Wade Ceramics Ltd, the Stoke-based manufacturer of high-quality porcelain, has opened a new production centre in Longton as the business continues to expand.
The factory, named Wade Ceramics, Paragon Works, is now home to the ceramics manufacturer’s food, fragrance and homeware collections, and will complement the company’s existing headquarters at Festival Park. The new factory has approximately 28,000 sq ft for manufacturing and storage, and provides an additional casting and production facility.
Wade Ceramics, Paragon Works was unveiled at a grand opening on 25 October, initial production had already commenced and further capacity is available with the instalment of further plant and machinery.
Standing empty before Wade began redevelopment, the site was previously home to a ceramics business, as Wade look to help regenerate the city.
Wade Ceramics managing director, Paul Farmer OBE, said: "We’re delighted with our new facility. Not only will Wade Paragon help to increase production, but to be able to breathe new life into an old ceramics factory is fantastic. We’re adding a fresh chapter to our city’s manufacturing heritage.”
Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: “After years of decline our pottery industry is finally on the up again and our local manufacturers are seeing real success. Wade are a great example of a thriving, expanding local company, and it is an extremely positive symbol that the historic Aynsley mill site will once again be a centre of ceramics manufacturing.”
