PLUTA restructuring expert Florian Zistler finds strategic investor for AUGENSTEIN

Having kept the business operational for four months, PLUTA restructuring expert Mr Florian Zistler has succeeded in finding a follow-up solution for AUGENSTEIN Maschinenbau GmbH based in Günzburg. Effective 1 December 2021, DALEX Maschinenbau GmbH has acquired the business with its two sites by way of an asset deal.

“AUGENSTEIN has expertise and competence in automation solutions and conveyor technology. The mechanical engineering firm’s client base includes renowned customers in the automotive and food production sectors. The agreement reached will keep this know-how at the two sites in Günzburg, Bavaria, and Oettersdorf, Thuringia. That is very good news,” emphasised insolvency administrator Mr Florian Zistler from PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH.

In addition to acquiring both sites, the buyer from Wissen in Rhineland-Palatinate will also keep on 49 employees, with a few members of staff having already left the company of their own accord. Mr Zistler added, “The AUGENSTEIN employees have continued to fulfil important customer orders over recent months, thereby playing a key role in this positive outcome. The process of finding an investor has now been completed and the offer from DALEX represents the best possible solution for the company as well as for customers, employees and creditors.” Mr Zistler has been supported in the restructuring team by business lawyer Mr Dennis Stroh.

Expanded portfolio

By acquiring the business, DALEX is expanding its offering to include conveyor technology, which will open up new industries for the company. Managing director Dr Olaf Kopitetzki explained, “Our customers rely on our tailor-made welding and construction technology solutions. High-quality, custom automation solutions for different industries fit perfectly here – and will allow us to offer our customers a complete package. We are therefore pleased with the outcome of the constructive negotiations and with our new team in Bavaria and Thuringia.”

Together with DALEX GmbH & Co. KG, the modern, medium-sized mechanical engineering company has specialised in the manufacture of high-quality technical products for more than 110 years. The long-standing company now based in Wissen in the Altenkirchen district of Rhineland-Palatinate can trace its history back to 1911.

The experience gained by the company over the years in the industrial manufacture of machines and components for a wide range of individual applications has made DALEX one of the top-performing companies in resistance welding technology worldwide since 1950. With currently 140 employees, the days of DALEX simply supplying resistance welding systems are long in the past. Indeed, it now generates almost 80% of its annual turnover from building special plant and equipment and is a sought-after development partner for welding process automation and a provider of system solutions for highly complex manufacturing cells.

DALEX offers consultancy services, in-house development and all services related to machine construction to customers in various industries, including the automotive sector. These are topped off by the supply of high-quality accessories and components as well as a comprehensive service offering that includes maintenance, repairs, training and test welds at its own technology centre.

The Local Court of Neu-Ulm ordered insolvency administration for the assets of AUGENSTEIN Maschinenbau GmbH based in Günzburg and appointed attorney Mr Florian Zistler of PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH as administrator in October 2021. He had already been involved in this matter as provisional administrator since August 2021.