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The owner of the ceramics business Wedgwood has said it will freeze production at its factory in Staffordshire for 90 days in a move that will place 70 workers on temporary leave.
The shutdown, which the firm’s owner, Fiskars Group, described as a short-term measure, will start on 29 September in response to weaker demand in some of its most important markets.
It will also pause factory tours at its World of Wedgwood tourist attraction, with plans to restart them early next year.
Wedgwood, which can trace its heritage to the 18th century, makes porcelain and luxury home accessories.
It is headquartered in Barlaston near Stoke-on-Trent, where it employs 274 people. The company said it had many more people working globally for the business in markets such as China and Japan, where it has the majority of its stores.
The pottery and ceramics sector has struggled in recent years under the pressure of rising costs and energy bills. A number of potteries have collapsed in Staffordshire, including the nearly 200-year-old Royal Stafford in February.
A Wedgwood spokesperson said: “This short-term measure is being taken to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets.
“Barlaston and its community are of key importance to Fiskars Group and Wedgwood.”
The company said its artisans still used techniques pioneered by founder Josiah Wedgwood, who was born in Staffordshire in 1730.
“This living tradition reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, the value of Made in England and Barlaston’s enduring role in our heritage and operations,” a Fiskars spokesperson said.
Fiskars, which employs 6,850 people across its group, also owns Royal Doulton and the Danish porcelain brand Royal Copenhagen, among others.
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The business, which is listed in Finland, reported net sales of €1.2bn (£1bn) in its 2024 financial year, up slightly from €1.1bn in the previous year. Its pre-tax profit, however, fell by 77% from €79.7m to €18.5m.
The group lowered its profit guidance for the year in June, blaming the impact of US tariffs on retailer demand. The US accounts for about 30% of its overall sales.
Wedgwood dates back to 1759, when Josiah Wedgwood started as an independent potter in Staffordshire. He invented new ceramic materials such as jasperware and black basalt, and was among the first makers to stamp his name on his product. He was the grandfather of Charles Darwin.
