Wedgwood factory in 90-day pause after low demand

3 hours ago 22

Susie Rack and

Alex McIntyreWest Midlands

Getty Images The Wedgwood factory building, image taken from across the canal. The Wedgwood name is written in large white lettering above the building and reflected in the canal water. Grass and bushes are at the side of the canal, and a low wall. The two-storey building has large glass windows running along it. Getty Images

The Wedgwood factory at Barlaston will shut for 90 days from 29 September

Ceramics firm Wedgwood is to pause production at its Staffordshire factory for 90 days at the end of the month, with 70 employees put on temporary leave.

Owner Fiskars Group confirmed the temporary shutdown would start at Barlaston on 29 September, and was happening "to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets".

Factory tours will also be suspended until "early January", a Fiskars Group spokesperson said.

They added Barlaston and its community were of "key importance" to both Fiskars Group and Wedgwood and had an "enduring role in heritage and operations".

The site produces high-end and bespoke designs, including handcrafted fine bone china pieces and Jasperware, a type of pottery developed in the 18th Century by founder Josiah Wedgwood.

Skilled workers still use techniques pioneered by the firm's founder, the spokesperson said, adding: "This living tradition reflects our commitment to craftsmanship."

A message to prospective visitors on the World of Wedgwood site stated factory tours were suspended until 5 January, but other on-site experiences remained open.

Getty Images A man and a woman are seen from behind looking inside the window of the Wedgwood museum. They are partially in shadow, the woman's red coat can be seen. Fine china, including teapots and vases, can be seen brightly lit on shelves. Getty Images

Owner Fiskars Group said 70 employees would go on temporary leave

Tom Hammersley, marketing manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said he was concerned about the drop in demand, which came against a backdrop of increasing costs.

"Wedgwood has huge global demand in areas including China and Japan. If that demand is slowing, and married with the increasing costs, it is a huge concern."

He said it was important to remember the pause was a "temporary measure" and Wedgwood was still an important part of the local economy.

Dr Allison Gardner, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said she wanted to reassure people that it was "not something to worry about".

"This is a simple response to seasonal fluctuations," she said. "I will of course keep monitoring the situation and keep in contact with the company and trade unions as I always do."

House of Commons A portrait image of a woman with long blonde hair and wearing a black jacket and white and black top. She is standing in front of a dark grey background. House of Commons

Dr Allison Gardner said the pause in production was "not something to worry about"

But Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, described it as "incredibly worrying" and said it further highlighted the need for support for the ceramics industry.

"The support cannot be in some distant future or the promise of help tomorrow but real help today," the Labour man said.

Pottery workers in Stoke-on-Trent have been campaigning for more government support recently after three firms - Royal Stafford, Moorcroft and Heraldic Pottery - collapsed this year, citing increased costs.

Moorcroft, based in Cobridge, has since been purchased by the founder's grandson.

Read Entire Article