European Court of Justice validates bankruptcy proceedings of Streetcar Builder Heiterblick
Leipzig, Germany - The insolvency of Heiterblick GmbH, a century-old specialist provider of trams and streetcars, has raised concerns about economic stability in the region. The company, which started as the main workshop of the transport company of the trade fair city, has around 250 employees and is now undergoing insolvency proceedings in self-administration, following a failed restructuring attempt in April 2025.
The insolvency proceedings were officially opened by the Leipzig District Court in early July 2025. Insolvency administrator Lucas Floether has expressed concern over the high number of company insolvencies in Saxony, with almost no week going by without a new one. He attributes this trend to the catch-up effect from the Corona period, as many companies struggle to recover from the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for Heiterblick GmbH. Discussions with potential investors are ongoing, and talks with the employment agency are underway regarding temporary short-time work for the company. This optimism aligns with broader regional efforts to rebound from the economic slowdowns of the pandemic, where industries affected by delayed projects or reduced demand during Corona might now experience renewed demand or investment.
The insolvency of Heiterblick GmbH is a significant setback for the Leipzig region, threatening employment and local industrial stability. Yet, it occurs in a context where Leipzig and the region may benefit from a post-Corona economic rebound that could help offset some of the adverse effects.
This article was published on SACHSEN's website on July 3, 2025, at 12:30, and can be found under the link "sme/sys". The article also discusses the economic crisis and its impact on companies in Saxony, with reasons for Heiterblick's insolvency including economic difficulties and the high cost of labor in the region.
[1] Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Heiterblick GmbH meldet Insolvenz an", April 2025,
- The ongoing discussions with potential investors offer a glimmer of hope for Heiterblick GmbH, a company in the finance-intensive business sector of manufacturing trams and streetcars, amidst the insolvency proceedings necessitated by economic difficulties and high labor costs in the industry.
- Despite Heiterblick GmbH's insolvency placing a significant strain on employment and local industrial stability in Leipzig, the region may find relief in the post-Corona economic rebound, with some industries experiencing renewed demand or investment that could help counteract the negative impact.
