Waterford Crystal was once one of the most recognizable brand names in the industry with a reputation for age-old traditions of glass-making and crystal craftsmanship.
Hard times hit Waterford Crystal in the 1990s as the Internet opened up new opportunities for rivals – and cheaper alternatives emerged in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Waterford Crystal closed its Ireland operations in 2008, but now they have returned to their place of origin.
The new House of Waterford Crystal being constructed will consist of a new visitor center, retail outlet and manufacturing facility. It will employ 79 full-time and 33 part-time staff along with up to 40 temporary employees during peak season – a far cry from the 3,500 that were employed across Ireland at its peak.
Most of the crystal production will remain in central and eastern Europe, but the new facility will produce about 40,000 high end pieces using traditional glass-blowing and carving methods.