Carl Semler shoe factory: bankruptcy and the struggle for 250 jobs!

Carl Semler shoe factory: bankruptcy and the struggle for 250 jobs!

The Carl Semler shoe factory in Pirmasens, which is the oldest still existing shoe factory in Germany, has registered bankruptcy in self -administration. This was approved by the Pirmasens district court on January 25, 2025. The company was founded in 1863 and is an important part of the German shoe industry.

The main reason for the bankruptcy registration are considerable sales declines that are due to a deteriorating economic situation, a persistent recession, market changes and increased costs in the shoe industry. These factors have led to a decline in customers and thus the income, which puts the company under pressure. According to Merker , the shoe factory is intensely trying to maintain its production capacities, while it is in the renovation phase.

plans during bankruptcy

The Carl Semler shoe factory plans to fully continue the operation in both Germany and Hungary. The company currently employs a total of 250 people. The salaries for the months of January, February and March are secured by bankruptcy money, while a timely return to regular salary payments will be sought from April. The management keeps control of the company during the entire process.

In this critical phase, the company is supported by renovation expert Lukas Eisenhuth and the provisional administrator Dennis Blank. The aim of the renovation expert is to maintain as many jobs as possible, which is particularly important in view of the challenges in the industry. The daily production is currently around 1,000 pairs of shoes, whereby the company is planning to continue to produce women's shoes.

background to the shoe industry

The bankruptcy of Carl Semler is not isolated. According to Statista more and more companies in the shoe retail in Germany are experiencing similar fates. Data from the Federal Statistical Office show that between 2008 and 2023 there is a noticeable increase in insolvency proceedings in the shoe sector. This reflects the growing difficulties with which manufacturers and retailers are confronted in this area.

The decision to register bankruptcy was not easy, but is in the context of the general market development and the economic framework that affects many companies in the shoe industry. It should be emphasized that despite these challenges, the shoe factory remains optimistic of successfully surviving the procedure and reorganizing in the future.