Group mbw concludes operations at Hartha and transfers Lichtenau to a new management entity
The MbW Group, a specialist in galvanic and chemical surface treatment, has announced significant changes in its operations. On July 15, 2025, the 20 employees at the Hartha site were informed about the closure, which was completed by October 31, 2025. The closure was due to a major customer relocating their orders.
Meanwhile, the MbW site in Lichtenau, Baden-Württemberg, has a new operator as of August 1, 2025. Arthur Henninger GmbH, a service provider for galvanic surface coating with locations in Hagenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, has taken over business operations and workforce at the Lichtenau site. Business continues as usual under the new operator.
The MbW Group's headquarters is located in Rheinmunster. The company serves renowned companies in the automotive, construction and hardware, and electrical industries. The group's economic difficulties, primarily attributed to the economic downturn in the automotive industry, have led to insolvency proceedings that were opened on March 1, 2025, at the Regional Court of Baden-Baden.
Dr. Dirk Pehl from Schultze & Braun is the insolvency administrator of the MbW Group. He expressed satisfaction with the preservation of the Lichtenau site, stating it as a major success. The MbW Group is currently in talks with several interested parties for the remaining sites in Rheinmünster, Mühlhausen, and Sommerda.
However, the status and future plans for these sites have not been explicitly detailed in the available information. The latest announcement from August 2025 specifically confirms the closure of the Hartha site and the transfer of Lichtenau, but it does not provide direct updates on Rheinmünster, Mühlhausen, or Sommerda. If one requires detailed or up-to-date information for these sites, it may be necessary to consult official MbW Group communications or contact the company directly.
The closure of the Hartha site was not an easy decision for the MbW Group. The workforce at the Lichtenau site was taken over on existing terms. Arthur Henninger GmbH is considered a strong and established partner to ensure sustainable economic growth in Lichtenau in the long term. The company is supporting the job search of the Hartha employees as much as possible.
References: [1] MbW Group Communications (2025). MbW Group Announces Changes in Operations. Retrieved from www.mbw-group.com/news
- "Despite the financial difficulties experienced by the MbW Group due to the economic downturn in the automotive industry, a new operator, Arthur Henninger GmbH, has taken over the business operations and workforce at the Lichtenau site, ensuring business continuity."
- "The MbW Group, a company serving various industries such as automotive, construction, and hardware, is currently in discussions with potential buyers for its remaining sites in Rheinmünster, Mühlhausen, and Sommerda, with updates on their future uncertain as of August 2025."
