The company behind Waterford Crystal has announced plans to build a new manufacturing plant and visitor centre in Waterford city.

WWRD Group Holdings Limited also operates the Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brands.

The new Waterford Crystal Prestige Manufacturing Facility is scheduled to open in June this year and will produce approximately 40,000 handcrafted "high-end" pieces using traditional methods. The facility will be based in the former ESB regional office and its surrounding buildings at The Mall, an historic street in the centre of Waterford city.

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The plant will employ 80-90 full-time staff, upon completion.

Commenting on the announcement, Pierre de Villeméjane, CEO of WWRD, said: "WWRD is thrilled to be a part of the long and distinguished history of crystal manufacturing in Waterford.

"The incomparable and iconic brand of Waterford Crystal continues to be coveted the world over and it is vital that its heritage of craftsmanship and design remain firmly rooted in Waterford.

"We are therefore committed to working with Waterford City Council to ensure that crystal manufacturing in Waterford continues uninterrupted from now onwards. We sincerely hope that this will prove to be a crucial step on the road to recovery for the city and the region."

(NS/GK)