Construction of vessels. - Defends Windhorst's shipyard method under fire
Lars Windhorst has faith in the future of shipyards FSG and Nobiskrug and made it clear during a media gathering in Flensburg that he envisions a role in that future, even if he's no longer actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Both shipyards have faced financial challenges, including delayed salaries and slim order books. Windhorst's conduct and lack of communication have also been criticized, as well as the absence of a managing director.
New Leadership for Shipyards
On Wednesday, Windhorst presented the new leadership team for the shipyards during a conference: Robert Fischer von Mollard will serve as the managing director, while Michael Bollmann takes on the role of technical director. Both managers had previously worked as production managers at Nobiskrug in Rendsburg and FSG in Flensburg.
Fischer von Mollard and Bollmann will be equipped with start-up funds to settle debts and make future investments, according to Windhorst. They'll likely spend the coming days creating a priority list of what needs to be paid and what demands attention. "That will then be in their hands," said Windhorst. He didn't specify amounts.
Daniel Günther, the state governor, criticized Windhorst during a visit to Nobiskrug in Rendsburg and talks with employees on Monday. He expressed frustration that none of the promises Windhorst made in March have been kept. Unlike the March visit, the owner was absent from this one. Günther also criticized this, as the state is interested in dialogue in light of the shipyard's struggles. "It's time for Mr. Windhorst to step up," the governor emphasized.
Flensburg's IG Metall chief, Michael Schmidt, mentioned after Windhorst's speech in Flensburg that significant harm has been inflicted to the shipyards' reputation. "Everything he said today could have been said months, weeks ago." He found it hard to believe Windhorst's promises, though saw positively that there were now managers onsite to talk to the people. "But that's not enough." Action is now necessary.
SPD requests a fresh start without Windhorst
Windhorst argued that he had no reason to reproach himself. On the contrary, he's invested aggressively in the shipyards and, despite the challenges, there have been no mass layoffs because he's confident in the shipyards' future. He finds it odd that political authorities and unions undermined the shipyards and customers, employees, and himself publicly. "That's not helpful or constructive. I don't know what they expect."
Not long after Günther's visit to Rendsburg, the insolvency court in Hanover issued a warrant for Windhorst's arrest, which was later lifted on Tuesday after both sides agreed to a meeting. He's charged with neglecting his duties in a bankruptcy proceedings case. Windhorst's spokesperson called this accusation false. But: "If, in hindsight, I had known that not attending would trigger a media firestorm and lead to a warrant for my arrest, I would've attended."
Despite the negative publicity, Windhorst claimed he's managed to secure new orders and retain existing customers. Current construction in Flensburg will be finished. There are also promising discussions and plans to build another shipyard-compliant vessel in Flensburg. Additionally, there are solid agreements with other customers. Further information will be shared at the appropriate time, said Windhorst.
The Schleswig-Holstein SPD party chairwoman and deputy SPD chairwoman, Serpil Midyatli, called again for a fresh start for the shipyards in Rendsburg and Flensburg excluding Windhorst. "He needs to clear the way so the company can be restructured for the future." A new, reliable investor and new clients are required to guarantee the sites' longevity.
Windhorst maintained his position that he's not interested in selling the shipyard. "It's not realistic and not desired to sell the shipyard," he said, adding that "the shipyard can't be sold in its current state, even if I wanted to." "I have no plans to sell, either." He's determined to see this project through.
