Waterford Crystal – the new headquarters. The original factory was founded in 1783 by George and
William Penrose, and produced fine flint glass that became world-renowned. The company closed in
1851 because of draconian taxation, but was re-established in 1947 by a Czech immigrant Charles
Bacik. The company has changed hands several times, and is now flourishing, with this new
manufacturing facility and visitor centre opening in June 2010.