Wedgwood, the historical china supplier to the British Royal Family, halts production and sends employees home due to a drop in demand, impacting one of Britain's oldest companies.
Wedgwood Pauses Production Amid Global Instability
In a move aimed at preserving the craft and securing the future of the iconic brand, Wedgwood, the Royal Family's china supplier, has announced a 90-day production pause at its factory in Barlaston, Staffordshire.
The decision, according to CEO Mr Leeflang, is a response to the global instability in demand for Wedgwood's products made in England. The production pause will affect 70 workers who will be put on temporary leave, but the company has assured that they will be paid their full salary during this period and welcomed back at the beginning of January.
Founded by English pottery designer and manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood in 1759, the brand has a rich history and a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, having regularly supplied the Royal Household with its fine china over several years.
Josiah Wedgwood, born in 1730 into a family of potters in Staffordshire, started his career as a 'thrower' at the age of nine, learning the trade from his older brother. Known for his strict work regime and dedication to quality, Wedgwood was a perfectionist who was also a liberal and a reformer. He worked alongside William Wilberforce in the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and produced anti-slavery medallions in the 1780s.
The company, currently owned by Fiskars Group, based in Finland, is committed to a long-term, healthy future for the brand. Fiskars Group has emphasized the importance of preserving the craft and the future of the Wedgwood brand, and Mr Leeflang has reiterated this commitment.
The pottery and ceramics sector has been hit hard by rising costs and energy bills in recent years, with a number of firms recently collapsing. However, Wedgwood remains committed to continuing production in England, producing high-end and bespoke products, including handcrafted pieces in fine bone china and its signature Jasperware.
Markets in China, Japan, and the US have fallen drastically for Wedgwood in recent years, but the company remains optimistic about its future. The production pause is a 'short-term measure' aimed at navigating these challenging times and ensuring the long-term success of the brand.
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