Ceramics manufacturer Wedgwood will halt operations at its Barlaston factory in Staffordshire for 90 days starting 29 September. This pause will affect about 70 employees who will be placed on temporary leave, as confirmed by the factory’s owner, Fiskars Group. The shutdown is intended to manage elevated inventory levels stemming from decreased consumer demand in several key markets.
As part of the suspension, factory tours will also be suspended until early January, according to a spokesperson for Fiskars Group. The Barlaston site is known for producing high-end, bespoke ceramics, including fine bone china and Jasperware, which originated in the 18th Century under founder Josiah Wedgwood. The company emphasizes its commitment to craftsmanship, utilizing traditional techniques.
Tom Hammersley, marketing manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, expressed concern over the decline in demand alongside rising production costs. He noted that Wedgwood’s global market includes significant interest from China and Japan, and any slowdown could have substantial implications. Hammersley also pointed out that the production pause is a temporary measure, urging recognition of the company’s ongoing importance to the local economy.
Dr. Allison Gardner, the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, reassured constituents that this situation should not cause alarm, framing it as a natural response to seasonal fluctuations. Meanwhile, Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, described the pause as alarming, underscoring the urgent need for support within the ceramics industry. He highlighted recent challenges faced by Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent, where companies such as Royal Stafford and Moorcroft have encountered financial difficulties this year due to rising costs.
The implications of this production halt and the overall health of the ceramics industry remain a point of concern among local representatives and industry stakeholders.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2zkx0zmkeo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss