Pottery manufacturer Emma Bridgewater plans 25% workforce expansion to meet demand
STAFFORDSHIRE pottery maker Emma Bridgewater is to grow its workforce by around a quarter to cope with increasing demand for its famous products.
The company, best-known for its colourful polka dot designs, is on the hunt for new staff after reporting a likely production increase of up to 33% in 2014 as it continues to make its mark on the homewares market.
It said the growth of the brand has been driven by UK and overseas customers’ desire to buy high quality British made products.
So far 2014 has seen strong sales and unexpected high demand from stockists such as John Lewis and new partnerships formed with businesses and manufacturers.
The unexpected increase in demand has called for a 25% head count increase in factory personnel to add to the 230 people already employed by the business.
Up to 25 skilled ceramics workers are to be recruited in areas such as Pottery Decorating, Sponge Fettling, Kiln Area and Final Selection.
In support of the recruitment campaign, the company is staging a workshop event at its Lichfield Street factory in Hanley on Friday January 31 between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Further workshop sessions are planned in order to find the right skilled staff. Traineeships and apprenticeships will also be discussed during the morning with potential employees being notified at the recruitment stage.
Mark Thomas, Head of Manufacturing, said: “We are looking for potential employees with either a ceramics industry background or someone that may not have previously worked in the industry before but displays a creative flare and are keen to pursue a career at Emma Bridgewater.
“The recruitment morning is an ideal opportunity for people to come along and have a chat about the jobs available whilst handing in their CV to be considered for the upcoming roles.”
Matthew Rice, managing director, said: “The thought of unlocking more of the potential of Stoke-on-Trent’s talented workforce is thrilling. In the ups and downs in running a business we all look forward to this most of all. A strong order book and stronger demand for product puts a strain on our factory in a thoroughly good way.”
