Pottery production could double at Wedgwood’s Stoke-on-Trent site after councillors gave their approval to a £34 million factory redevelopment. The ambitious expansion will safeguard 400 jobs and create at least a further 100, as the company demonstrates its commitment to manufacturing in the city.
Employment in the pottery industry has been in decline
The proposal, which got the green light from the development control committee yesterday, involves demolishing a number of existing buildings to make way for a new production facility. It also includes a new office complex and an advanced visitor experience.
The scheme will also provide 209 residential properties on greenbelt land which the company says will offset the cost of the modernisation.
Vice president and chief financial officer, Anthony Jones, says Wedgwood is delighted with the outcome and that it provides a ‘fantastic opportunity to grow and to expand Stoke-on-Trent on the world stage.’
“This decision is a major step forward and we are committed to investing on the strong foundations we have here in the Potteries,” he said.
Wedgwood says production will initially increase by 20 per cent, to 1.5 million pieces a year, with the additional 100 staff on-board.
Even more encouragingly the company says that, if the ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ ware generates significant exports, the new factory will provide the capacity to double production to three million pieces a year which would create an additional 200 plus jobs.
The announcement has been welcomed in Stoke-on-Trent where employment in the pottery industry has been in decline for many years as manufacturers shift production overseas.
Following the decision Councillor Terry Follows said; “A lot of people think pottery is dead in Stoke-on-Trent but it is alive and well.”
Work on the redevelopment is expected to begin as early as next month and is due to be completed in 2015.
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