Waterford toasts September success

Crystal and china maker Waterford Wedgwood put an end to falling sales today after it recorded its best performance for three years last month.

The Irish firm said Waterford Crystal sales were up 22% in the key United States market in September, resulting in the most impressive monthly figures for the group since 2003.

It gave Waterford a timely boost and meant total sales were flat in the six months to the end of September, the first time they have not fallen since 2001.

Margins were also improved by lower costs as Waterford reduced its losses “substantially” in the first half.

Speaking at the firm’s annual meeting with shareholders in Dublin today, Waterford chief executive Peter Cameron said: “As we have previously indicated, we have the people, we have the product and we have the cost structure to return Waterford Wedgwood to profitability in 2007.”

Waterford, which bought china firm Royal Doulton in January 2005, made losses of €189.4m last year and €244.8m the year before.