Traditional company Störk Metalworking from Bad Saulgau insolvent!

Traditional company Störk Metalworking from Bad Saulgau insolvent!

In a worrying turnaround for the industry, Bad Saulgau-based Störk Metallbedarf GmbH has filed for bankruptcy. The company, which has existed since 1928 and is known for the production of individual metal components, is facing significant financial difficulties. On July 10, 2025, the Ravensburg district court ordered preliminary insolvency proceedings after the company struggled with liquidity problems. The main reasons for this are declining sales and the sharp increase in costs for raw materials, materials and personnel, as Merkur reports.

Störk Metall Processing GmbH currently employs 48 people. However, they can breathe a sigh of relief because their salaries are secured by the insolvency money for the next three months. The provisional insolvency administrator Michael Wahl from the law firm PLUTA has taken over the company's business. Despite the bankruptcy, business continues to run smoothly and “good discussions” have already been held with customers, which fuels hope for a positive turnaround. An investor process was initiated to save the company in the long term. The possibility of integration into an existing company in the metal industry is also under consideration, according to t-online.

Growing challenges in the industry

Unfortunately, the situation at Störk Metallreinigung GmbH is not an isolated case. As part of a broader trend analysis, a study by Falkensteg predicts an increase in insolvencies in mechanical and plant engineering for the year 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, five bankruptcies were identified in the mechanical engineering sector, which remains stable compared to the previous year. However, the metal goods industry has recorded an increase in bankruptcies from eight to ten cases. After 33 percent more insolvencies among mechanical engineering companies in 2024, current trends show that the situation is anything but rosy, according to maschinenmarkt.

The poor situation in the automotive sector, which is putting many suppliers under pressure, is cited as the main cause of this wave of insolvencies. Forecasts show a 0.6% decline in production in mechanical engineering, which could further increase uncertainty in the industry. Sebastian Wilde from Falkensteg describes the current situation as a “deceptive calm before the storm”. Due to the difficulties in the annual financial statements, communication with banks will become more demanding from the second quarter of 2025, which only increases the challenges for companies like Störk Metallbedarf.

Finally, it remains to be hoped that the traditional company from Bad Saulgau will soon find itself in calmer waters thanks to the investor process that has been initiated and the support of its customers. The next few weeks will be crucial in securing the future of Störk Metallarbeitung GmbH and its employees.