Fiesta Tableware Company

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The Homer Lauglin China Company visitor entrance and factory outlet

Fiesta Tableware Company

The Fiesta Tableware Company, formerly known as Homer Laughlin China Company, is a prominent American manufacturer of ceramic tableware. The company is best known for its line of brightly colored, lead-free Fiesta dinnerware, which has become a cultural icon in American households.

History[edit | edit source]

The company was founded in 1871 by Homer Laughlin and his brother, Shakespeare Laughlin, in East Liverpool, Ohio. Initially, the company focused on producing whiteware, which was highly popular at the time. In 1907, the company moved its operations to Newell, West Virginia, where it remains headquartered today.

In 1936, the company introduced its most famous product line, Fiesta dinnerware, designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead. The line was notable for its Art Deco styling and vibrant colors, which included red, blue, green, yellow, and ivory. Fiesta was an immediate success and has remained in production, with some interruptions, ever since.

Products[edit | edit source]

The Fiesta Tableware Company produces a wide range of ceramic products, including:

The Fiesta line is particularly renowned for its durability and vibrant color palette, which has expanded over the years to include a variety of hues.

Manufacturing Process[edit | edit source]

The company employs a combination of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques. The production process includes:

Each piece of Fiesta dinnerware is made from vitrified ceramic, which makes it highly durable and resistant to chipping.

Collectibility[edit | edit source]

Fiesta dinnerware has become highly collectible, with vintage pieces often fetching high prices at auctions and antique shops. The company regularly introduces new colors and retires old ones, adding to the line's collectibility.

Environmental Initiatives[edit | edit source]

The Fiesta Tableware Company is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices. The company recycles its clay and glaze materials and has implemented energy-efficient technologies in its production facilities.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD