Traditional Casimir Kast GmbH: After 475 years of insolvency in Gernsbach!

Traditional Casimir Kast GmbH: After 475 years of insolvency in Gernsbach!

Casimir Kast Verpackung und Display GmbH from Gernsbach, with a proud company history of 475 years, is facing a difficult turnaround. On September 3, 2025, the company filed for bankruptcy, affecting the public and employees alike. The insolvency was approved by the Baden-Baden district court and affects around 160 employees who now have to worry about what will happen next for them.

The company, which was newly founded in 2006, goes back to the sawmill Casimir Kast KG, which was founded in 1869. The origins of this long-standing tradition go back to 1550, when Jacob Kast founded the company. To date, Casimir Kast has never been insolvent and is one of the largest employers in the Murgtal region. Managing director Christian Oetker-Kast is optimistic and, despite the difficult circumstances, sees opportunities for a new perspective while business continues to run without restrictions.

Economic challenges

The insolvency of the family business is due to the general economic situation in Germany. Rising costs, a tense liquidity situation and a cautious consumer mood have caused problems for the company. This is not the first crisis in Casimir Kast's long history; The company has already overcome numerous challenges, including the Thirty Years' War and the War of the Palatinate Succession, and has continually adapted to changing times.

In 2022, the company invested around ten million euros in securing the location. However, the last few months have shown that costs and cash flows can no longer be reconciled. Nevertheless, the company is still active and accepting new orders. Employee wages are covered by insolvency money up to and including November 2025, which offers a certain level of security.

Future visions and restructuring plans

For the planned renovation, Dr. Dirk Pehl, an experienced insolvency administrator, was commissioned to analyze the economic situation and examine restructuring options. Under Christian Oetker-Kast, the company has invested millions in new machines and sustainable technologies in the past. Now it's about looking specifically for investors who can help shape the future. Oetker-Kast has already drawn up a restructuring roadmap and also sees opportunities for renewal in insolvency.

Particularly important is the commitment to the employees who have contributed to the company's success over many years. Casimir Kast is the last family-owned company in the region, while many other paper manufacturers are managed from outside. For example, the Glatfelter paper factory in Gernsbach has been part of the US Magnera Group since November 2024. The company's local roots are not only of historical importance, but also play a major role in the identity and jobs in the region.

What lessons can other entrepreneurs learn from Casimir Kast’s situation? The management has formulated five important points: identify risks early, modernization is not everything, create financial buffers, proactively seek investors and partners and always keep the needs of customers in mind. These findings could be of great importance for other family businesses.

The coming months will be crucial for Casimir Kast Verpackung und Display GmbH. There is hope for a positive turnaround if everyone involved pulls together and overcomes the challenges ahead together.

For further information on this topic, you can read the detailed reports from Mercury and For founders see. For a broader perspective on family businesses, it's worth taking a look South Germans.