Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Arnstadt’s ARTAS lamp factory ends production after 90 years
The ARTAS factory in Arnstadt stopped production at the end of October, after making lamps there since 1936.
Arnstadt is in the German state of Thuringia, about 20 kilometres south of Erfurt.
During East Germany’s communist era, ARTAS was the country’s only torch maker, and its blue metal lamps became familiar household items.
After German reunification, the factory was privatised in 1993 and continued making LED lights, traffic signals and heat lamps for animal farms.
Its manager said cheap Chinese imports, higher shipping costs and supply-chain problems made business too difficult.
The closure affects four employees, while the last orders are being sent out.
The company may be liquidated, but its future has not been decided.
ARTAS, a lamp factory in Arnstadt, Germany, stopped production at the end of October 2026 after 90 years.
The company’s managing director said competition from China, higher container prices and disrupted supply chains had put too much pressure on the business.
Four employees are affected, and the last goods are still being shipped.
A possible liquidation has not been confirmed.
Founded in 1936, ARTAS was the only flashlight maker in East Germany and continued operating after German reunification.
- Who
- ARTAS, a lamp factory in Arnstadt, and its four affected employees.
- What
- The company stopped production; liquidation is possible but not yet certain.
- When
- At the end of October 2026.
- Where
- Arnstadt, Thuringia, about 20 kilometres south of Erfurt, Germany.
- Why
- Its managing director cited price pressure from Chinese competition, higher container prices and disrupted supply chains.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The factory began making flashlights and other lamps in Arnstadt.
The business adopted the name ARTAS, short for Arnstädter Taschenlampenwerk.
ARTAS became state-owned.
The factory joined the Narva lighting-products combine.
The factory was privatised and continued production in Arnstadt.
ARTAS stopped production and began shipping its remaining goods.
- Founded
- 1936
- Location
- Arnstadt, Thuringia, about 20 kilometres south of Erfurt
- Production ended
- End of October 2026
- Employees affected
- Four
- Possible next step
- Liquidation, not yet confirmed
- Key products
- Flashlights, LED and signal lamps, and infrared heaters for animal rearing
3 sources
What people are saying
I confirm to you that Taschenlampenwerk ARTAS GmbH stopped production in October 2026.