After a series of major failures and bankruptcies, mostly affected by the crisis associated with the closure of large enterprises, and the firing of thousands of employees, the Czech glass industry is giving sure signs of recovery. The most visible example of this is a substantial expansion of production of the Preciosa glass factory in Jablonec nad Nisou. The company, which is one of the world's largest producers of cut crystal, is looking to recruit glassmakers again. The company employs about 130 people at present &, after expansion of production, this figure will rise to 530. In 2006, when production in Jablonec nad Nisou reached record highs, the company produced almost 4,500/tpa annually. After the expansion, scheduled for completion in 2013, production should rise to 10,000/tpa. Preciosa is, according to China Radio International, the only Czech glass company trying to significantly enter the Chinese market. In 2010, Chinese consumers acquired Czech glass worth almost US$ 5M.
