Heiterblick wants to fulfill all orders despite insolvency

Despite the initiation of insolvency proceedings in self-administration, Leipzig-based streetcar manufacturer Heiterblick intends to continue its business operations without restrictions. According to a company spokesperson, the current orders for the delivery of new streetcars to the cities of Leipzig, Zwickau and Görlitz will be fulfilled as planned. This was also confirmed by the city administration of Görlitz and Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB).

"Heiterblick wants to deliver the ordered vehicles as quickly as possible," said the spokesperson. Delays are currently not foreseeable.

Insolvency under its own management - wages secured for the time being

Heiterblick recently applied to the Leipzig district court for restructuring proceedings under its own management. The court approved the application and appointed a provisional administrator to oversee the proceedings and monitor the management. The latter will remain in office. The salaries of around 250 employees are secured for three months via the Federal Employment Agency.

The company attributes its economic difficulties to a combination of several crises: The corona pandemic, interrupted supply chains, increased raw material prices and project delays have recently made the situation much more difficult. In addition, many of the orders were concluded under conditions that applied before the recent cost increases. This has made it increasingly difficult to ensure reliable liquidity.

Cities' confidence remains - streetcars to come

The clients are also counting on a successful refurbishment. The Lord Mayor of Görlitz, Octavian Ursu (CDU), said: "We coordinated with our co-customers in Leipzig and Zwickau on Tuesday and assume that the streetcars will be completed and delivered."

The LVB, which is involved in a joint streetcar project with Zwickau and Görlitz, made a similar statement. "Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe currently assumes that the proceedings now initiated by Heiterblick GmbH offer the opportunity to reorganize the company and that our new vehicle project with 25 vehicles will be further stabilized and implemented," explained a spokesperson. According to Heiterblick, Görlitz is to receive eight new streetcars and Zwickau six.