Bösdorf steelworks in Leipzig bankrupt: future of 250 employees uncertain!
The Bösdorf steelworks in Leipzig is insolvent; the proceedings have been ongoing since September 1st. 250 employees are affected.

Bösdorf steelworks in Leipzig bankrupt: future of 250 employees uncertain!
The Bösdorf steel and chilled casting plant in Leipzig-Knautnaundorf is currently making waves because SHB GmbH has filed for bankruptcy. The insolvency proceedings were opened on September 1st and are now being carried out under self-administration. This means that the company will continue to operate with a workforce of around 250 employees for the time being - albeit under the supervision of an administrator. This situation affects everyone, as the factory has a long tradition dating back to 1894 and today supplies castings for internationally renowned projects, including parts for the London Underground and coal excavators in China. A truly remarkable career! This is what [MDR] reports (https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/leipzig/leipzig-leipzig-land/kritik-stahlwerk-insolvenz-arbeiter-wirtschaft-100.html).
Self-administration insolvency is one of the few options a company has left in a crisis. The goal is to stabilize operations and find a solution that is fair to both debtors and creditors. In Germany, the legal framework for such procedures is clearly regulated, as Statista shows. This is done through the insolvency regulations, which clarify the relationships between over-indebted companies and their creditors.
A look at the insolvency statistics
The figures show that insolvencies are still a serious issue in Germany. In 2023 there were around 110,200 bankruptcies, which is 31,000 fewer than in 2013. However, a closer look reveals that corporate bankruptcies are on the rise; In 2023 there were 17,814 company bankruptcies. This is particularly noticeable in federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, followed by Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as Statista reveals.
Reality shows that bankruptcies not only affect companies, but also many jobs. In 2024 alone, it is estimated that around 320,000 jobs will be lost due to insolvent companies. This is an alarming development that also affects the people around the Bösdorf steelworks. It's not just the current economic conditions that are crucial here, but also concern for the future of the employees.
Continuation of operations and challenges
Despite the bankruptcy filing, the Bösdorf factory is continuing to operate for the time being - that is a bright spot in the current situation. However, Leipzig as a business location faces a number of challenges, which are exacerbated by the insolvency of the steelworks. It is now important to develop possible future prospects and adapt to the changed economic conditions.
Insolvencies not only bring uncertainty for employees, but also for suppliers and partners. The entire economic structure can be shaken by such events. This is also shown by the warning from the state judicial administrations and the Federal Ministry of Justice, which point out misleading offers that can arise in such a crisis. A look at the official page of Insolvency Announcements will help to clarify the legal framework and avoid dubious payment requests.
All in all, it can be said that the bankruptcy of the Bösdorf steelworks represents a fascinating but also worrying chapter in the history of LEIPZIG's industrial culture. The next steps under the trustee's supervision will be crucial to whether the plant will continue to exist and how employees will navigate this transition period.