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[March 2001]
New firm hopes to encourage local design and manufacturing talent
A new business has been launched in Stoke-on-Trent which the directors hope will kick-start the fortunes of the local ceramic industry. High5 has been established with the aim of concentrating on local resources and talent as opposed to importing ceramic ware manufactured overseas.
The company is located on the old Berkshire China site in King Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent and young up and coming designers will have the chance to collaborate with the company and use studio facilities based there.
No details on the exact nature of the ware to be produced have been released as yet, but partner Mike Rees has confirmed that porcelain will be produced - a departure from the usual tradition of Stoke-on-Trent ceramic manufacture.
Mr Rees, formerly managing director of Diamond Gimson, commented: "Every venture has a risk involved with it, but we are combining modern production, fresh talent and fresh ideas to achieve results. If it takes six months for a foreign competitor to get their goods to the market then that gives us the time to keep ahead.
"We can produce even more advanced designs which take longer to copy and keep us further ahead. We are very confident."
ENDS