations in Germany help to find a fair balance between over-indebted debtors and creditors. According to Statista, Germany has experienced an increasing number of corporate bankruptcies in recent years.
The challenge for the industry
The news about Orwo Net is just one of many in a climate where bankruptcies are very much at the forefront. In 2023, around 110,200 bankruptcies were recorded in Germany, which is 31,000 fewer than in 2013. Nevertheless, the service sector is struggling with a huge increase in bankruptcies, which makes policy measures and support to secure jobs even more urgent.
In these uncertain times, the acquisition by TCG is a bright spot. The continuation of the traditional location and the plans for qualitative further development could not only create new perspectives for the employees, but also strengthen the Bitterfeld-Wolfen location.
It remains to be hoped that the new direction of Orwo Net GmbH is in line with the economic challenges of the industry and that the company can soon get back on a successful path.