Emanuel Boeminghaus wrote that Steiner Plüsch GmbH from Georgenthal in Thuringia has filed for insolvency after 137 years. Around 20 employees are affected; the operation will continue for now while an investor is being sought. The family business produces its plush toys by hand and has supplied productions such as "Ice Age," the Netflix series "Liebes Kind," and the movie "Zwei zu eins." Boeminghaus cited reasons for the crisis including purchasing restraint, cheaper competition, rising raw material prices, and demographic change. According to the Federal Statistical Office he referenced, 654,241 children were born in Germany in 2025—the lowest figure since 1946. He also pointed out that in July, the impending final closure of the toy manufacturer Franz Schneider following its insolvency became known. Boeminghaus wrote that even 137 years of craftsmanship and internationally renowned products no longer provide protection against economic difficulties and referred to BILD from November 5, 2026, as a source. https://t.co/v9jClRmKRO #Insolvenz #Wirtschaft #Traditionsunternehmen (translated)
