Cumbria Crystal to increase capacity with new furnaces

CRYSTAL maker Cumbria Crystal has spent £250,000 in two furnaces, its first significant capital investment in 20 years.

The Ulverston- based firm, which had record sales last year and a full order book for the next six months, said the new equipment will increase capacity.

The business is one of the last English manufacturers of hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal.

Katy Holford, designer and managing director, said: “Our commitment to craftsmanship, excellence in design and quality is vital to our business. Making lead crystal is an art. Working with outdated equipment, coupled with the increase in demand for our crystal, presented severe challenges for the growth of our business. The capital investment will increase productivity and the quality of Cumbria Crystal.
 
“The changes will bring an increase in capacity, improved consistency of our high quality crystal and an ability to design and produce larger scale pieces. Cumbria Crystal is on track for a sparkling future. The investment in new furnaces ensures the future of the business and protects the craft of making full lead crystal in England for generations to come.”

Nearly a third of the funding came from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), with the balance from Royal Bank of Scotland asset finance arm Lombard, and two loans from Enterprise Answers.

Enterprise Answers is the new trading name of Cumbria Community Asset & Reinvestment Trust IPS (CCART), an Industrial and Provident Society based in Penrith.

Close