CERAMICA UNGHENI

The Ungheni Ceramic Factory was established in the autumn of 1957 by the authorities. The demand for ceramics was such that the factory expanded during the 1970s under the management of Lidia Pavlovna Mardar (it was common to see women appointed to positions of responsibility in the USSR) and employed nearly 450 workers. Six large tunnel furnaces were in operation and production increased steadily. During the 1970s and 1980s Ungheni ceramics were presented at fairs in Chișinău, Moscow, Sofia, Bucharest, Poznań, Leipzig, Izmir... Many pieces were exported to Czechoslovakia and other European countries, Asia or the United States. During the 1990s, when Moldova was going through a period of economic crisis, the plant's activity slowed down. In October 1994 the factory was renamed Ceramica Ungheni SRL. Its director, Albina Burlacenco, and the workers spared no effort to revive the craft production of ceramics and promote Moldovan traditions. The local clay is malleable and allows the creation of unusual shapes. Glaze is used and since 2001 white clay has also been used for decorative ceramics. It is interesting to see the whole process of production and creation of these ceramics exported all over the country but also in Europe. The shop offers a wide variety of dishes, pots and other ceramics in traditional and modern styles. The colours and the finesse of the work are remarkable.