Germany’s struggling automotive sector has claimed another victim. Winning BLW GmbH, a long-established automotive supplier based in Remscheid (North Rhine-Westphalia), has filed for insolvency at the Wuppertal district court.
Around 500 employees across three sites in Remscheid, Duisburg and Penzberg (Bavaria) now face an uncertain future.
According to the company, it plans to continue operations under self-administration, while seeking a restructuring solution.
Wages and salaries are secured through insolvency benefits until the end of the year, ensuring that production can continue without disruption — at least for now.
Precision parts manufacturer under pressure
Winning BLW specializes in precision-forged automotive components, including bevel and gear wheels, steering pinions, and engine, transmission, and axle-drive parts.
Its website still proudly declares: “Our high-strength components are designed to meet the constantly increasing demands on modern vehicle powertrains.”
But those same market pressures have now become overwhelming. The company’s management cited a sharp decline in revenue over recent months and an ongoing slowdown in the car market, which could not be offset in the short term.
“The decision was difficult, but the insolvency process offers an opportunity for a fresh start,” management said in a statement.
A long history of ownership changes
The company has already weathered several ownership transitions.
Until 2020, it operated under the name Bayerisches Leichtmetallwerk (BLW) and was part of the Indian Sona Group, which itself went bankrupt.
Afterward, BLW was acquired by the Czech-based Winning Group, which attempted to stabilize operations.
Now, with another insolvency filing, the future of both the German and Czech units appears uncertain.
Attorney Jan Groß, acting as general representative, told reporters that it is still unclear whether the Winning BLW Management GmbH — a second company within the group employing another 400 staff — will also have to file for insolvency.
Automotive industry in turbulence
The German automotive supply chain has been under heavy strain for months.
Global cost increases, high energy prices, and weaker demand — particularly from electric-vehicle manufacturers — have pushed many mid-sized suppliers into crisis.
Winning BLW is now one of several companies to seek protection from creditors this year, as the sector faces a prolonged structural transformation.
Industry experts warn that more insolvencies may follow, especially among smaller firms with limited cash flow or export exposure.
Operations to continue — for now
Despite the financial turbulence, Winning BLW management insists that day-to-day operations will continue, and customers will not be immediately affected.
Employees, however, remain anxious about the company’s future beyond 2024.
Union representatives have already called for transparent communication and early involvement in the restructuring process.
Another warning sign for Germany’s car industry
The insolvency of Winning BLW adds to a growing list of auto suppliers hit by the industry’s transformation.
While large manufacturers like VW, BMW and Mercedes push toward electrification, smaller suppliers struggle to adapt.
For the 500 employees in Remscheid, Duisburg and Penzberg, the coming months will decide whether a traditional German manufacturer can reinvent itself — or disappear for good.
