# German manufacturing insolvency trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-manufacturing-insolvency-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-20T13:11:55.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Several long-standing German manufacturing companies have filed for insolvency due to economic pressures. 

Windmann Glas GmbH & Co. KG, a family-owned glass finishing specialist based in Herford, filed for insolvency citing liquidity difficulties caused by a weak economy, reduced investment, and rising energy costs. While operations continue, employee wages are secured through insolvency benefits until late November 2026.

Vollmer Werke Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a machine manufacturer based in Biberach an der Riß, has filed for insolvency proceedings under self-administration at the Ravensburg District Court. The company, which specializes in sharpening, grinding, and laser processing machines, reported that economic difficulties, rising costs, and supply chain issues have persisted for several years. The loss of the Russian market following the war in Ukraine, which previously represented roughly ten percent of revenue, was a significant factor.

The filing affects approximately 450 employees at the main headquarters, though the group employs around 1,200 people globally. Management intends to use self-administration to stabilize the company and realign it for the future. While the business is reportedly fully funded for the next six months, wages for the first three months will be covered by insolvency benefits from the Federal Employment Agency. Operations are expected to continue without interruption under the support of restructuring expert Dr. Holger Leichtle.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Vollmer Werke files for insolvency in Germany

German machine manufacturer Vollmer Werke has filed for insolvency in self-administration, affecting 450 local jobs due to market challenges and the loss of Russian business.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vollmer-files-for-insolvency-risking-450-jobs-in-germany

### 2026-09-30: Windmann Glas files for insolvency in Germany

Windmann Glas, a German glass finishing company founded in 1909, has filed for insolvency due to liquidity issues, high energy costs, and a weak economy. Operations and 36 jobs will continue for now.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/windmann-glas-files-for-insolvency-in-germany

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Cite as: German manufacturing insolvency trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-manufacturing-insolvency-trends