For nearly 200 years, Pillivuyt France has been concerned with two key approaches to manufacturing – preserving its strong sense of tradition and yet always staying relevant with innovations that suit and respond to the changing demands of consumers around the world.
Pillivuyt is one of the few porcelain makers to develop its own porcelain compound on-site at the factory. Ours is one of the last manufacturers to maintain a 100% French production.
Pillivuyt remains located in the town of Mehun-sur-Yevre which has been home to the factory for over two centuries.
From evolving decors to distinctively different shapes, the innovations at Pillivuyt have created a host of possibilities. In the past few years, however, the changes have involved a revolution in and redefinition of the best materials to use in the porcelain “paste” itself – to generate stronger, thinner, and more versatile cookware and dishes that are better suited to today’s usage and aesthetics.
Pillivuyt porcelain is first fired at 1795 F, glaze is then applied and the porcelain is fired a second time at 2552 F. Decorated pieces are fired a third time in order to incorporate pigments into the glaze of the pieces, ensuring that they will be permanent and impervious to fading or changing color. Multiple firings at very high temperatures allow us to produce pieces that are totally non-porous and highly resistant to both mechanical and thermal shocks.
1818
Two Swiss brothers – Jean Louis Richard and Charles Pillivuyt buy a brick factory in the small town of Foecy in the Sancerre region. Instead of making bricks, however, they plan to make porcelain for the common household.
They use the family name, calling the company Pillivuyt. After a difficult start, but only a few years later, they win their first design award in New York.
1854
Charles Pillivuyt ventures out on his own and builds a new factory in the nearby town of Mehun sur Yevre. The business flourishes, winning awards and medals at exhibits throughout the world.
The company’s reputation grows internationally and soon Pillivuyt becomes the choice of many royal households.
1870
Pillivuyt has made great strides in improving efficiency with steam engines. The company grows to a workforce of 800 in an expanding facility. In the new century, Pillivuyt continues to embrace new technology and modernizes from wood to coal to gas fuel. Distribution makes its way into the Americas.
1950
After WWII, with continuing efforts to capture a worldwide market, Pillivuyt collaborates with chefs and other professionals to create innovative and appealing new shapes that are on trend. Modernization continues to help increase efficiency and profitability in production.
2005
Pillivuyt introduces Pillienium, a stronger and more versatile porcelain recipe, and immediately wins the Innovation Award. At the same time begins the development of flame-proof and induction versions of cookware plus new glazes, colors and contemporary shapes for today’s market.
2018
Pillivuyt celebrates its 200th anniversary, one of only a handful of companies in the world to achieve this remarkable longevity.
