Traditional shoe factory Carl Semler reports bankruptcy - future uncertain!

Traditional shoe factory Carl Semler reports bankruptcy - future uncertain!

The Carl Semler Schuhfabrik in Pirmasens, Rhineland-Palatinate, has applied for bankruptcy on their own administration. According to Merkur , the district court of Pirmasens has already given up the application. This decision makes one of the oldest still existing shoe factories in Germany, founded in 1863.

The bankruptcy is the result of a critical economic situation, which is tightened by the current recession, increased costs and market changes in the shoe industry. In addition, Textilwirtschaft that massive declines of sales and payment failures are the main causes for the financial difficulties.

background of bankruptcy

pirmasens was a center of the shoe manufacturer in Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many large shoe factories have now closed and the Carl Semler Schuhfabrik is one of the few remaining manufacturers in the region. Despite various countermeasures, such as cost reductions and additional loans, the losses could not be compensated for, such as BoFeiticker reported.

The company continues to produce comfort shoes and employ a total of 250 people, with 70 working in Germany and 180 in Hungary. The daily production is around 1,000 pairs of shoes. During the renovation phase, the salaries of employees are secured by bankruptcy money for January to March 2025. From April 2025, payments are to be made again by the company.

The renovation process

The management remains capable of action during the entire renovation process. Refurbishment expert Lukas Eisenhuth was appointed as a general representative and is supported by lawyer Dennis Blank, who takes on the role of the provisional administrator. The managing directors Jürgen Becker and Stefan Markert work closely with Eisenhuth to develop restructuring measures that involve everyone involved - employees, works councils, banks, customers, suppliers and shareholders.

The aim of the renovation process is to maintain as many jobs as possible and to set up the company in the long term. The early application for bankruptcy is intended to increase the chances of emerging from the crisis strengthened. Management is optimistic and states that the renovation process could contribute to improving the market position.