The Steinmüller bakery still sells breads and rolls, cakes and pieces in its 28 branches as usual. But only until the weekend. According to the state of affairs, the company will then cease business operations, as insolvency administrator Hans-Jörg Laudenbach told the F.A.Z. According to him, however, this does not have to mean the end of all branches and unemployment for employees. The bakery, which was founded 140 years ago and is based in Langgöns between Butzbach and Giessen, has 143 employees.
Thorsten Winter
Correspondent of the Rhein-Main-Zeitung for Central Hesse and the Wetterau.
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The company filed for bankruptcy in February, and the formal proceedings have been ongoing since April. A few years ago, the bakery itself had taken over branches of competitors who had gone into a tailspin. According to Laudenbach, it did not see good prospects for reducing costs and increasing revenues. Steinmüller has no room for manoeuvre to raise prices. Cost pressure was caused by the rise in gas prices and the increased minimum wage. Since October, a minimum wage of twelve euros has been in force, which climbed to 12.50 euros per hour at the beginning of the month.
Interest in multiple branches
As Laudenbach further said, this Thursday a Limburg bakery registered interest in branches with him. The insolvency administrator has provided the West Hessians with the necessary data on the basis of which they could decide on a takeover. However, the Limburgers would still have to take a look at the operation. He expects information from Limburg on Monday or Tuesday.
Nevertheless, ten other bakers had contacted us with the news that they were interested in individual branches of Steinmüller. However, the respective landlord must also play along. In one case, however, the homeowner opposes it. The branches are located in the area between Florstadt, Ober-Mörlen and Wetzlar.
Meanwhile, Laudenbach sees good opportunities for employees on the job market. By the way, the new job doesn't have to be at another bakery. An employee from the service department had asked for a termination agreement. She wanted to start in a doctor's office, Laudenbach said.