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Mechanical engineering concept in crisis: new insolvency application filed
Concept Maschinenbau GmbH, taken over by Kiener, files for self-administration insolvency in Stuttgart. Financial challenges caused by unexpected demands.
Mechanical engineering concept in crisis: new insolvency application filed
There's always a lot going on in mechanical engineering, but things don't always go smoothly. A current case once again draws attention to the difficulties in this industry. Concept Maschinenbau GmbH, which took over the insolvent mechanical engineering company Kiener in Lauchheim just two years ago, is now facing considerable financial challenges itself. How Mercury reported, the company filed an application for preliminary insolvency proceedings under self-administration at the Stuttgart District Court on October 2, 2025. This puts the future of around 180 employees to the test.
The origin of these problems goes back to the takeover of Kiener in 2023. At that time, Concept Maschinenbau GmbH was able to secure around 300 jobs after around 90 employees had to leave when the previous company went bankrupt. The majority of this former workforce is now still employed, but the financial worries are troubling everyone.
Causes and effects
What is particularly noteworthy is that despite the problems, the company can present positive results from the crisis year and for the first half of 2025. The business indicators show solid profitability and even better results than initially planned. In a market characterized by uncertainty, Concept Maschinenbau GmbH still feels strong enough to focus on existing orders in the automotive and defense industries.
Industry overview and outlook
When you look at the bigger picture, it turns out that the situation in mechanical engineering is not just an isolated case. According to an analysis by management consultancy Falkensteg, there are signs of a continued increase in insolvencies in mechanical engineering. There were already five bankruptcies in the first quarter of 2025. The metal goods industry is particularly affected, with an increase in insolvent companies from eight to ten. Machinery market reports that the poor situation in the automotive sector is a main cause of this trend.
The forecasts suggest that the problems for many companies could continue. A decline in mechanical engineering production of 0.6% is also expected, which further increases the challenges. Competition is booming, while the uncertainties in the global economy are overwhelming. These conditions do not make things easy for the companies that form the backbone of this industry.
The coming months will show whether Concept Maschinenbau GmbH can turn things around. Hopefully she makes the right decisions and employees receive the support they need. After all, everyone has a good job to do, and the signs are pointing to a storm in the mechanical engineering industry.