- Newbridge Cutlery Company ceases production on 10 April at Co Kildare factory employing 11.
- Decision follows strategic review of loss-making business amid declining sales.
- Closure due to changing dining habits, rare wedding gifts, and 150pc silver price rise.
- Broader Newbridge Silverware operations, visitor centre, stores, and stockists unaffected.
- Consultation underway with workers, reflecting Europe-wide trend in consumer tastes.
The Newbridge Cutlery Company has confirmed it will cease production of silver-plated cutlery and tableware at its factory in Newbridge, Co Kildare, on 10 April. The facility employs 11 people and follows a strategic review of the loss-making business. Founded in 1934, the company described the decision as difficult given its heritage. The closure affects only cutlery operations, with broader Newbridge Silverware activities continuing. This includes the visitor centre, six stores, and 250 stockists nationwide.
Declining sales stem from changing tastes in dining and hospitality sectors. Traditional wedding gifts like silver cutlery canteens have become rare. Silver bullion prices rose 150pc over the past year, impacting feasibility. The company originated as a co-operative leveraging barracks skills for the Irish market. Expansion into jewellery and homeware occurred in the 1990s under Newbridge Silverware.
A consultation process with workers is underway. The decision reflects Europe-wide trends in consumer preferences. Support for affected employees includes communication and access to resources. Operations director noted the regret over ending generations of craftsmanship. The factory earned a reputation for excellence in manufacturing.
Newbridge Silverware shared in a written statement “given its long and proud heritage in the industry the decision to close the factory was an extremely difficult decision and came after a comprehensive strategic review of the loss-making cutlery business today’s decision follows several years of falling sales due to reduced demand for silver-plated tableware such as cutlery driven by changing tastes and dining habits at home and across the hospitality sector.
Traditional purchases like silver cutlery canteens for wedding gifts have also become increasingly rare. This has resulted in a steady decline in sales and demand for this product. We have taken the difficult decision to cease operations at our cutlery factory from mid-April. Since 1934, we have built a long and proud history in silver cutlery and tableware manufacturing and have earned a reputation as a centre of excellence in the industry.
Today’s announcement reflects sustained changes in market demand, and it is with deep regret that we are ceasing operations. the decline of silver cutlery manufacturing is not unique to Ireland and has been a long-term, Europe-wide trend in line with changing consumer tastes. In addition to this, over the past 12 months, the price of silver bullion has risen by approximately 150pc. Absorbing an increase of this magnitude is not feasible without significantly impacting retail pricing. This is a challenge currently being faced across the entire industry.
We fully understand the impact this decision will have on those craftsmen and women who maintained the tradition of crafting silver plated tableware in Newbridge for generations. We are committed to a meaningful consultation process and to supporting affected employees through clear communication, engagement with their representatives, and access to appropriate supports during this time.”
