Traditional glass manufacturer Doering Glass is closing in Radeburg after 92 years

Traditional glass manufacturer Doering Glass is closing in Radeburg after 92 years

A traditional glass manufacturer from Radeburg, Doering Glass, will close its doors after more than 90 years. At the end of 2025, more precisely at the end of November, the company will stop production. The challenge that the company has been facing since May 2025 is a legal restructuring procedure at the Dresden District Court, which resulted from the tense financial situation. High energy prices and supply chain problems are putting a significant strain on the entire glass industry - and Doering Glass is no exception. The industry is considered to be particularly energy-intensive, which makes the closure all the more tragic as Germany has become one of the most expensive energy locations in Europe.

The furnaces in Radeburg, which are responsible for glass production, are scheduled to be shut down at the end of October. Despite everything, Doering Glass has not given up completely, as orders can still be accepted until then. But the future looks bleak: new jobs in the region are no longer guaranteed for the approximately 120 employees who have already been laid off, although some of them have already received offers. The uncertainty is noticeable, especially since no investor could be found who was willing to continue the business, although several parties were interested in the company.

The situation of the German glass industry

A total of 12,009 bankruptcies were reported in Germany in the first half of 2025. This is an increase of 12.2% compared to the previous year. A look at the numbers shows that the liquidity of many companies has been affected by a two-year long recession. Creditor claims from the bankruptcies now amount to around 28.2 billion euros. The DIHK predicts that there could be over 22,000 corporate bankruptcies throughout 2025, highlighting the alarming situation in the economic landscape.

It is also worrying that the location in Berlin, where around 50 employees work, is currently still hoping for investors. So there could be a glimmer of hope here if a suitable buyer can be found. But while the new federal government under Friedrich Merz promises to strengthen the economy, there are great doubts about the implementation of these plans. There are calls for affordable energy, reduction of bureaucracy and more openness to technology in order to relieve the strain on the heavily strained industry.

The closure of Doering Glass is not only a tragedy for the employees affected, but also casts a shadow on the overall economic development in Germany. With the closure of such a long-established company, the challenge of finding affordable energy costs and reforming energy policy becomes starkly clear.

The financial and social stability of the region is at stake, and affected employees will feel the effects of this closure for a long time. It remains to be seen whether the Berlin location can be saved and what measures the government will actually take.

For more details on this development, read the reports Mercury and Kettner precious metals.