Company History
Burns Crystal was founded in October 1987 by an ex Edinburgh Crystal glasscutter.
East Ayrshire Council assisted the start-up with workspace in the village of Mauchline. Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns spent most of his life in Mauchline and the company was aptly named after him.
The business developed as a niche supplier to the gift and corporate markets, specialising in hand engraving and cutting of crystal products.
Burns Crystal continued to slowly expand, but in 1998, a series of difficulties overtook the company and nearly caused liquidation.
Arthur Levy, the present owner, was at this time looking for a business opportunity and purchased the company. His background had been spent in distribution and retailing. Arthur and his wife Joelle, work in the company, ensuring that this family firm continue to develop and to exceed the level of service its customers require. Derek Robertson, the Operations Manager, is responsible for the smooth running of the factory whilst overseeing all aspects of quality control.
The company has rapidly enlarged both in the range of products that it offers and the geographical location of its clients. From its base in Scotland, Burns Crystal now sells to customers in England, Ireland and Wales. Exports are shipped to America, Canada, Australia, Europe and Scandinavia.
Burns Crystal operates in two main distinctive market segments. We are the principal manufacturers in the UK of site-specific crystal products to the tourist and gift trades. We are also a leading supplier to the corporate gift market.
From a simple black and white image, our design studio can design an exact likeness for sandblasting onto crystal. Our in - house studio, design all our packaging. Research and development of new products is also carried out in our premises.
Calling on his retail experience Arthur Levy, developed a unique range of individually packaged products that have a maximum sell-through impact in a retail environment. This range, which now comprises of over fifty items, has firmly established Burns Crystal in the market place.
Burns Crystal supplies a diverse range of clients including The National Trust, Historic Scotland CADW in Wales. Other clients are leading championship golf courses Turnberry, Carnoustie, Royal Lytham & Birkdale.
Our products can be found in leading tourist stores in major locations like Edinburgh and London, as well as many gift shops in castles, cathedrals, country houses and whisky distilleries.