PLUTA attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann maintains business operations of Sande Stahlguss GmbH

Sande Stahlguss GmbH has filed for insolvency. Following this, on 3 September 2025, the competent court, namely the Local Court of Wilhelmshaven, ordered provisional insolvency administration for the company’s assets and appointed attorney Dr Christian Kaufmann from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator.

Sande Stahlguss GmbH is a long-standing foundry in Sande in the district of Friesland. Over 100 employees manufacture, among other things, components weighing up to 45 tonnes for gas-fired power stations and ship drives. “The business is still fully operational. We have already held initial discussions with management and important business partners and will now gain a thorough overview of the company’s financial situation,” said specialist attorney Dr Kaufmann, explaining what has to happen next. The PLUTA restructuring team also includes attorneys Ms Natalia Leo and Mr Alexander Bortfeldt and management experts Ms Nicole Neumerkel and Ms Vivien Doll.

Employee salaries guaranteed

The employees were already informed about the situation during a staff meeting, which was also attended by IG Metall, as the relevant trade union. The provisional insolvency administrator is currently arranging the pre-financing of the insolvency substitute benefits. Salaries are therefore guaranteed for the next three months and employees will be paid on schedule. In parallel to this, all restructuring options for the business are being carefully reviewed. The PLUTA team will initiate the process of finding an investor in the coming days.

The company has had to file for insolvency due to declines and delays in orders as well as significant cost increases, especially for energy. Like the foundry sector as a whole, Sande Stahlguss finds itself in trouble due to the general difficult economic situation and the weak industry environment.

Managing director Mr Ralf Stölting said, “The situation is challenging and we had no choice but to file for insolvency. However, we are still confident that we can develop a solution for our long-standing business together with the provisional insolvency administrator and his team. We will fully support the restructuring process.”