NEW CASTLE, Pa., March 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Steelite International ("Steelite"), the world-leading manufacturer and supplier of award-winning tableware and buffet solutions for the hospitality industry, announced today the acquisition of The Homer Laughlin China Company – Foodservice Division and the Hall China Company – Foodservice Division from The Homer Laughlin China Company. The former Homer Laughlin and Hall China manufacturing operations will now collectively be known as The Fiesta® Tableware Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Steelite will take over the manufacture and sales of key product lines from Homer Laughlin and Hall China's foodservice offerings. Customers can expect most dealer partners to stay the same, and all representation will be conducted through Steelite's network. Its vast international reach will put the Homer Laughlin name on foodservice tables worldwide.
Homer Laughlin's iconic retail line, Fiesta®, will not be part of the sale and will continue to be manufactured at the existing plant in Newell, West Virginia. Fiesta®, will be sold exclusively to the foodservice market by Steelite International.
Elizabeth Wells McIlvain, president of The Homer Laughlin China Company, said, "We want our customers to know they are in good hands with Steelite. Both companies are working hard to make this a seamless transition." She added, "We started our foodservice division in the late 1950s, and it's been a rewarding 60+ years. We especially thank all of our foodservice customers who have supported us and helped make Homer and Hall what are widely considered iconic brands. To these customers, you will still be able to get these products, but through Steelite's rep channel and dealers. Finding a powerhouse brand like Steelite was important to us as we transitioned to focus on Fiesta® and its considerable retail influence."
McIlvain said the Wells family entered into the sale of the foodservice division to be able to focus exclusively on the popular and colorful line of retail dinnerware that has been an American standard and one of the most celebrated American retail brands since 1936.
"We are very pleased to acquire The Homer Laughlin China Co., and Hall China Company brands for the hospitality market," said Steelite International president and CEO John Miles. "In working with the Wells family, we understood we needed a creative solution since we were only acquiring a portion of the business. We took a step back to analyze the situation and came up with an imaginative and collaborative plan that achieved both parties' goals, which were for Steelite to acquire and sell HLC and Hall China brands to the Americas foodservice market and for Fiesta's production to stay in America at the current HLC facility on the Ohio River. As we take over the manufacturing of the foodservice ranges, our number one priority at Steelite will be to supply HLC and Hall China customers with the same quality, durability, and body composition the brands are known for in our industry."
McIlvain said, "The decision to sell the foodservice division was very difficult for the Wells family, and we deliberated and considered it thoughtfully. We wanted to find a home for our foodservice customers with a manufacturer who could take on the reputation for excellence and the beloved shapes and patterns that we've been proud to manufacture for more than 60 years. Steelite is that company."
SOURCE Steelite International
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