Bolesławiec ceramics: orders are there, but workers are lacking. The industry is struggling to remain profitable

In the July issue of “Forbes” magazine, a several-page report devoted to Bolesławiec ceramics was published. The author, Natalia Chudzyńska-Stępień, examines the condition of one of the most recognizable sectors of the local economy.

The picture presented by the magazine is not clear-cut. On the one hand, hand-decorated dishes from Bolesławiec continue to find customers in Poland, the United States, Japan and other countries. On the other hand, some businesses make only small profits or record losses, while further development is primarily limited by a lack of workers.

There are orders, but no one to fulfill them

“Forbes” draws attention to Bolesławiec’s demographic situation. The city has just under 40,000 inhabitants, unemployment remains below 2 percent, and plants are having difficulty finding people willing to work in the production and hand-decoration of dishes.

The problem is particularly visible at Zakłady Ceramiczne “Bolesławiec”. The company employs around 410 people, including approximately 180 painters. The company’s president, Arkadiusz Grzesikowski, admitted in an interview with the magazine that the plant is unable to introduce a second shift because it lacks workers.

According to the president, interest in working in ceramics is now much lower than it used to be. The company hired around 50 new people, but still failed to fill all its staffing gaps.

The article also notes that Bolesławiec has not had a vocational ceramics school for more than 20 years. It was only a few years ago that one of the high school classes began offering a ceramics-related profile. Industry representatives nevertheless emphasize that hand-painting requires not only training, but also manual and artistic aptitude.

The largest plants with modest results

According to information cited by “Forbes”, Zakłady Ceramiczne “Bolesławiec” generated approximately PLN 51 million in revenue in 2025. At the same time, the company recorded a loss of around PLN 400,000.

Ceramika Artystyczna, meanwhile, was said to have generated PLN 61 million in revenue and reported a profit of approximately PLN 1.2 million. The magazine notes, however, that the auditor questioned this result, assessing that after adjustment the company should have reported a loss of around PLN 800,000.

Among the largest producers described, the privately owned Manufaktura was in the best position. The company generated approximately PLN 40 million in revenue and PLN 3 million in net profit. For comparison, a decade earlier, when its revenue amounted to PLN 17 million, its profit was reportedly as high as PLN 6 million.

This shows that even companies increasing their sales must now contend with significantly higher energy, gas, raw-material, transport and wage costs.

Exports remain crucial

Bolesławiec ceramics remains an export product. Depending on the company, foreign sales account for approximately 40 to as much as 90 percent of revenue.

The most important market remains the United States. Products also go to Japan, South Korea and European countries. Company representatives admit, however, that dependence on exports entails risks related to exchange rates, transport costs and changes in demand.

At the same time, some producers are observing a renewed interest in ceramics on the Polish market. Domestic sales can provide more stable revenue and reduce currency risk.

Family businesses, hard work and the struggle for workers

“Forbes” also describes smaller, family-run businesses. Their owners emphasize that running a manufactory requires constant personal involvement. Owners of smaller plants also point out that they compete fiercely for qualified workers. Mutual accusations have emerged in the industry concerning competitors taking on painters and other skilled workers.

The problem of counterfeits and the lack of joint action

One of the topics addressed in the report is copies of Bolesławiec designs. Producers complain both about imitations made abroad and about plagiarized products appearing in Poland.

Industry representatives are considering joint protection for the term “Bolesławiec ceramics”, similar to the protection granted to regional food products. According to the publication, however, producers are having difficulty reaching agreement and taking joint action.

Experts quoted by the magazine point out that greater cooperation could facilitate joint purchases of energy and raw materials, promotion and efforts to combat product copying. For now, strong competition and a lack of trust between companies remain obstacles.