23 April 1998: Dartington Crystal Group Ltd. of the UK has announced its results for 1997, which show record levels of sales and profit for the year ending 31 December. Operating profit grew by over 6…
23 April 1998: Dartington Crystal Group Ltd. of the UK has announced its results for 1997, which show record levels of sales and profit for the year ending 31 December. Operating profit grew by over 67% to UK 1,546,843 on a turnover of UK 12,972,451, up 12% on the previous year. “1997 was a year of excellent progress,” said Maxwell Packe, chairman of the Group, who in a recent statement attributed success to the introduction of new products, and the opening of the new Barbican Glassworks in England. The most significant change during the year, said the company, was the addition of new product ranges which will have their impact from 1998 onwards. According to the firm, “Designs by Dartington”, the E.J. Marcolin Collection of art crystal and the UK distribution of the Finnish glass manufacturer, Muurla, were all well received by customers. “Against the backdrop of a substantial increase in the value of Sterling, export sales closed just short of 1996 levels, while our performance in the home market remained extremely strong,” said Eric Dancer, managing director. Dancer added that 1998 will show continued growth. Meanwhile, the Barbican Glassworks, which opened in May, is expected to receive four hundred thousand visitors a year, making it a major tourist attraction, the company said.