For more than 200 years, our manufacture has continued to progress by combining the heritage of the past and modernity.
Today, Pillivuyt is beginning its transformation into the industry of the future while maintaining its traditional know-how with 100% manufacturing made in Mehun-sur-Yèvre, France.
Pillivuyt occupies a place of honor as one of the first porcelain factories in France. Jean Louis Richard Pillivuyt, founded the first porcelain factory in Cher.
Establishing a porcelain factory at the time was a considerable challenge. Skilled workers are almost non-existent. Pasta formulas are poorly known and cooking at very high temperatures is not yet mastered.
The proximity to the Berry Canal, the railway, the forests, and the region's abundant kaolin resources have greatly contributed to Pillivuyt's success over the decades. These strategic factors have allowed for an efficient supply of raw materials and a solid distribution network.
In order to attract the great creators of his time, Charles Pillivuyt decided to create “La Spéciale”, a small factory in a big one, at the disposal of the artistic team.
Thanks to “The Special”, Pillivuyt won numerous medals at universal exhibitions.
First World War, the factory partially stops.
After the post-war global economic crisis, Pillivuyt was overwhelmed by euphoria. With the improvements made in cooking and shaping, 300 - 400 workers are enough for increased production to take place.
Charles II, after the death of his father, bankrupted himself personally by keeping the workshops open during the war. He was forced to sell, even though the factory had only 28 employees left.
With the appointment of Mr. Simon - a customer of the manufacture - to the post of General Manager, a new direction is taking over the reins of the factory. Production is gradually restarting. Despite the shortage of suitable raw materials, a vast modernization effort was launched. Pillivuyt is banking on the future by training new workers and introducing new ways of working.
The factory is equipped with two tunnel ovens dedicated to the cooking of vegetables at 980°C. New roller machines and a cup chain are installed, marking a key step in the modernization of the workshops. A fast-firing tunnel oven is also in service for the decor, allowing a rise in temperature from 900°C to 1200°C in just two hours...
After belonging to several porcelain groups, SAS Pillivuyt was founded on January 3, 2002.
The company has experienced a period of solid growth. Exporting plays a key role in this performance, intensifying in European, Scandinavian, American, Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Pillivuyt is recognized by the French State as a Living Heritage Company, thus praising its excellent industrial and artisanal know-how.
Pillivuyt affirms its industrial and technological lead by filing two major patents, registering a hundred brands and shapes, and by mastering six key technologies giving it solid competitive advantages. Production then reached three million pieces of porcelain, or nearly 1,500 tons, still entirely manufactured on the historic site, guaranteeing expertise mastered from start to finish.
PILLIVUYT celebrates its 200th birthday. Being one of a handful of companies in the world to achieve this remarkable longevity. Exhibition at the Porcelain Museum: 200 years of porcelain: “Pillivuyt en Berry.”
Thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), PILLIVUYT is financing the acquisition of a new “cell” oven, the largest in France with a useful volume of 23.6 m3.
For more than two centuries, the history of Pillivuyt has been shaped by actions, innovations and the women and men who bring the House to life. True to its heritage while looking to the future, this bicentenary adventure continues to be written every day, driven by those who love, choose and make Pillivuyt shine...
