PLUTA expert Holger Ch. Buehler starts process of finding an investor for 3D printing specialist bkl
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PLUTA expert Holger Ch. Buehler starts process of finding an investor for 3D printing specialist bkl

19 January 2022 · Bayreuth · Business Area Insolvency Administration

Mr Holger Ch. Buehler from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has started the process of finding an investor for the medium-sized bkl Group. The 3D metal printing specialist, with one site in Sonneberg in the state of Thuringia and another in Rödental in the district of Upper Franconia, has been involved in insolvency proceedings since late 2021.

On 30 December 2021, the Local Court of Meiningen ordered provisional insolvency proceedings to be opened for the assets of bkl 3d GmbH from Sonneberg and appointed Mr Holger Ch. Buehler from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as provisional administrator. The sole proprietorship bkl lasertechnik based in Rödental, in which the bkl Group’s research and development work is concentrated, is also involved in insolvency proceedings. The Local Court of Coburg ordered provisional insolvency proceedings to be opened for this company as well on 30 December 2021 and appointed Mr Holger Ch. Buehler as provisional administrator.

Filing for insolvency became inevitable due to liquidity problems caused by the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. bkl lasertechnik was founded back in 2005, while bkl 3d GmbH was established in 2017. In 2019, bkl extended its production capacity by opening a manufacturing site in Sonneberg. bkl made this key investment within the context of an expansion strategy, but growth has fallen far short of expectations on account of the coronavirus pandemic.

Innovative 3D printing technology

The bkl Group currently has twelve employees, whose wages and salaries are guaranteed for a period of three months thanks to specific substitute benefits provided under German insolvency law. bkl’s business operations will continue without restriction. Following his appointment, restructuring expert Mr Buehler has begun analysing the situation and taken initial steps towards securing the long-term future of the business. He has held good discussions with all key customers and suppliers in recent days. In addition, the business lawyer has now started the process of finding an investor for bkl. He is being supported in this by Dr Michael Saatmann from consultancy INTRION Gesellschaft für Managementberatung mbH.

Over the coming months, the provisional insolvency administrator intends to leave no stone unturned in his efforts to preserve the innovative 3D printing specialist. PLUTA expert Mr Buehler explained, “bkl is a pioneer in the industry with its technology. There are very few companies offering 3D metal printing. Its highly qualified employees are pulling together with us and stand behind the company. This is a good basis from which to find an investor.” bkl founder and managing director Mr Bernd Klötzer is supportive of the restructuring process.

bkl specialises in 3D metal printing in additive manufacturing, 3D laser texturing and laser welding – including design and engineering. The medium-sized group offers its customers comprehensive know-how and unique solutions – from one-off pieces and prototyping through to series production. Its employees work at its sites in Sonneberg in Thuringia and Rödental in Upper Franconia. Since 2005, bkl has been a pioneer and trailblazer in the industry with its own development centre and ongoing research cooperation with renowned German universities. The business has more than 15 years of experience in laser-based additive manufacturing. As one of the first companies in Germany to demonstrate reliable proficiency in laser melting processes, bkl lasertechnik is in a position to competently advise end product manufacturers and toolmakers alike on additive manufacturing and to support them with planning and manufacturing services. bkl is also a pioneer in the refinement of three-dimensional surfaces.

PLUTA expert

Holger Christian Buehler

Holger Christian Buehler
Diplom-Wirtschaftsjurist

PLUTA press contact

Patrick Sutter
relatio PR

+49 89 210 257-22

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