Company Info : Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal designs, manufactures and markets an extensive range of crystal objets d'art, stemware and gifts for distribution throughout the world. In recent years, Waterford has built upon its reputation as a leading source of prestigious tabletop and gift products by expanding into several new businesses. Significant expansions into tabletop and gifts have occurred with the launch of the Marquis by Waterford, the addition of Waterford Fine China, Waterford Fine Flatware, and Waterford Holiday Heirlooms, and Waterford Table and Bed Linens. Each of those initiatives reflects the company's commitment to creating prestigious products -- for gift giving, entertaining, and home decorating -- whose classic designs transcend time.

History
The company of Waterford was first established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants' Quay in the heart of the Irish harbour town of Waterford. Its founders were two brothers, William and George Penrose, who were important developers and principal exporters in the city. Their vision was to "create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home." More than two hundred years later, the reputation they established for creating glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has transcended the intervening centuries.

Today, Waterford's principal manufacturing plant stands on a 40-acre site on the outskirts of the city made famous by its glittering product. There are also two other manufacturing plants in County Waterford.

WATERFORD WEDGWOOD

The Luxury Lifestyle Group
With a combined history of over 600 years of heritage, tradition and craftsmanship, today Waterford Wedgwood, plc is among the world's leading luxury lifestyle group with world class brands that include Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood, W C Designs and Rosenthal.

Waterford Wedgwood plc was established in 1986 with the merger of Waterford Crystal and Wedgwood. In February 1998, the Company acquired an 85 percent share in Rosenthal AG, Selb, Germany, which has since increased, in 2001, to 89.9%. In 2001, W-C Designs of Anaheim, California, joined the Waterford Wedgwood Group.

The product portfolios of the Group's prestige brands complement each other perfectly. Co-operations with other luxury brands, with fashion designers such as Versace, Bulgari, John Rocha, Jasper Conran and Paul Costelloe, and with top international chefs have helped the Group differentiate itself. With its distinguished members, the Group is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of today's consumers and to expand its position in the luxury lifestyle market.

Around the world, Waterford Wedgwood, plc, is represented in more than 80 countries, has a work force of approximately 9,000 employees, and offers its customers one of the world's most extensive product ranges in the market.