Industry - Page 5

Plans to close a kiln at a Staffordshire ceramics factory have been described as ‘bad for business’ and ‘bad for Staffordshire’.

Villeroy & Boch Group has announced plans to close one of two tunnel kilns at its Armitage Shanks site in Rugeley, potentially impacting 100 employees.

The GMB union has told the Government it must show its support to the country’s ceramics industry and commit to using UK-made pottery at British embassies worldwide.

Ceramics manufacturer Churchill China has reported a dip in profits and revenue for 2024, but says it remains well positioned for growth as market conditions improve. 

Portmeirion Group is accelerating its ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ initiative in response to the imposition of US import tariffs which caused ‘immediate disruption’ and ‘significant uncertainty’ in the company’s largest and most profitable market. 

A contract manufacturer is ramping up its investment into new technology with the arrival of a new laser cutting machine described as marking a major milestone in the firm’s journey to expand capabilities, boost precision and deliver greater value to customers.

Ninety per cent of ceramics manufacturers across the UK are set to miss out on energy discounts announced by the Government, a Staffordshire-based trade organisation has claimed.

JCB has secured a contract worth more than £22 million to supply 220 machines to a leading family-owned equipment hire company.

Staffordshire-based trade organisation Ceramics UK took centre stage at the heart of government as industry leaders met with MPs at a special parliamentary dinner to discuss challenges and opportunities for the sector. 

Businesses are being encouraged to give their views on the Government’s new 10-year Industrial Strategy.