Kothe Destillationstechnik GmbH files for insolvency – PLUTA partner Steffen Beck ensures continuation of operations

Kothe Destillationstechnik GmbH, an Eislingen-based manufacturer of distillation equipment, has filed for insolvency with the competent court, the Local Court of Göppingen. On 11 December 2025, the court ordered provisional insolvency administration and appointed attorney Mr Steffen Beck from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator. Following an initial review, he has stated that the business will continue to operate without restriction.

Customer and service orders are being processed as usual. Liquidity problems caused in part by high energy and material costs have led to the company’s application. It has also experienced significant financial pressure due to outstanding payments for two large projects from a major customer that has filed for insolvency.

PLUTA partner Mr Beck, as provisional insolvency administrator, is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the company’s financial situation and examining the possible courses of action. His goal is to stabilise the business and develop a viable long-term solution for the manufacturer of distillation equipment. To this end, discussions will be held with key business partners, and the possibility of bringing an investor on board will be reviewed. His PLUTA restructuring team, which further comprises attorney Dr Matthias Lehr and business lawyer Ms Sarah Dingler, is also arranging pre-financing of the specific substitute benefits provided under German insolvency law. The salaries of the 13 employees will be guaranteed for a period of three months thanks to these.

Kothe has decades of experience and technical know-how

“We are carefully analysing the situation and working on establishing a path forward for the business,” said Mr Beck. He stated, “The company has decades of experience and technical know-how in distillation technology. This is a solid basis for continuing operations. We will hold discussions with potential investors in the coming weeks.”

Managing director Mr Michael Friedel said confidently, “The past few weeks have been challenging, but we continue to see potential in our products and markets. We want to work with the provisional insolvency administrator to achieve a solution that will secure the company’s future and offer job security to our employees.”

Kothe Destillationstechnik GmbH develops and manufactures distillation equipment with a capacity of 50 to 5,000 litres. This is used to produce high-quality premium distillates from all kinds of different fruits as well as for whisky, rum, gin and other spirits. The experienced employees also carry out maintenance on the equipment and provide training. The patented systems are based on the decades of experience of successful distilleries and combine technological innovation with local craftsmanship. The quality of the equipment is evident in the numerous international awards received by the customers using it to produce distillates.