Porcelain manufacturer: In the future only one location – Rosenthal closes work

The porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal, which has been in turbulence, closes one of his two works and concentrates its production at the main location on Self. Positions are also broken down, details are to be clarified in negotiations with the works council. Rosenthal currently still has around 600 employees.

“The overcapacity of the Rosenthal factories, combined with low yields and high labor costs, lead to significant financial losses at the locations,” said Rosenthal boss Gianluca Colonna. The operating processes would have to be optimized.

“Certain preference” for self?

Production at the Speichersdorf location in the Bayreuth district is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. The municipality reacted disappointed. The municipality of Speichersdorf loses jobs and “a large piece of identity,” said Mayor Christian Porsch.

“It already appeared that there was a certain preference towards Selb,” said Porsch. “Our efforts are now going to show the employees threatened by the loss of work and their families.” One is already under discussion.

“Porcelain village” for tourism

In contrast, Rosenthal wants to invest a lot in the remaining work in Selb: According to the announcement, Rosenthal owner Arcturus plans to put several million euros in a new factory. In addition, a “porcelain village” should be created as a tourist offer.

The production quantities at Rosenthal have decreased for years, as it was said. Consuming behavior has changed, the sales figures have declined. There would also be high wage costs.

Walter Gropius designed the factory

With the decision for Selb, Rosenthal states at the most traditional location: Philipp Rosenthal founded porcelain painting in the nearby Erkersreuth Castle in the 19th century, and only a few years later the company headquarters were moved to Selb. The factory building, opened in 1967, designed Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. This was a valuable architectural heritage, said Rosenthal.

“Historically and emotionally” connected

The district administrator of Wunsiedel, Peter Berek (CSU), also referred to the long connection between the Selb location and the company. Self and Rosenthal are inseparable – “historically, emotionally and also with a view to the future,” he said. “From this point of view, it is only logical that the group now reflects on its roots in difficult times.”

Rosenthal always stood for artistic standards, for classic or sensational design and high -quality porcelain. But the golden time for the porcelain industry in Germany is long gone, cheap competitive products from abroad are on the rise.

Rosenthal became part of the British-Irish Waterford Wedgwood group in 1997. In 2009 Rosenthal had to register bankruptcy, the Arcturus Group finally took over.