One of Northern Ireland“s leading brands, Tyrone Crystal, announced on 11 March 2009 that it was to close with the loss of 31 jobs, after 40 years in production.
Over the years, the company had had …
One of Northern Ireland“s leading brands, Tyrone Crystal, announced on 11 March 2009 that it was to close with the loss of 31 jobs, after 40 years in production. Over the years, the company had had a series of owners and undergone several rescue attempts, but the current management said falling sales of handmade glasses and giftware made continuing production impossible. The company and its management wish to take this opportunity to thank its loyal workforce for their valued contribution over the years and for their support during this difficult period, said a spokeswoman for the firm. Tyrone Crystal is part of a tradition going back more than two centuries. Along with Belleek and Waterford, Tyrone Crystal, based in Dungannon, has also been a popular export as souvenirs for visitors and gifts, particularly to the US, which have seen a dramatic fall in demand due to the recession. The firm has also been noted for its trophyware, a market it had failed to capitalise on according to one previous owner. Marketing pioneer George Priestley, who was part of a team of three to run the firm for several years in the 90s, expressed his sadness at the closure. Priestley had officially retired when he and two others were asked to hold the firm together while a buyer was found during another difficult period in Tyrone“s history.