Leipzig's transport revolution also depends on the success of Heiterblick GmbH. The long-established company from the west of Leipzig is to supply new streetcars for LVB from 2026. However, despite the prestigious major contract, the manufacturer is now in financial difficulties - and has initiated restructuring proceedings under self-administration.
Importance for Leipzig's mobility and causes of the crisis
Heiterblick is the only independent streetcar manufacturer in Germany. In Leipzig and Grimma, vehicles are manufactured individually according to customer requirements - including for cities such as Hanover, Dortmund and Würzburg. Together with Kiepe Electric, Heiterblick won the contract for new streetcars in Leipzig, Görlitz and Zwickau in 2021. Two thirds of the added value is to remain in Central Germany - a significant boost for regional industry.
Despite ongoing orders, the company came under pressure: the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, price increases due to the war in Ukraine and disrupted supply chains made production more difficult. Many contracts were still concluded on pre-crisis terms, while deliveries were delayed. The result: liquidity problems. The contract with the LVB has since been renegotiated.
Restructuring instead of standstill
Heiterblick wants to make a fresh start with the debtor-in-possession restructuring proceedings. The management will remain in office, but will be supported by a court-appointed administrator. The goal: restructuring without shutting down operations. For the time being, wages are secured by insolvency money and business operations will continue.
The LVB does not expect any delays in the schedule. Görlitz and Zwickau are also sticking to the project. The plan is to deploy the first streetcars on line 16 from 2026. The new vehicles are longer, wider and offer space for almost 300 passengers - an important building block for Leipzig's growing local transport system.
Part of the production, in particular the body shell and paintwork, was to take place at Alstom's Görlitz plant. However, this plant will be closed in 2027. So far, however, Alstom does not see any direct connection with the situation at Heiterblick. A review of possible effects on the streetcar project is underway.
