Latest News & Insight

Record Sales for Steelite International

21 April 2011

Steelite International are delighted to announce record sales topping the £60 million mark.

Production at the state of the art factory in Stoke-on-Trent increased by 24 per cent in 2010, to meet growing UK and worldwide demand for the innovative and high-class tableware we manufacture, currently half a million pieces per week.

Chief executive Kevin Oakes said "This is a truly vintage performance in the face of adversity. While many of our competitors have found trading conditions tough, we have prospered to achieve the second highest profit level in our history - despite the global economic challenges.

"This is testament to excellent teamwork - from the new management team right through to the dedicated and skilled people on our shop-floor. People remain our most important asset and our number one priority, so we will continue to recruit, train, develop and empower our excellent local workforce with our sights firmly set on worldwide growth.

"These results are great news for the Potteries. We employed an additional 90 people last year and if our forecasts are right we anticipate more jobs on the cards.

"The quality of our tableware is still recognised worldwide and demand is certainly growing. We already have a strong presence in 130 countries but we are committed to further strengthening the Steelite International brand around the world, with particular emphasis upon the developing markets in India, China, Russia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa.

"We will continue to invest in inspirational design, excellent quality and outstanding service whilst minimising our environmental impact. By remaining true to these values we will continue to prosper as global market conditions improve, ensuring we are the best-placed amongst our competitors to take full advantage of new opportunities."

Sales to the 130 countries in which Steelite International operates were up 17 per cent, with outstanding international sales performances in several countries including the United States.

The importance of the US market was also reinforced this year by the opening of the company's first dedicated showroom which opened in New York City. Meanwhile, The Russian market expanded rapidly, emphasising the emerging potential of the tourism and hospitality market in this and other former Eastern Bloc nations. Steelite International's commitment to outstanding quality and service also took centre stage in 2010 with the launch of the Made for Life campaign - a fightback against inferior foreign imports which showed the strength of Steelite tableware and the strength of the feeling for the world-renowned brand.

Steelite International Chairman Alistair Arkley said "These are an outstanding set of results which show that Made in England and Made for Life still count as a true mark of quality. We have strived to reach out to new markets through the recession and emerge stronger than ever.

"The tough economic times of the past couple of years have made us take a good look at our business and strengthen it to ensure we continue to thrive - through strategic marketing and continuous investment in our plant, people and products."