THE DESIGN STUDIO: AT THE BEGINNING

Upon one of our trips to York, PA we were able to go to Pfaltzgraff's corporate office and talk to a gentleman who was able to get us a tour of the design studio. This is where it all begins, the creative juices flow, and the outcome is great dinnerware for every day and special occasions. Memories are made with dishes we eat off of. Many of us can remember our Mothers or Grandmothers table settings. Therefore these designer are making memories for our future!!!!

We were given a personal tour and introduced to the designers. This building was once a tobacco factory. We even got a ride on the old freight elevator. There was Pfaltzgraff everywhere!!!!!! On desks, counters, in boxes on the floor! The designers were extremely friendly and willing to give us 5 minutes of their time. The work room was set up in cubicles with the main computers in the center.It was so neat to see the designers at their draft tables. Designs on paper taped to plates, etc..trying to accomplish that look that was just what they wanted. We got exclusive rights to see the new designs that only other designers have seen and that you will see in the future.Their cad computer work was very interesting.They can do so much with their designing on it opposed to paper. I was in complete shock when a designer who had been with the company 18 years handed us the very first bowl that had been fired from the cad design!!!!! It is truely a piece of history.

We were also able to see the work station of one of the researchers for the history book, and a look at the person responsible for molding the pieces in ceramic. As we looked on, he showed us his potters wheel and tells us he has only 3 minutes to work the ceramic before it begins to harden. He uses wax put into molds for detailed dimensions(raised designs) on dishware.We were told with stoneware there is 10% shrinkage when it is fired and china has 12% - 13% shrinkage.

So you see this is just the very beginning of what becomes a very long process which includes hundreds of people to get the product to us!!! I believe, team work, and dedication makes Pfaltzgraff a great stoneware.

Pfaltzgraff has been bought by Lifetime Brand in 2005 and is now being produced in China.

Back to home