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Arc Holdings
Arc Holdings
Arc Holdings
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Arc Holdings is the holding company of the Arc Group, specializing in the design and manufacturing of glass tableware. The Arc Group markets its collections in France and exports them abroad under the registered trademarks Luminarc, Arcopal, Cristal d’Arques Paris, Arcoroc and Chef&Sommelier. It also designs products for the private label and B2B markets.

Key Information

History

[edit]

19th century

[edit]
Arc ballon glass

In 1825, Alexander des Lyons de Noircarm created a glass-making firm under the name Verrerie des Sept Ecluses. On 8 April 1826, the firm partnered with the Carpentier-Mancel glassworks, founded in 1823 in Saint-Martin-au-Laërt by Charles Carpentier under his management. On 5 September 1835, an ordinance authorized Carpentier to build a new glasswork furnace.[1] On 3 July 1853, the Arques glassworks was taken over by Mr. Allard and Mr. Ladey. It was damaged by a fire in July 1856 which caused the roofs to collapse. Once rebuilt, the glassworks was taken over by the company Ladey et Bléchet on 31 March 1863. In 1869, Alexandre des Lyons de Noircarme relinquished all his shares in the glassworks. On 10 August 1884, the company Ladey et Bléchet became Blechet et Collette and then on 16 October 1886, it became Bléchet et compagnie. The glassworks ceased operations in April 1887. Operations restarted in 1893 after the creation of SA Verrerie et Cristallerie d’Arques on 19 November 1892. On 26 July 1897, it was bought by Prudent Avot at a legal sale. Georges Durand, who had worked at the Sèvres crystal glassworks for three years, became the director.[2] On 27 February 1900, he became a partner with the creation of the company Avot Durand. On 11 December 1916, the glassworks came under the exclusive control of Georges Durand, who founded the company G. Durand et cie.[3]

20th century

[edit]

The glassworks initially established itself as one of the industrial jewels of Northern France before, over the years, becoming an international group and world leader in tableware.[4] Development began in earnest in 1927, when Georges Durand's second son, Jacques, joined the company.[5]

In 1930, Jacques Durand went to the United States to study American glassworks, which were already equipped with tank furnaces and automatic machines. He decided to develop innovative manufacturing techniques and gradually equipped the company with new machines which allowed for improved production while preserving the creativity of glassmaking. The first tank furnace was constructed and the first presses were installed in 1934.[6]

After the Second World War, the Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques continued its industrial expansion under the leadership of Jacques Durand, who was the co-owner of the company with his father in 1946. Jacques Durand benefited from the low interests rates for loans under the Marshall Plan to finish equipping the factory with the latest machines designed in the United States.[7] In 1950, the glassworks, which had unique equipment in Europe,[7] produced 15,000 tonnes of glass per year with a workforce of 993 people.

By the 1960s, the company had mastered the process of manufacturing stemware and launched the “Ballon” glass, the first stemware automatically produced, and other finer glassware products. One of Arc's signature products is the thick-walled ten-sided "working glasses" that were a staple of French kitchens after their introduction in 1978.[8]

In 1968, the Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques led a worldwide industrial revolution by managing to mechanize the production of crystal stemware. By 1980, the glassworks produced 250,000 tonnes of glass per year and employed 9,000 people in France, primarily in Arques.[3]

From the 1930s to 2015, the company was dominated by the Durand family. The firm adopted a number of practices that positioned it to become one of Europe's leading mass production glassmakers.

From the 1980s onwards, the group began to internationalize its production with the creation of the Durand Glass Manufacturing Company (DGMC) in 1979, a production subsidiary based in Millville in New Jersey, which started production in 1982.[9]

At the height of its production, the company manufactured more than 1.6 billion items per year delivered to 144 countries. It was the largest private company in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region and the largest glass tableware company in the world.[7]

Jacques Durand, who had been the driving force behind this expansion, died on 30 April 1997. The management of the glassworks was then taken over by his wife and one of his sons.[7]

21st century

[edit]

In the 2000s, the Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques changed its name, becoming Arc International, and its international locations grew in number: one production facility was created in Nanjing[10] in China in 2003, another was acquired in 2004 in the emirate of Ras al Khaimah,[11] and a third in Gous-Khroustalny[12] in Russia in 2011.

This international development coincided with the difficulties faced by the group from the beginning of the 2000s. In 2004, losses exceeded €100 million. An initial employment protection plan led to almost 3,000 voluntary departures from the historic Arques site between 2004 and 2008. Two other voluntary departure plans were carried out in the following years and at the end of December 2012, the workforce at the site had halved from its number in 2004, decreasing from 12,000 employees to 6,000.[13]

In 2014, the group was in need of money and sold its subsidiary which produces Pyrex products, Arc International Cookware (AIC) to the American investment fund Aurora Capital Group,[14][15] and looked for new shareholders.[16] On 29 August 2014, HIG Capital France and Arc International announced they had signed an agreement for the acquisition of the majority of Arc International's capital[17] by HIG. This project would not be successful.

On 27 January 2015, following new economic difficulties, an employment protection plan was presented to the unions. This plan expected just under 200 redundancies.[18][19]

On 16 March 2015, the Boulogne-sur-Mer commercial tribunal approved the takeover of Arc International presented by the American company Peaked Hill Partners (PHP) following agreement between the historical shareholders, the banks, the state and the investors. Creditors agreed to reduce the group's debt, which had risen to 280 million euros, to 62 million euros.[20] The buyers were to pay 58 million euros to recapitalize the company in exchange for a new employment protection plan which, following negotiations with the unions, led to 195 redundancies and the creation of 233 new jobs at the historic Arques site.[21]

This recapitalization allowed for the group's financial situation to be remedied.

In 2019, after two years of research, Arc created two new types of glass: culinary opal and colored opal, which allowed for the sale of collections of through-colored opal glass.[22]

In early February 2021, the leadership of Arc announced the hiring of 225 on open-ended (CDI) contracts as a result of the partial operations agreement signed at the end of 2020.[23]

Research and development

[edit]

More than 100 people, including several dozen engineers, work on multiple projects from basic research to product development and the development of new processes. Alongside the R&D teams, the Marketing teams participate in the development of new products or new lines of research according to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy set out by the Group's management.[24]

Brands

[edit]
Stemware Longchamp - Cristal d'Arques

The Group distributes its collections under 5 commercial brands.

Consumer Goods brands

[edit]

Luminarc : Created in 1948. First brand of the Arc group, Luminarc offers tableware and glassware in clear or decorated glass for everyday use.[25]

Arcopal : Launched in 1958. Arcopal offers tableware in opal glass (fluosilicate) with vintage design.

Cristal d’Arques Paris : Created in 1968.

Food Service brands

[edit]

Arcoroc : Established in 1958. Arcoroc offers glassware and crockery designed for intensive use to bars, hotels, restaurants and communities.

Chef&Sommelier : Created in 2008. Chef&Sommelier offers high-end glassware, tableware and cutlery for the hotel-restaurant industry as well as for retailers and tasting enthusiasts.

Division Business to Business

[edit]

This division offers bespoke glass for professional clients: factories, manufacturers of semi-finished and finished products, distributors and service providers...

Production

[edit]

Figures

[edit]

The Group produces more than 4.3 million items per day in its four factories: on the historic Arques site but also in the United States (since 1979), in China (since 2003), and in the United Arab Emirates (since 2004).

Production sites

[edit]

Key competitors

[edit]
  • Bormioli Rocco (Italy), 554 million euros revenue in 2011 and over 2500 employees.
  • Libbey (USA), 540 million euros revenue in 2009 and 6800 employees.
  • Pasabahce (Turkey), 480 million euros revenue in 2009 and 5800 employees.
  • Maghsoud Factories Group (Iran), 3000 employees.
  • Kaveh Glass Industrial Group (Iran), 8000 employees and more than 20 factories.
  • Vicrila Industrias del Vidrio S.L.U (Spain), 25 million euros revenue.

[27]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Arc Holdings

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Arc Holdings SAS is the of the Arc Group, a French multinational specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of glass and related products. With roots tracing back to 1825, when the original glassworks were established in Arques, , the company has grown into the world's leading producer of , operating the largest glass production facility globally and employing 6,100 people worldwide, including 3,750 in . In 2024, Arc Holdings reported a turnover of €688 million while producing approximately 4 million items daily across its brands. The Arc Group's portfolio includes prominent brands such as Luminarc, Cristal d’Arques Paris, Arcoroc, and Chef & Sommelier, which offer a wide range of products including plates, glasses, , vases, bakeware, and decorative items, marketed for both professional and consumer markets. Headquartered in Arques—still home to its research and development center and primary production site—the company maintains factories in the United States, , and the , with sales and distribution networks reaching nearly every country. Arc Holdings emphasizes innovation through its advanced R&D facilities, focusing on sustainable solutions that enhance everyday dining and home experiences, while upholding values of employee , quality craftsmanship, and regional economic development. The company, originally founded as a family-run glassworks, has evolved through centuries of industrial growth, becoming the 8th largest industrial site in and a benchmark for the global tableware industry.

Overview

Company profile

Arc Holdings is the of the Arc Group, a French multinational specializing in the , , and distribution of and related products. Founded in 1825 in Arques, , the company has grown into a global leader in the industry, with its headquarters, (R&D) center, and the world's largest glass production plant still located in Arques. The Arc Group combines industrial expertise with creative innovation to produce high-quality, sustainable glass solutions for everyday use in eating, drinking, and home experiences. The company employs approximately 6,100 people worldwide, including 3,750 in , and operates production facilities in , the , , and the . It maintains a robust global presence through distribution subsidiaries and liaison offices, enabling sales in virtually every country. In 2024, the Arc Group achieved a turnover of €688 million while producing 4 million items daily, underscoring its scale and efficiency in the sector. Key brands under the Arc Group include Luminarc for everyday , Cristal d’Arques for premium glassware, Arcoroc for professional hospitality products, and Chef & for high-end culinary items, alongside offerings. The company prioritizes values such as employee , favorable working conditions, and continuous , supported by a state-of-the-art R&D facility focused on developing durable and eco-friendly products.

Leadership

Arc Holdings, the parent company of the Arc Group, is governed by a and led by a senior executive team responsible for strategic direction, operations, and regional management across its global glass tableware and related products business. Nick Hodler serves as Group & CEO and member of the , overseeing the company's overall strategy and European operations. The executive leadership includes key roles focused on finance, legal, , and . Eric Trupin holds the position of Group & CFO/CIO, managing financial strategy and . Joël Corcessin acts as Group , handling legal affairs. Xavier Ibled is Group VP of , driving product development and technological advancements. Grégoire Nollet serves as Group VP of , leading technical and processes. Jean-François Decroocq is Group & VP of , focusing on efficiency and . Regional leadership supports the group's international presence, with dedicated CEOs for major markets. Dean Kimber is CEO of the division, managing North and American operations. Gwenaelle L’Hénoret leads as CEO for and the . Bharat Bhushan oversees the region as CEO. This structure enables localized decision-making while aligning with the group's global objectives in , production, and .

History

19th century

Arc International, the predecessor to Arc Holdings, traces its origins to the early 19th century in northern France, where the glassmaking industry began to take root in the region around Arques. In 1823, Charles Carpentier established a small glassworks in the nearby village of Saint-Martin-au-Laërt, specializing in the production of "dames-jeannes," large wicker-encased bottles used for storing and transporting liquids such as wine and oil. Two years later, in 1825, Alexander des Lyons de Noircarme founded another glassworks directly in Arques, capitalizing on the area's abundant sand and proximity to transportation routes along the Aa River. By 1826, these two operations merged to form Verrerie des Sept Ecluses, a modest enterprise that continued to focus on utilitarian glassware, particularly demijohns, amid the growing demand for durable containers in France's expanding agricultural and trade sectors. The company remained a small-scale producer throughout much of the mid-19th century, employing traditional wood-fired furnaces and manual techniques typical of the era's artisanal glassmaking. In 1869, Verrerie des Sept Ecluses was acquired by another local glassworks in Arques, consolidating operations and ensuring its survival during a period of economic fluctuation in the French glass industry. Toward the end of the century, in 1892, the firm was renamed Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques, reflecting a shift toward clearer, higher-quality production, though it still primarily served practical needs rather than luxury markets. The Durand family's involvement began in 1897, when Georges Durand, then 27 years old, assumed the role of manager, marking the start of familial oversight that would shape the company's trajectory into the . During this period, the Arques glassworks benefited from regional silica deposits and the industrializing infrastructure of northern , but it operated on a limited scale, producing essential goods without significant technological breakthroughs.

20th century

In the early , the Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques, as the company was then known, solidified its position under the Durand family, who had assumed in 1897 and acquired full by 1916. Jacques Durand, who took over in 1927, drove significant modernization efforts, transforming the firm from a traditional workshop into a major industrial player in Northern France's glass sector. The marked key technological advancements, including the installation of France's first tank furnace and automatic presses in 1930, followed by the adoption of U.S.-imported glass-blowing machines, which enhanced production efficiency and scale. Post-World War II recovery accelerated innovation; in 1947, the company introduced advanced glass presses, and by 1948, it launched the Luminarc brand, targeting affordable, everyday that quickly became its top-selling line. In 1950, Arc installed Europe's first automatic blowing machine, further automating processes and boosting output. The mid-1950s saw diversification into specialized glass types. In 1958, the firm automated opal glass production and introduced the Arcopal brand for durable, heat-resistant kitchenware. The 1960s brought breakthroughs in crystal manufacturing: a mechanical fusing system for stemware in 1960 made high-quality pieces more accessible. In 1958, the company launched the Arcoroc brand, offering shock-resistant opal glass for professional and consumer use; in 1963, innovations in industrial tempering further enhanced the durability of Arcoroc products. By 1968, Arc automated lead crystal production, debuting the Cristal d'Arques line, and established its first U.S. distribution subsidiary to tap international markets. International expansion intensified in the late . In 1971, Arc formed a with in for opal glass production, gaining a foothold in . The company established full ownership of this unit by 1980. In 1979, it founded a U.S. production subsidiary in , with operations commencing in 1982, marking its first overseas manufacturing site and reducing reliance on French facilities. Throughout the century, the Durand family retained control, guiding Arc's growth into a global leader in glass while emphasizing innovation in durability and accessibility.

21st century

In the early , Arc International expanded its global manufacturing footprint to capitalize on emerging markets, establishing production facilities across multiple continents including , the , and to support increased demand for its glass products. In 2000, the company acquired the U.S.-based Mikasa tableware for $280 million and renamed itself Arc International. Production began in in 2001, and in 2003, it acquired an 80% stake in RAK Glass in the . This period marked a shift toward international diversification, with the company producing over four million glass items daily by the mid-decade across its network of sites. In 2006, Arc introduced Krysta®, a lead-free crystalline glass known for its enhanced strength and resonance, broadening accessibility to high-quality stemware without traditional crystal hazards. By 2008, the company launched the Chef&Sommelier® brand, targeting professional sectors with premium, ergonomic glassware designed for durability in high-volume environments. Ownership transitioned significantly in 2014 when Arc sold its cookware subsidiary to Aurora Capital Group, allowing focus on core operations. In 2015, U.S. investor Dick Cashin, through Peaked Hill Partners, acquired a majority stake in a recapitalization effort, retaining a for the founding Ibled-Durand family; this infusion supported modernization, including a refreshed and logo. The company ceased all lead crystal production in 2010, prioritizing safer, eco-friendly alternatives amid growing regulatory and consumer pressures. The and emphasized and , with Arc launching self-colored opal glass dishware in —the first of its kind for vibrant, integrated hues without added coatings. In 2020, the Pure Jar Luminarc® range debuted, featuring reusable glass jars with natural wood and cork lids to align with principles. Facing global disruptions, Arc initiated the Arcadia strategic plan in 2022 to enhance and profitability through targeted investments. By 2023, the group reported €736 million in revenue, €54 million invested in , a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne since 2010, and daily output of 4.1 million articles from facilities in , , the UAE, and the U.S. In April 2025, French executives Pascal Cagni and Patrick Molis joined as shareholders alongside Dick Cashin, bolstering capital for further growth and marking the company's 200th anniversary as the global leader in production. This era solidified Arc's commitment to , with approximately 6,100 employees (as of 2025) driving advancements in sustainable glass .

Brands and products

Consumer brands

Arc Holdings, through its Arc International subsidiary, markets a range of consumer brands focused on glass and products designed for and home entertaining. These brands emphasize French craftsmanship, durability, and stylish design to appeal to households worldwide. The primary consumer brand is Luminarc, which offers simple, trendy, and practical collections inspired by French style and the of living. Launched in 1948, Luminarc combines colors, shapes, and functionality to create versatile items adaptable to various local customs and daily needs, such as plates, glasses, and storage solutions. Its designs prioritize ease of use and a "French Easy " aesthetic, making it suitable for modern consumers seeking affordable, stylish home essentials. Another key consumer brand is Cristal d'Arques Paris, an elegant line that blends tradition with modernity, drawing on Arc's longstanding glassmaking expertise since 1825. This brand specializes in premium yet accessible for celebrations and sophisticated table settings, including glassware like and vases. Targeted at consumers who value hosting and elegant dining, Cristal d'Arques provides high-quality products that evoke French heritage without prohibitive costs. These consumer brands contribute significantly to Arc Holdings' portfolio by addressing the retail market for home goods, with products distributed through department stores, online retailers, and specialty shops globally. They underscore the company's commitment to innovation in glass production, ensuring items are both aesthetically pleasing and resilient for daily household use.

Professional brands

Arc Holdings, through its subsidiary Arc International, markets professional brands focused on durable, high-performance tableware solutions for the hospitality and food service industries. These brands emphasize functionality, innovation, and sustainability to meet the demands of intensive professional use in hotels, restaurants, and bars worldwide. The Arcoroc brand, launched in , provides innovative and functional glassware, crockery, and designed for heavy-duty environments. Targeted at chains, restaurants, and bars, Arcoroc products feature thermal resistance, stackability, and dishwasher safety to withstand daily operational rigors while supporting creative presentation. For instance, its glass range offers opacity and strength for services, contributing to Arc's production of over 4 million items daily across its facilities. Chef&Sommelier, introduced in 2008, specializes in premium glassware, , and that enhance sensory tasting experiences for and . Aimed at upscale hotels and fine-dining restaurants, the brand incorporates French craftsmanship with features like lead-free for clarity and aroma preservation, as seen in its Machine Made (MMC) collection, which balances elegance and practicality. This brand underscores Arc's commitment to professional innovation, with products developed in collaboration with industry experts to elevate culinary artistry. Together, these professional brands represent Arc Holdings' strategy to deliver global solutions that combine durability with aesthetic appeal, serving over 100 countries and supporting sustainable practices such as recyclable materials and reduced energy manufacturing.

B2B offerings

Arc Holdings, through its Arc Customised Glass division, specializes in offerings centered on customized solutions for , promotion, and branding purposes. This division provides tailor-made products and services to international and local brands, industrials, traders, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, emphasizing innovation in design, materials, and manufacturing processes. Key activities include the development of products, premium glassware, and components for programs, with a focus on collectible glasses that enhance . The B2B portfolio encompasses end-to-end services, from concept creation and specification definition to decoration, , and distribution. Arc Customised Glass leverages its global manufacturing capabilities to produce high-quality, branded glass items, such as promotional tumblers and specialty containers, supporting campaigns for major clients including Mars (for M&M’s), (LVMH), BrandLoyalty, and Carlsberg. These offerings prioritize durability and aesthetic appeal, drawing on Arc's expertise in to deliver scalable solutions that align with partners' marketing strategies. In addition to standard customizations, the division addresses specific industry needs, such as unpackaged product trends with innovative jar designs like the Pure Jar Luminarc® range introduced in 2020. This B2B approach enables Arc Holdings to extend its legacy into commercial applications, fostering long-term partnerships through 360° support from ideation to market launch.

Operations

Research and development

Arc Holdings' research and development (R&D) division is headquartered in Arques, northern , alongside the company's main production facilities, and operates a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to advancing glassmaking technologies. This center integrates chemists, researchers, designers, and marketing experts to push the boundaries of glass properties, combining industrial expertise with market needs to develop innovative solutions. The division emphasizes sustainable practices, focusing on technologies that reduce environmental impact while enhancing product durability and functionality. A core aspect of Arc's R&D involves material innovations, such as the development of culinary , which is 30% lighter than traditional equivalents, non-porous, and offers three times the impact resistance, while remaining inert up to 250°C. Other breakthroughs include colored , achieved through a tinting process that infuses color throughout the material for enhanced aesthetic and modern effects. The Krysta® line mimics crystal clarity with a 98.8% transparency index, superior shock resistance, and dishwasher safety, while Black Glass incorporates 70% recycled waste , using 26% less in production than clear variants to lower the . These advancements prioritize eco-design principles, including an initiative launched in 2021 to minimize product weight and supply chain emissions, with full application to new products starting in 2025. Sustainability drives much of the R&D agenda, with the department developing technologies to preserve water and air quality, such as closed-loop water networks, fume treatment systems, and increased cullet integration in glass composition. As of 2023, Arc invested €4 million in low-carbon melting technologies and energy-efficient facilities, contributing to a decarbonization roadmap that includes furnace electrification. This effort supported a 30% reduction in water consumption and a 115,000-tonne drop in CO2 emissions at Arc France facilities from 2019 to 2023, aligning with targets to cut CO2 by over one-third and water use by 40% by 2030 (versus 2019 baselines). Additional projects, like the Circularc initiative at Arc Americas, aim for 20% external recycled glass incorporation by 2028 through on-site recycling advancements. To enhance production efficiency, Arc collaborates with academic partners, including a long-term research agreement with IMT Nord since 2016, focused on modeling heat treatments, digital simulations of cooling systems, and optimizing centrifugation molds for . This partnership has improved and decorating processes, building on prior theses to reduce environmental impacts in item . Ongoing R&D also explores technologies and functional designs, such as inter-stackable tumblers and healthcare applications, under the Arc Responsible 2030 plan to foster a .

Manufacturing

Arc Holdings, through its Arc Group subsidiaries, operates a global network of facilities specializing in the production of , including , , and crystal items for consumer, professional, and B2B markets. The company's primary production hub is located in Arques, , which is the world's largest site and the eighth-largest industrial complex in . This facility features eight furnaces with a combined capacity of 220,000 tonnes per year and outputs approximately 1.7 million finished items daily. Employing approximately 3,750 workers as of 2024, primarily at Arques, the plant integrates with , emphasizing high-volume, automated processes for items like tumblers, plates, and bowls under brands such as Luminarc and Arcoroc. The manufacturing process at Arc facilities begins with the melting of raw materials—primarily silica sand, soda ash, and —in large furnaces fueled by or , reaching temperatures up to 1,500°C to form molten . A key innovation, the centrifugal forming process developed by Arc in , involves dropping calibrated gobs of molten into molds that spin to shape items like and tumblers, enabling precise, high-speed production while minimizing material waste. Subsequent steps include annealing in lehr ovens to relieve , automated cutting and edging for sharp edges, optional decoration through silk-screen printing or , and quality via optical scanners and manual checks before packaging. This process varies by product shape, with for flatware using molds and blown for hollowware employing air pressure in molds. Across sites, internal of cullet (broken ) constitutes up to 30-50% of batch inputs, reducing energy use by approximately 2-3% per percentage point of cullet added. Complementing the French operations, Arc maintains specialized facilities in other regions to serve local markets and optimize logistics. In Millville, New Jersey, USA, the Arc Americas plant operates two furnaces and produces 1 million items per day with 750 employees, focusing on opal and crystal tableware while incorporating the Circularc program to recycle post-consumer glass into new products. The Nanjing facility in China, with 720 employees and two furnaces, has a capacity of 220 tonnes of glass per day, emphasizing efficient production for Asian markets using similar centrifugal and pressing techniques. In Ras al-Khaimah, UAE, the Middle East site employs 990 workers, runs two furnaces (one for opal and one for soda-lime glass), and manufactures 600,000 articles daily, with advanced water recycling achieving 70% reuse in cooling and processing. Collectively, these sites enable Arc to produce over 4 million glass items daily, supported by €54 million in 2023 investments for low-carbon technologies like furnace electrification and solar power integration at the Chinese plant. As of 2023, sustainability efforts include a 22% reduction in CO2 emissions at Arques since 2019 (totaling 115,000 tonnes saved) and ISO 14001 environmental certifications across all major facilities.

Financial performance

Key metrics

Arc Holdings, through its subsidiary Arc International, achieved a turnover of €688 million in 2024, reflecting its position as a leading global producer of tableware. This revenue figure underscores the company's strong market presence, supported by daily production of 4 million items across its facilities in , the , , and the . The company maintains a of 6,100 employees worldwide, with 3,750 based in , enabling efficient operations and innovation in product design and . In recent years, Arc Holdings has prioritized capital investments to enhance and capacity; for instance, the group invested €74 million in 2022, including €5 million dedicated to . These investments highlight a commitment to operational resilience amid evolving consumer demands for eco-friendly .
MetricValue (2024)Notes/Source
Annual Turnover€688 millionRepresents total sales from glass tableware production and distribution.
Employees6,100 (global)Includes 3,750 in ; supports R&D and .
Daily Production4 million itemsAcross international facilities, focusing on brands like Luminarc and Arcoroc.
R&D Investment (2022)€5 millionPart of €74 million total capex, aimed at and .
In 2023, Arc Holdings reported a group turnover of €736 million, supported by strong sales across its international operations in glass manufacturing. This figure reflected steady demand for its consumer and professional brands, bolstered by investments totaling €54 million, including efforts in and environmental initiatives. By 2024, the company's turnover declined to €688 million, marking a decrease of about 6.5% from the previous year, amid broader economic pressures in the consumer goods sector such as inflation and disruptions. Despite this, Arc maintained operational scale with 6,100 employees and daily production of 4 million items, emphasizing cost efficiencies and to mitigate impacts. As of 2025, full-year financial results are not yet available. Arc Holdings continues to prioritize strategic investments in eco-friendly practices, such as targeting 5% post-consumer recycled in Arc Americas production by the end of 2025 and 100% green electricity sourcing in Arc facilities (target achieved by 2024). These moves align with industry growth projections for , forecasted to expand by USD 2.24 billion globally from 2025 to 2029 at a CAGR of 3.4%, driven by for durable, . This positions the company for potential revenue recovery through innovation in low-carbon manufacturing and expanded B2B offerings.

Market position

Global presence

Arc International maintains a significant global footprint, with operations spanning multiple continents through a network of production facilities, distribution subsidiaries, and liaison offices. The company operates 11 locations worldwide, including four primary production sites located in Arques, ; Millville, ; Nanjing, ; and Ras Al Khaimah, . These facilities enable localized manufacturing to support international demand, with production expansions in growth markets initiated since the early . In addition to manufacturing, Arc International has established six distribution subsidiaries to facilitate efficient product delivery and market adaptation. These include sites in , ; Pinvin, ; , ; Moscow, Russia; Istanbul, Turkey; and Totowa, . A liaison office in , , further supports engagement in the region. This structure allows the company to tailor its glass and household products to regional preferences while ensuring broad accessibility. The company's international reach extends to sales in virtually every country, with over 50% of its turnover generated from , reflecting its strong European base alongside growing contributions from the , Near and , and markets. Through strategic partnerships and subsidiaries, Arc International exports its branded collections—such as Luminarc, Arcopal, and Arcoroc—globally, emphasizing sustainable and innovative solutions for everyday use.

Competitors

Arc Holdings, as the parent company of Arc International, operates in the competitive global glass market, where it contends with manufacturers focused on pressed and blown glass products for , , and retail sectors. The industry features rivalry centered on innovation in durable, eco-friendly designs, efficiency, and expansive distribution networks across , , and emerging markets. According to market analyses, the sector's growth, projected at a CAGR of around 7-8% through 2032, intensifies as companies adapt to demands for sustainable and aesthetically versatile . Key competitors include Libbey Inc., a U.S.-based leader in production that emphasizes high-volume for foodservice and consumer markets, with operations spanning multiple continents and a focus on brands like Libbey and Crisa. S.p.A., an Italian firm, competes directly through its premium glassware lines for both professional and home use, renowned for lightweight, stackable designs and commitments to recycled usage. The Şişecam Group's Paşabahçe division, a Turkish multinational, challenges Arc Holdings with cost-effective, export-oriented products that dominate in the and , leveraging large-scale production capacities. Other notable rivals are International S.A.S., a French company specializing in tumblers and bakeware known for resistance, and Company LLC, an American producer offering affordable, everyday glassware with a strong foothold in the U.S. retail sector. Glass S.A., based in , provides competitively priced decorative and functional , targeting Eastern European and global export markets. These firms collectively pressure Arc Holdings to innovate in areas like lead-free crystal alternatives and practices to maintain its position as a top producer.

References

  1. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/293659Z:FP
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  9. https://pestel-analysis.com/blogs/owners/arc-intl
  10. https://www.arc-intl.com/en/activities/consumer-goods/
  11. https://www.cristaldarquesparis.com/
  12. https://www.arc-intl.com/en/activities/professional-brands/
  13. https://www.arcoroc.com/
  14. https://www.chefsommelier.com/
  15. https://www.arcb2b.com/en/
  16. https://www.arc-intl.com/en/activities/business-to-business/
  17. https://www.arc-intl.com/en/commitments/
  18. https://www.arc-intl.com/en/group/innovations/
  19. https://www.arc-intl.com/files/uploads/2025/07/2023-ENG-Arc-2023-Sustainability-Report.pdf
  20. https://research.imt-nord-europe.fr/projects/imt-ne-arc-rd/
  21. https://tablewareinternational.com/the-long-read-arc-celebrates-200-years-in-business/
  22. https://www.glass-international.com/features/arc-de-triumph
  23. https://www.packaging-gateway.com/features/worlds-biggest-glass-tableware-manufacturing-site/
  24. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arc-americas_proudtobeglassmakers-glass-200years-activity-7350914900963045377-QBD8
  25. https://www.technavio.com/report/glass-tableware-market-industry-analysis
  26. https://www.arc-intl.com/en/group/worldwide/
  27. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/glass-tableware
  28. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/pressed-and-blown-glass-market
  29. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/articles/key-companies-in-glassware
  30. https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/glass-tableware-market
  31. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/glass-tableware-market
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