Herzog GmbH files for bankruptcy: Camping industry in crisis!

Herzog GmbH files for bankruptcy: Camping industry in crisis!

Herzog GmbH & Co. KG, a renowned manufacturer of caravan and mobile home awnings based in Kirchheim am Neckar, has filed for bankruptcy. The company, which was founded in 1902 and originally specialized in horse blankets and backpacks, is considered one of Europe's leading manufacturers of camping equipment and supplies customers throughout Europe. The insolvency was justified by the ongoing consequences of the corona pandemic and increased raw material prices. Managing director Erich Eugen Herzog emphasizes that the lockdowns prevented many customers from traveling, which led to a significant decline in sales. In addition, geopolitical crises after the pandemic led to higher material costs. Despite the bankruptcy, business operations will not be interrupted; Production and sales at the Kirchheim location continue. The online shop also remains active so that customers can continue to order.

The insolvency administrator Holger Blümle from the law firm Schultze & Braun is currently examining various restructuring options. Initial discussions with potential investors have already begun in order to prepare the company for the future and thus secure all jobs. It is important that the wages and salaries of around 60 employees are covered by the insolvency benefit for three months.

Camping industry under pressure

Herzog is not the only company in the camping industry facing economic difficulties. The boom that the industry experienced during the Corona pandemic is over. Klinke Caravaning GmbH from Loxstedt has also filed for bankruptcy, and other companies such as Roadfans and Offcampers, which rent out motorhomes, are also facing similar challenges. The causes of the bankruptcies are diverse: falling demand as well as increased costs for new vehicles and high interest rates.

Among other things, the Camper Base Group, a motorhome dealer with locations in Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, has filed for bankruptcy. Problems with refinancing and an overheated market are considered significant factors in this setback. Furthermore, Knaus Tabbert AG, a large manufacturer of recreational vehicles, has temporarily stopped production at several locations due to economic difficulties.

A look at further bankruptcies

The list of affected companies in the camping industry is long and alarming. Here are some additional companies that have filed for bankruptcy:

• Auto & Freizeit Nord GmbH
• Caravan & Reisemobil Center Reinfeld GmbH

These many bankruptcies highlight the deep cracks in the industry that have arisen due to the economic conditions. The developments show that numerous providers are struggling with the challenges that are affecting not only Herzog, but the entire industry.

Overall, the camping industry in Germany is currently characterized by uncertainty, with companies like Herzog GmbH trying to secure a future through strategic measures and discussions with investors. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how many other providers can withstand the challenges of the times.