Kahla (Thüringen) – A blow has been struck to a brand with 181 years of history: The Porzellanmanufaktur Kahla is insolvent. The German company is known for its design-oriented tableware and has been awarded more than 100 international design prizes.
Managing Director Daniel Jeschonowski (45) confirmed the insolvency filing with the Gera District Court. The business operations will continue, and all efforts are now focused on finding a strategic partner, according to Jeschonowski.
What the Insolvency Means for Employees
120 employees are concerned about their jobs. But, layoffs are not currently planned. Kahla also intends to continue production in Germany, stating that the fresh tariffs on imports are a factor in this strategy. The EU imposed tariffs of 79 percent on imports of porcelain and ceramic goods from China on February 1, 2026. “Unfortunately, it’s too late for us,” Jeschonowski said, but he hopes for a future effect on the company from Thüringen.
Not the First Crisis
The company previously filed for insolvency in March 2020, after a large order was cancelled. Jeschonowski, who is also the head of writing instrument manufacturer Senator, had connections to the porcelain manufacturer and invested in Kahla. Restructuring and a realignment of the market were intended to return the company to profitability. “For 2026, we were expecting to break even,” Jeschonowski said.
High Costs, Weak Demand
The current setback is due to several factors. “We have excellent capacity utilization, but we are currently generating too little revenue,” Jeschonowski said. There is economic uncertainty, and customers are buying less. The company has been particularly burdened by sharply increased energy costs since the Ukraine war in 2022, which have been exacerbated by recent tensions in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, Jeschonowski remains optimistic: “We want to save the porcelain manufactory, and the workforce is behind us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Porzellanmanufaktur Kahla?
The Porzellanmanufaktur Kahla has filed for insolvency with the Gera District Court, but business operations are continuing while a strategic partner is sought.
How many employees are affected by the insolvency?
Approximately 120 employees are affected, but no layoffs are currently planned.
What factors contributed to the insolvency?
Contributing factors include weak demand, economic uncertainty, and significantly increased energy costs.
As Kahla-Porzellan navigates this challenging period, what role might government support or industry collaboration play in securing its future?
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