Kirow Leipzig Rail & Port announced in December that low orders, a high wage bill and over-capacity were forcing it to make up to a third of its 180 workforce redundant. Those remaining will see a cut in working hours and wages.

The railway crane manufacturer only last year acquired Kranbau Eberswalde from Kocks Krane, the Vulcan subsidiary struggling in receivership.

Kirow’s 1996 turnover was DM40m ($22m).