Dartington Crystal is to cut 49 jobs across its West-country operations following stiff competition from foreign markets. The firm, based in Torrington, Devon, said the losses would be made through a …
Dartington Crystal is to cut 49 jobs across its West-country operations following stiff competition from foreign markets. The firm, based in Torrington, Devon, said the losses would be made through a combination of natural wastage and compulsory redundancies. It added that some of its retail outlets would close, as would the manufacturing plant at the Barbican glassworks in Plymouth. A statement from the company said: “These reductions form part of a programme of restructuring designed to improve competitiveness in a market that is under severe pressure from Eastern European and Far Eastern imports.” The reduction of the workforce is to take place from 1 May until the end of the year. The company said the restructuring of the business would help to maintain the security of the company“s remaining employees. It is thought the company employed around 300 people before the announcement. Dartington Crystal is a major West-country tourist attraction with over 250,000 visitors each year coming to its glassworks and visitor centre. The Dartington glass factory went into production in 1967 with a workforce of 35. Today it makes crystal tableware and gifts. It is hoping a five-year bank loan will provide a platform for future development.