Tyrone Crystal recently announced that it was to close with the loss of 31 jobs, after 40 years in production. Over the years, the company had a series of owners & undergone several rescue attempts, but management said falling sales of handmade glasses & giftware made continuing production impossible. "The company & management wish to take this opportunity to thank its loyal workforce for their valued contribution over the years & for their support during this difficult period," said a spokeswoman. Tyrone Crystal is part of a tradition going back more than 2 centuries. Tyrone Crystal has been a popular export as souvenirs for visitors & gifts, particularly to the US, which have seen a dramatic fall in demand due to the recession. The firm has also been noted for its trophyware, a market it had failed to capitalise on according to one previous owner. Marketing pioneer George Priestley, who was part of a team of three to run the firm for several years in the 90s, expressed his sadness at the closure. Priestley had officially retired when he and two others were asked to hold the firm together while a buyer was found during another difficult period in Tyrone's history.
