Crystalex is dead

[Jindra8526]

Just a message for Czechoslovakian and Czech glass lovers and collectors, the company Crystalex in Nový Bor (follower of Borocrystal and Borské sklo) stopped after 41 continuos work the glass production yesterday. 1730 people lost the work.

The Bohemia glassworks in Podebrady and Svetla colapsed on the end of last year.

So look for the pieces for collection, they are the last ones.

Jindrich

[nigel benson]

Hello,

To hear this the day after the Waterford Wedgwood announcement is indeed sad news, and represents how fragile this industry really is. Although, in fairness, when I went round the Novy Bor factory a few years back there was an overbearing feeling that not only was modernisation long overdue, but that production had got into a rut - which echoed what had happened in the Stourbridge area in the UK some years before.

All these skilled workers, that may never get back into the industry, in either instance, is quite sobbering.

The advise about collecting the pieces is well made Jindrich.

I was unaware of Podebrady and Svetla, how I wish I'd taken the opportunity to visit with the Glass Circle/Association last year. Thank goodness I've been collecting their work for years 

Nigel

[yelooc]

The loss of jobs, skills and knowledge is very worrying.
Manufacturing in Europe is in a terrible state.

Graham

[MarkHill]

I agree with Graham.
I have also just heard that Goebel are almost certainly discontinuing Hummel figurines this year (although some might argue this is a good thing  ), but on the good side Fenton, who were near to closure in 2007 have reported a good 2008 and hope to continue production this year.
Incidentally, Waterford Wedgwood also own Royal Doulton and Rosenthal as far as I am aware, so they will be affected too. However, I am told that Rosenthal, as an asset, may be sold off.
Mark

[Ivo]

The big shakeout started many years ago when automated mass production concentrated at Arques, Bormioli and Zwiesel. Anyone who did not have the organisation to operate at 100% efficiency in all departments would eventually cease to exist. So we should not be surprised that we see them fall by the dozen. Only manufacturers with low production costs or high added value can survive. Subcontracting production to Poland or Estonia may not solve the problem but aggravate it as energy is the main cost ingredient of glass, but quality its main asset. I predict that we will see many more failures in the glassmaking industry in the coming year.

[nigel benson]

Very interesting and insisive Ivo. I certainly agree with your final comment.

As for Rosenthal; I understand that Waterford Wedgwood were already trying to sell off that 'asset' off prior to this recent announcement, which may explain your final comment Mark.

Nigel

[MarkHill]

That's what I heard Nigel. Apparently Rosenthal are (I say this without knowing 100%) "profitable" by comparison. I have no doubt that the group would have derived much needed cash had they been able to sell it before going under.
Mark

[Anne]

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