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.
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.
