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Two former directors of bathroom brand Jacuzzi UK have bought the company’s ceramic factory in Newcastle-under-Lyme to run as Silverdale Bathrooms Ltd.
Mark Prince and Dave Tutton, the ex managing director and marketing director of Jacuzzi UK, will lead the operation, made up of the current ceramic production team.
The site has been manufacturing high-end ceramic bathroom pieces for almost 30 years, and will continue to make the luxury B C Sanitan and Jacuzzi ceramic products. The former will be supplied directly from the new company, the latter will be manufactured under licence and continue to be supplied via Jacuzzi UK’s offices in Bradford.
Prince said: “I am delighted that we have been successful in securing the future of this ceramic factory with its long tradition of hand crafted ceramic pieces. Some of the potters, who have worked at this site for many years, have a skill passed down from past generations and long may it continue while there is still a market that requires these quality British made products”.
The buyout, has been financially supported by Skipton Business Finance and Midven Ltd and will safeguard 50 jobs on site but allow the Jacuzzi group to focus on their core hydrotherapy products including whirlpool baths and hot tubs, and the Silverdale team to focus on the production of quality ceramic products.
The administration functions including customer services will be based on the Silverdale Road site and the factory will continue to be managed by Jem Hyde and Charlie Snow.
