Fiskars Group: Conclusion of consultation period on changes at Wedgwood’s Barlaston site
Fiskars Corporation
Press Release
May 2, 2019 at 15:30 (EEST)
Conclusion of consultation period on changes at Wedgwood’s Barlaston site
Following the announcement in March of proposed changes to reduce complexity at Barlaston, the employee consultation period has now been concluded.
Going forward, manufacturing operations in Barlaston will focus on hand crafted, high-end products, including Jasperware and prestige fine bone china, which are core to the Wedgwood brand. All design, product development and global marketing of products will continue to be based in Barlaston.
The proposed changes were initially expected to result in a reduction of up to 145 jobs in the UK. Following the consultations, the number of jobs to be reduced in Barlaston is 103, out of which 97 are from manufacturing and 6 from restaurant operations on site.
“We have had to make difficult decisions to strengthen the long-term health of the business and improve the competitiveness of the Wedgwood brand. We recognise and value the substantial contribution made by all our employees, and are committed to providing a comprehensive package of support to those who are impacted by these changes”, said Ulla Lettijeff, President, Living business, Fiskars Group. “We will also continue to develop our Barlaston site as a strong home for Wedgwood and as a visitor attraction”.
The personnel reductions are expected to occur in phases until the end of 2019. These changes are a part of the Living transformation program, announced in October 2018, aiming at increasing efficiency, reducing complexity and accelerating long-term strategic development.
FISKARS CORPORATION
Media and investor contacts:
Corporate Communications, tel. +358 204 39 5031, communications@fiskars.com
About Wedgwood
Wedgwood, the iconic premium British lifestyle brand, was founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood. Founded on the principles of design, quality and innovation Wedgwood makes the highest quality fine bone china dinnerware, tea ware, iconic Jasperware as well as beautifully crafted ornamental pieces.
About Fiskars Group
Fiskars serves consumers and customers around the world with globally recognized brands including Fiskars, Gerber, Iittala, Royal Copenhagen, Waterford, and Wedgwood. Our products are available in more than 100 countries and we employ around 7,600 people in over 30 countries. Please visit www.fiskarsgroup.com for more information.