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Waterford Crystal's own Web site doesn't acknowledge its famed factory in Ireland has closed
This is a bit of news that slipped by our notice late last month: Waterford, makers of some of the world's most famous crystal (including the ball that drops on Times Square every New Year's Eve), closed its main factory in the town of Waterford, Ireland, on Jan. 30 -- apparently another victim of the global financial crisis.The factory is one of Ireland's biggest tourist attractions, receiving 300,000 visitors last year alone. No doubt some of you are right now planning Ireland trips this summer, and Waterford is on your list. Well, take it off.
The odd thing is that you wouldn't know this by looking either at Waterford's official tourism page, or the official page for Waterford factory tours. Neither acknowledges the closure, which the Washington Post's travel section is reporting. It's particularly humorous to read through the actual factory's Web site, which goes into detail about all the things you'll experience on a tour of the factory.
Right now the company that owns the Waterford factory is looking for someone to bail it out (isn't everybody looking for a bailout these days?), but so far to no avail. The factory's workers reportedly staged a sit-in protest at the news of the factory's closing, but were nevertheless sent home.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, News
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David Noonan Feb 20th 2009 2:49AM
Waterford Crystal is in receivership and the receiver is involved in on going talks with 2 potenial buyers for Waterford.
The workers of Waterford are staging a sit in and are still there defending their jobs for a Factory that is still making money compare to the rest of the group.
We must keep this iconic name in Waterford.
Mr White should ring the Factory and talk to one of the protesters at Waterford (051332200) and get an update on the situation.
Joyce Presnall Feb 22nd 2009 3:38PM
I wish you luck . I hope Waterford Crystal survives!!!
France Feb 26th 2009 12:33AM
Leave them alone until this is settled--all the media coverage is not always good for companies restructuring and we need the balance of our economics so let them breathe and do their business for their sake of survivorship, maintainence of jobs and famous productions--here and abroad...I'm thankful that there are interested saviours/buyers. Generations of producers are being affected, and family businesses are on life-support all over the world. The less we interfere with our disconnected nosiness, the greater the benefit of the outcome...I'm sure they love their work. Let them work it out privately for now.
Sally in Southern Arizona Feb 22nd 2009 4:20PM
From the article that I read in my local paper, the reason Waterford Crystal closed down is that the owners were in very deep debt. Sound familar? The employees were given no prior notice. Not surprisingly, they rioted at the factory.
SallyinTucson
schuler Feb 22nd 2009 5:12PM
I's really tragic that the artist at Waterford have put their entire lives into a career they love and have mastered,and the end has come. Someone needs to revive the reputation Waterford has and reopen the plant . I would think the country that has benefited from the Waterford's name could give some financial help.The Irish deserve at least that much.
Frank Feb 22nd 2009 6:39PM
People have discovered that Swarovski crystal is just as good or better....and not quite so expensive. Swarovski also makes a very fine line of optical devices too. Rifle scopes for one. their scopes have very good definitiion and lack of parallax.
CynBailey Feb 22nd 2009 6:40PM
Sad...Waterford is definitely worth saving. Or it's rich craftsmanship, history and tradition will be lost...
The people that work there are master artisans, and if the craft isn't passed down...it will be lost forever.
Isn't there any good news anywhere? What a depressing world we exist in! (just couldn't use the word "live" right now).
Thank you W., Dick, Wall St. Dudes and all corrupt politicians everywhere.....slainte!
Cheryl Feb 22nd 2009 6:52PM
Wow, does this mean my beautiful and very small piece of Waterford will be worth more someday since I bought it in Ireland? My guess is not... just wishful thinking. But, I am very sadden to hear the factory in Ireland is now closed... Every country in the "Western" scope is feeling the horrors of this recession. Damn Osama Bin Laudin anyway and the lack of our government's oversights of the securities and exchange and the banking and loans, too... And Most of All, Ex-President G.W. Bush for failing us. Thanks Cousin George... I wonder if Cousin Lonnie "Bo" is thanking you, too... as his company is in Chapter 11 now...
Saddened Feb 22nd 2009 6:55PM
Waterford is one of my [many] favorite Irish cities, and I have been there often. I was, in fact, just planning another visit to the city in a few months. The Factory was always a favorite stop, and shop!! It's very sad that the world's economy [or lack thereof] is ruining so ,many lives. I, of course, blame the US's ruin on the bad management of the last 8yrs. But, I STILL plan to take a lot of Euro's and spread them around on my trip! Ireland, here I come! I've missed ya!!!!
JRRYGAD Feb 22nd 2009 7:06PM
WHY CANT BUSH WITH HIS OIL BILLIONS SAVE WATERFORD?????????????/
Stephen Feb 22nd 2009 7:39PM
I have family that live including a peerson who is very well known there andhas the pulse of the city......he tells me that WATERFORD CRYSTAL hasn't been produced in waterford for many years. Was somewhere outside of Ireland (Eire). In 1966,I visited the old plant and the workers were making the crystal in front of us. In 2003 went again, this time to the new plant......on the tour the host kept telling us that the workers were on their LUNCH BREAK...at 2:30 inthe afternoon!!Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...
geoff Feb 22nd 2009 7:41PM
Unfortunately Waterford is for people with extra disposable income (their stuff is as expensive as it is good!) and not too many folks around with extra disposable income these days! Myself included! I'll have to stay with Sears sales!
JohnDavidDM Feb 22nd 2009 7:47PM
when is the bush trial? That's all I need from W, life.
The world HATES you Georgie
Jimmy C. Feb 22nd 2009 8:05PM
What oil billions does George Bush have?
He was in baseball notoil.
The real estate cycle is about 20 years long, first a law was passed by the Democratic congress and signed by a Democratic president in the late 1970's mandating that banks provide loans to people who can't afford them, 12 years later America via the Resolution Trust Corp.sucked up a bunch of bad loans and homes to go with them and now here we are again.
Bush bashers get a clue!