The German film industry is reeling from another spectacular insolvency. Following the bankruptcy of Karl Dickel & Co (D-47057 Duisburg) earlier this year, Ewald Schoeller GmbH & Cie KG (Head office: 52379 Langerwehe) has applied to start insolvency proceedings at the court in Düren. The temporary insolvency administratofris Jörg Zumbaum, Düren. The insolvency also affects the two subsidiaries Aldo (D-52477 Alsdorf) and dostro (D-49536 Lienen). Plasteurope.com has been told that production at the three German companies will continue for the time being.

At one time ranked the second largest polyethylene film extruding group in Europe, Schoeller had already parted with its Belgian subsidiaries Unisac (Avenue de Maire 101, B-7500 Tournai) and Vistal (Ottergemsesteenweg 801, B-9000 Gent) in February, but these operations too are currently insolvent, although they continue to operate as well while new owners are sought. However, its French companies Remy et Fils (63 RN, F-59990 Saultain) and Plastijo (Vecoux, F-88200 Remiremont) are apparently still profitable and at present, operating normally.

Within Germany the Ewald Schoeller companies have a capacity of about 55,000 t/y making them one of the market leaders there ranked about 4th or 5th. The European total capacity of the group was over 135,000 t/y last year. Turnover for 1995 for the Schoeller plant was DM 85.3m, whilst Aldo's turnover was DM 30m and dostro's DM 41.3m.