Image: GMB
The insolvency administrator of German glass producer Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg GmbH (GMB) announced on Thursday that efforts to secure an investor have failed — a setback the state of Brandenburg’s Ministry of Economic Affairs publicly regretted on Friday.
The unexpected collapse of the planned acquisition leaves around 215 remaining employees facing layoffs. GMB, one of Europe’s last solar glass manufacturers, entered insolvency proceedings in July.
“This is terrible news for the employees of GMB and their families,” said Daniel Keller, Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs. “We worked until the last minute, pushing the limits of what is legally possible, to find ways to provide further support.”
Keller warned that without a buyer, GMB may soon be forced to cease operations entirely. He also criticized Europe’s growing dependence on non-European suppliers, particularly China. “The EU is knowingly moving toward dependence on non-European products in a highly sensitive area like energy production. This is a disastrous development and simply negligent,” he said.
The Mining, Chemical, and Energy Industrial Union (IG BCE) shared similar concerns, expressing “deep disappointment” over the failed rescue. According to the union, the potential investor withdrew after being unable to secure financing for the takeover. Layoffs could begin as early as December 1, with a full plant shutdown expected in March after notice periods end.
“After months of hope, discussions, and intensive negotiations, this is a heavy blow for the workforce,” said Anis Ben-Rhouma, deputy district manager of IG BCE Lausitz. “Our colleagues did everything possible to save this plant. The investor’s withdrawal abandons the people and destroys the trust that many placed in this process.”
The union also criticized GMB’s former shareholder, Indian parent company Borosil, accusing it of evading responsibility after years of difficulties. “Short-time work, then insolvency, and now they walk away — this is unacceptable,” Ben-Rhouma said. IG BCE has called on employees to join a protest on Monday in Tschernitz, where the company is based.
