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Heatwave Halts Pottery Production: Kilns Go Cold
30 Jul
Summary
- Production is operating at a fifth of normal capacity due to extreme heat.
- Room temperatures exceeded 40C, impacting kiln operations and output.
- The business has adapted working hours and faces doubled firing costs.
A pottery manufacturing business is experiencing severe production disruptions due to the ongoing heatwave, with output reduced to just one-fifth of its usual capacity. Charlotte Manser Ceramics, located in South Fawley, near Wantage, has seen temperatures soar above 40C within its workspace. This extreme heat has made it impossible to operate multiple kilns simultaneously, significantly impacting the preparation of crucial Christmas stock. The business has been running at this reduced level since May. The cost of firing the kilns has doubled because they must be re-heated after shutting down due to the high room temperatures. To cope, working hours have been adapted, with staff focusing on tasks during the cooler overnight and afternoon periods.
