WAYNESBORO – Perhaps the greatest American brass company of the 20th century was Virginia Metalcrafters. The company started as a stove manufacturer, early on making, of all things, the Hotpoint brand. Begun by William J. Loth as the Waynesboro Stove Company, it was born at a time when there wereMORE HERE
DUBLIN – On Jan. 9 Waterford Wedgwood UK Plc announced that they have entered into a letter of intent with KPS Capital Partners LP, a New York-based private equity limited partnership. The luxury lifestyle group, that includes Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton hopes to be in new hands byMORE HERE
DUBLIN – The Irish-based owners of Wedgwood, Waterford, Royal Doulton and Rosenthal have put the company into receivership, the British word for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The 1986 merger of the two into Waterford Wedgwood PLC, with ticker WTFU, was a mistake; a company like Waterford or Wedgwood is NOT aboutMORE HERE
The Patrician brand of candles is made by Candle Artisans Inc. of Washington, N.J. They specialize in plain, white candles, and all manner of candles for the floral trade. Candle Artisans, founded in 1962, has been the leading manufacturer of quality candles serving the floral industry for over 60 years.MORE HERE
MARTINSVILLE – While it is High Point (and North Carolina) that is associated with the American furniture industry, it is the southern part of Virginia that is the hub for traditional American furniture. The region is home to a cluster of old-school, middle class brands including Stanley, Hooker, Pulaski, RoweMORE HERE
Old venerable brand. Unionized workers. Well-known. Losing money. First-rate products. Legendary brand allure. Icon. Such is the case with Corning subsidiary, Steuben Glass. No longer is lead crystal the must-have bridal gift, and no longer is Corning willing to lose money. USA Today reports they have lost $30 million overMORE HERE