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Portmeirion brings china back to Stoke
10 Aug 2009In a rare boost for British manufacturing china maker Portmeirion has returned production of some of the most famous Spode lines from the Far East to its factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
Dick Steele, chief executive, said: “Spode Blue Italian, which was first manufactured by Josiah Spode and has been in continuous production since 1816, is already back and coming off the Stoke production lines. It will soon be joined by the Spode Woodland pattern.”
Portmeirion bought the Spode and Royal Worcester brands for £3.2 million in April after they went into administration.
Steele said the local pottery museum has already endorsed the return of manufacturing to the city, describing the quality as much higher than recent overseas products.
“But it's not about sentimentality,” he said. “This is about making money and we had the room and the skills here to do it. It has upped production at our factory by about 10% and we have taken on a few more staff.”
The acquisitions will help Portmeirion boost its sales by £7 million this year and £12 million next. The potter, best known for its Botanic Garden range, is expecting good demand for Spode's annual Christmas Tree pattern release, which Americans buy in their droves.
Sales rose 11% to £17 million with profits up 31% to £532,000 in the first half to end-June.
Reader views (3)
I have collected Botanic Garden for over 25 years and have not purchased the items made in China. I also have some of the Spode Christmas items and am happy to know that Portmeirion will continue a quality line of Spode products.
I hope Portmeirion takes note that quality English pottery is appreciated.
- Laura Melnick, Berwyn, Illinois USA, 06/07/2010 09:32
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Allen Hanley - Portmeirion has a facility in the far east (i.e. China), from which it produces a substantial % of Portmeirion products. Unless the company positions itself as ultra-luxury (and therefore a massive premium), it cannot survive without some degree of outsourcing.
- Reviewer, Newport Coast, CA, USA, 19/12/2009 23:23
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Oh how I wish other manufacturers who have deserted the 'Potteries' would take note.
Portmerion prove that you dont neccesarily have to outsource to low wage economies to survive.
Some of the biggest names in the industry have done it and still gone to wall, the largest of them being Wedgwood/Royal Doulton.
There is still life left in the industry here in Stoke and all credit due to those who are still here for proving that there is still a market for real English pottery.
- Allen Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, 19/12/2009 22:23
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