The threatened end for the traditional Höchst porcelain manufactory has been averted - the state of Hesse has stepped in. Now the company is to live on under the umbrella of the Offenbach University of Design.
Frankfurt/Wiesbaden (dpa/lhe) - The Höchst Porcelain Manufactory is saved. The state of Hesse is taking over parts of the traditional company and has agreed on a new concept with the insolvency administrator, as both sides announced on Wednesday. This is intended to preserve the legacy of the porcelain manufactory founded in 1746.
According to the agreement, the company will become part of the Offenbach University of Design (HfG), as Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) and insolvency administrator Frank Schmitt announced. The state-owned art school will use the technical and artistic knowledge for research and teaching with a new concept. The establishment of an "Institute for Advanced Material Studies" is planned. The location of the porcelain manufactory in Frankfurt-Höchst will be retained. A spokesman for the insolvency administrator said that HfG would take over the lease and four of the eight employees.
According to the state, the state paid almost 300,000 euros for the assets such as ovens, historical molds and tools as well as the brand rights acquired in July. In addition, the budget of the HfG with the state's double budget 2023/2024 will be increased by 1.5 million euros annually. Discussions were also being held with the city of Frankfurt about help for the manufactory through her hometown.
"The state of Hesse stands by its traditions," said Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) in Wiesbaden. In the future, porcelain art from Hesse will be taught and preserved at the Offenbach University of Design. "It is in the country's interest to preserve this cultural asset," added Finance Minister Michael Boddenberg.
Bernd Kracke, President of the HfG Offenbach, spoke of a "chance of the century" and a unique future perspective for the art school. "We are ready for the exciting and complex task of reviving a historic manufactory steeped in tradition with vital creativity from art and design."
The positive conclusion of the talks with the state is "an important milestone" in the long history of Höchst Porcelain Manufactory, said insolvency administrator Schmitt. The state is now taking responsibility for the future fortunes of the company.
The search for an investor failed after the bankruptcy. A private, long-term operation of the manufactory was not successful, "also because of the explosion in energy prices," it said. Energy plays an important role in porcelain production.
