Image: picture alliance / Andreas Franke
On 4 July, Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg GmbH (GMB), headquartered in Tschernitz, Brandenburg, Germany—Europe’s last remaining large-scale solar glass producer—submitted an insolvency application to the local court.
The insolvency affects 247 employees who had already been placed on a short-time work scheme for several consecutive months.
Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Daniel Keller, stated: “I deeply regret GMB’s decision. The root cause of the bankruptcy of Europe’s last solar glass manufacturer lies in the European market environment. The EU is sliding into dependence on Chinese products before our eyes.” He described the development as “worrying” and “extremely risky,” adding that the outcome is particularly regrettable given the financial support Brandenburg had previously provided to the solar glass manufacturer.
In January 2025, GMB had already implemented short-time work for its employees due to factors including declining demand and insufficient orders. Germany’s short-time work allowance (Kurzarbeit)—a government-subsidized benefit allowing reduced working hours and wages—is designed to support businesses and employees during temporary economic downturns.
