Royal Stafford, a pottery firm in Burslem, closes after 180 years due to order drops and high energy costs, resulting in 83 job losses.
Royal Stafford, a pottery firm, has closed. This is a big loss for the city’s ceramics industry. The Burslem factory’s closure comes after 180 years, and eighty-three workers lost their jobs due to this.
The city council leader wants to meet with Royal Stafford’s operator to discuss the situation urgently. MP David Williams also wants a meeting to talk to the Secretary of State about the industry.
The company said orders dropped a lot recently, and energy prices also increased drastically. They could not continue trading anymore. They made tableware at the Burslem factory and had been there since 2007.
Its current owners bought it then. They purchased the business and assets of Royal Stafford Tableware. The closure leaves the city without an iconic name and also leaves a big empty building.
A spokesman shared news of this closure, saying it was with great sadness. The Royal Stafford brand started in 1845. The factory’s closure means 83 people are unemployed. Some workers had been there since 2007.
The directors tried everything to save the business, but they couldn’t guarantee profitable orders. Therefore, it wasn’t possible to continue. They hired Moore Recovery. The firm will handle the liquidation, and Moore Recovery will contact creditors later.
A closing down sale is planned soon. More information is coming when possible, and anyone needing to collect orders will also be contacted. The council wants to boost the area’s economy.
The council leader wants to meet Royal Stafford’s owners urgently. High energy bills made things hard for local employers. However, the council wants to improve the economy. They have major plans for Burslem’s regeneration, which will attract more people and boost business. The work will also help preserve town landmarks.
MP David Williams spoke about the closure. He said the ceramics industry is a source of pride and is important for the city’s history and identity. He is saddened by Royal Stafford’s liquidation, as many people now face an uncertain future.
He is working with a union to help workers and will assist them in finding new jobs quickly. The government must support the ceramics sector’s future. Mr. Williams wanted an urgent meeting with a Secretary of State to talk about the industry’s challenges because he knows the industry is important to people.
