Shock for Pirmasens: Germany's oldest shoe factory closes!

Shock for Pirmasens: Germany's oldest shoe factory closes!

The traditional Carl Semler shoe factory, the oldest of its kind in Germany, announced on March 20, 2025 the closure of her production in Pirmasens. This decision has a profound impact on the region, since almost 25 employees are affected by the closure and their jobs will lose. The measure takes place in the context of a restructuring plan that the company initiated after it had applied for bankruptcy at the beginning of the year.

The closure of the production facility is in the context of the entrepreneurial endeavor to better manage the challenges of the market. SWR reports that the production according to Hungary is shifted in the course of current developments. This should not only serve to reduce costs, but also secure the company's long -term competitiveness.

measures to support employees

In order to offer the affected employees a perspective, a transfer company is set up. This will help employees find a new orientation or further education. Over a period of seven months, the dismissed employees can receive 80 percent of their salary, which should ensure a certain financial security in the transition period.

In Pirmasens, however, 35 jobs remain in the areas of product development, exemplary production and prototype stepping. Carl Semler's headquarters will remain in the city, which may offer hope for a certain continuity in the region.

positive response to new collection

Despite the difficult circumstances, the company is optimistic. The response from customers to the upcoming collection is positive, which indicates that the brand image and product quality are still highly valued. Carl Semler hopes to emerge strengthened from the bankruptcy proceedings.

The closure of the oldest shoe factory in Germany marks another step in the change in the shoe industry, which is increasingly globalized and structural challenges. The situation in Pirmasens illustrates how important it is to take adequate measures to protect employees in such crisis times.