German company Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, known as the manufacturer of the iconic three-pointed star badges for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has declared bankruptcy, Bloomberg reports.
Alongside this announcement, the company revealed plans to lay off 1,500 employees in Germany.
Founded in 1796, Gerhardi began as a producer of metal goods. In the 20th century, it became a key supplier of components such as radiator grilles, door handles, and chrome trims for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Later, the company transitioned to plastic manufacturing while continuing its collaboration with the German automaker.
Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH is the latest casualty of the ongoing crisis in the automotive industry.
Earlier, in November, major parts supplier Bosch announced it would cut 7,000 jobs, primarily in its automotive division. Another victim of the crisis was Walter Klein GmbH & Co (WKW), one of the oldest manufacturers of automotive components, founded in 1940. In September 2024, WKW filed for bankruptcy. The company had worked with industry giants, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
