We'll return Royal Crown Derby to five-day week

ROYAL Crown Derby's new owners have pledged to return the business to a full working week as soon as possible.

Stoke-on-Trent ceramics manufacturer Steelite International has completed a multi-million-pound deal to buy the historic Osmaston Road firm.

The 200-strong Derby workforce will be retained and investment is planned in manufacturing, marketing, sales and in employees.

The thinking behind the deal is to give tableware maker Steelite a high-end product it will be able to sell to the world's most luxurious hotels, restaurants, cruise ships and palaces.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

These are largely new markets for Royal Crown Derby and so it is hoped that sales will increase and more work will come into the factory, said Steelite chief executive Kevin Oakes.

As the recession hit in 2008, Royal Crown Derby laid off 30 workers and in 2009 it went to a four-day working week.

Mr Oakes said yesterday: "It is very much our intention to bring back the five-day week. We will need to work hard to achieve that and, ultimately, demand will dictate when that will happen."

The sale was sparked by the retirement of chief executive Hugh Gibson, who said he felt the company would "thrive" under its new owner.

MORE: Kisses for boss as he leaves Derby Crown Court in the `very safest hands

MORE: Workers believe future for company is brighter as sale brings investment