Glassware manufacturer quashes supply worries

Licensees who have been faced with supply worries since the closure of British glassware companies Dema and Ravenhead have been given a lifeline.

Publicans that relied on the two British suppliers were left in limbo when the companies, which accounted for 80 per cent of all pub glassware manufactured in the UK, closed down last year.

But one company looks set to benefit from the closure by taking over the majority of the market.

Hertfordshire-based Charles Glassware claims that it will double its turnover and productivity this year as it takes on the market.

A spokesman for the company said: "Dema and Ravenhead accounted for 80 per cent of the tabletop glassware manufactured in the UK. Naturally, their closures left brand owners, venue operators and the wholesale trade alike facing serious supply issues."

But now the company predicts its turnover will surpass £5m for the year ending June 2002.

The success comes after the company opened a new decoration and warehousing facility in Knottingley, West Yorkshire.