Since Arthur Gerald Shaw founded Shaws in 1897, the brand has been synonymous with innovation as much as craftsmanship. From experimenting with fireclay spoil from Blackburn and Belthorn collieries to inventing gas-fuelled kilns in 1919 that would be exported worldwide, Shaws has always been at the forefront of production ingenuity – without ever compromising its commitment to hand-finished quality.
That pioneering mindset continues as the brand enters its next chapter. Shaws production has relocated from its century-old Darwen site to Fortune Brands’ 25,080 square-metre manufacturing centre of excellence at i54 Business Park in South Staffordshire.
The move, which completed last year and is now in its final stages before a full transfer later in 2026, is designed to support Shaws’ growth across the UK, US, Australia, and other international markets. Crucially, it is not about replacing craftsmanship with automation – but about enabling it by increasing the number of fireclay sinks that can be manufactured annually and better serve architects and designers.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
