the West Midlands. Today Dartington Crystal is the major private employer in Torrington and surrounding rural areas, which is very important to the South West and UK economy. All hand-made crystal items are still produced at Dartington Crystal in Torrington meaning the factory is the only working hand-made tableware producing crystal factory left in the UK, Given the demand for this product, the company does however outsource some ranges of items from within the EU (especially machine-made) crystal where Dartington still continue a rigorous quality control process. Products Dartington Crystal's most famous products date back to the 1970s, Frank Thrower's Scandinavian influenced designs such as Sharon, Exmoor, and Dimple set Dartington out from the others who concentrated on the now seemingly 'old fashioned' cut crystal styles. Indeed, this has given Dartington a modern and contemporary image which has kept it ahead of others, and makes it much easier to sell in the modern market. Today's most popular ranges include Wine Master, Florabundance as well as Sharon, Exmoor, and Dimple which are still made today. Corporate The company is also known for its personalized, corporate gifts and special commissions, including an FA cup replica used in the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Sunderland's FA Cup triumph over Leeds United. This replica can be seen in the Visitors Centre at the Torrington site. Commissions include Holland & Holland, Rolls-Royce Motor, P&O Cruises and Chivas Regal as well as many others. UK manufacturing Dartington are one of just a few remaining large scale producers of crystal and glass in the UK, with 150 staff. Not all of their crystal is made in Devon; they also design and source other glassware from European suppliers. In addition to Dartington crystal and glass products, the company owns and markets the Caithness Glass and Royal Brierley Crystal brands. They also sell and distribute John Beswick ceramic character sculptures. References Glassmaking companies of the United Kingdom Companies based in Devon Design companies established in 1967 1967 establishments in England Great Torrington Manufacturing companies established in 1967