NEWBRIDGE CUTLERY IS to cease the production of silver-plated cutlery and tableware in April.

The company pointed to reduced demand in silver cutlery canteens for wedding gifts, as well as a sharp jump in silver bullion prices, as reasons behind the decision.

The move will not impact the wider Newbridge Silverware business, nor will it impact on the Newbridge Visitor Centre, Newbridge Silverware’s six standalone stores or its 250 local stockists across the country.

In a statement, Newbridge Cutlery said it has been an “extremely difficult decision and follows a comprehensive strategic review of the loss-making cutlery business”.

The factory in Newbridge, Co Kildare will officially cease operations on 10April.

The factory employs 11 people and those affected have been notified – a consultation process with impacted staff is underway. 

Newbridge Cutlery said there has been “several years” of falling sales and that this reduced demand is “driven by changing tastes and dining habits at home and across the hospitality sector”. 

A spokesperson remarked that “traditional purchases like silver cutlery canteens for wedding gifts have also become increasingly rare”, which has resulted in a “steady decline in sales and demand”.

The Newbridge Cutlery Company was founded in 1934 and opened as a local co-operative, with a view to leveraging skills from the former military barracks to craft silver-plated tableware for the Irish market.

In the 1990s, the company expanded into the jewellery and homeware market, which operates under the Newbridge Silverware brand. 

Martin Kilduff, operations director at the Newbridge Cutlery Company, remarked that the company has “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”.

He said today’s announcement “reflects sustained changes in market demand” and that “it is with deep regret that we are ceasing operations”. 

He said 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”.

He also pointed to a sharp increase in the price of silver bullion over the past year, which has risen by close to 150%.

“Absorbing an increase of this magnitude is not feasible without significantly impacting retail pricing,” said Kilduff.

He added: “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.”