Maschinenbau Leicht GmbH files for insolvency despite high order volume

Maschinenbau Leicht GmbH (MBL), a mechanical engineering firm based in Hallstadt, Upper Franconia, has filed for insolvency with the Bamberg District Court. Despite experiencing a 34 percent increase in incoming orders in 2025 and projected growth of 48 percent for 2026, the company faced an acute liquidity gap.

The insolvency was driven by the fact that current earnings could not cover the high costs of investments required to support such rapid growth. MBL specializes in the mechanical processing of large components, with parts weighing up to 40 tons and measuring up to 12.5 meters. Its client base spans the aerospace, medical technology, energy, and defense sectors.

The company, which is part of the Munich-based Mey Group, employs approximately 330 people, including 38 apprentices. The filing follows previous reports of delayed salary payments in July. Stefan Debus of the Müller-Heydenreich Bierbach & Kollegen law firm has been appointed as the preliminary insolvency administrator.