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After surviving two bankruptcies and a brief glimmer of hope, the Nitsch family of entrepreneurs gave up. The company and its cult brand are to be sold.
Halberstadt – The sausage and canning factory in Halberstadt (Saxony-Anhalt) is about to change ownership. The Nitsch family of entrepreneurs has decided to sell the business after almost 35 years. The background is a persistently difficult financial situation.
Increased energy, meat and personnel costs recently forced the company into protective shield proceedings. Despite surviving two bankruptcies, it was not possible to stabilize operations permanently. At the beginning of the year, the company caused a stir with a cooperation with the Munich delicatessen Käfer. Products from Halberstadt should bear the renowned Käfer label in the future. But just a few months later the turnaround followed.
Insolvency overcome: traditional brand is still looking for a new owner
Company spokeswoman Silke Erdmann-Nitsch explained the decision to the Picture as follows: “Financing the business is difficult. We always have to make advance payments. Despite having overcome insolvency there is a lack of capital.” In addition, it is difficult to assert oneself against mergers in the industry: “Individual medium-sized companies are reaching their limits too quickly today.” Opposite that MDR She also explained: “Liquidity is extremely difficult.” The financing simply didn't work.
According to the press release, the 87-year-old senior boss Ulrich Nitsch, who took over and managed the brand from Lower Saxony after reunification, now sees the time as having come to put the company “on a secure footing” – with a new owner. Halberstadt sausages have been produced for more than 140 years and are considered the oldest canned sausage in the world. During the GDR era, they were popular “bucket goods”.
Hope for 150 employees: “Everyone is needed, everyone is skilled workers”
According to Erdmann-Nitsch, there is reason for hope for the approximately 150 employees: “Whoever buys the factory will take over it as a whole and at its location. We will ensure that things continue for the employees. Everyone is needed, everyone is skilled workers.” And further: “We are already in discussions with potential buyers. The interest is there.”
Production is currently still ongoing. In a statement from the family it is said that due to its capacities, the company is also suitable for “stockpiling and possibly supplying the Bundeswehr throughout Europe.” (Sources: MDR, Bild, dpa) (han)
