How did a modest-sized shop grow into the nation’s biggest manufacturer and marketer of casual dinnerware? "Pfaltzgraff understands our consumers and their lifestyles. We are in tune with home fashion trends and what products are preferred for everyday life," said Fran Polk of the company’s media relations office. "We take customer service very seriously and, throughout the years, we’ve worked hard to offer unparalleled service. We promise of satisfaction with every Pfaltzgraff product."

A family of German immigrant potters opened their first modest-sized shop in York in 1811. The company’s headquarters remains in the "White Rose City" with a fifth-generation family member, Louis J. Appell, Jr. heading the company. Appell has run Pfaltzgraff since 1951. William H. Simpson, president and chief executive officer and David S. Lengyel, president of Pfaltzgraff Consumer Products, round out the company’s executive leadership team.

A dominant force in the U.S. market, Pfaltzgraff is currently working to expand its sales in other nations. Each year, Pfaltzgraff unveils new products at the Spring and Fall Tabletop Shows in New York City. These shows allow the company to debut new products reflective of current design and lifestyle trends.

The Thomasville Plant manufactures Stoneware dinnerware and accessories. Stoneware is a hard, durable ceramic made of light colored clay fired at 2250 degrees Fahrenheit. At the plant, raw ingredients are mixed for the clay and glazes. Pieces are formed by ram press, slip casting, jiggering and dry press. Decorations, more commonly known as pattern designs, are applied by hand, machine and decals. The pieces are fired for about eight hours in a tunnel kiln or periodic kiln.

The oldest pattern still in production is "Heritage" which was introduced in 1963. Heritage is produced in pure which resulting in a timeless simplicity which is always in style. The most recognized pattern manufactured by Pfaltzgraff is "Yorktowne."  Introduced in 1967, it features a deep blue, hand-applied motif adds dimension to a smooth glaze that is reminiscent of early salt-glaze techniques. The "Naturewood" pattern, introduced in 1996, is currently the most popular casual china pattern in department store gift registries. Naturewood depicts various botanical scenes in soft, natural colors. A series of framed potted herbs such as rosemary, lemon verbena, and sweet bay are interspersed by detailed sketches of leaves. Delicate stripes and occational accents of garden elements such as trowels, bird houses and flower pots, decorate various accessories. Each cup features a color wash of soft green.

In addition to Pfaltzgraff’s Thomasville Plant, the public is invited to visit the company’s factory stores. Pfaltzgraff factory stores are located at the Prime Outlets in Grove City, the Factory Stores at Hershey, Rockvale Square near Lancaster, the Meadowbrook Shopping Village in York and at the Crossings Outlet in Tannersville. A Pfaltzgraff Clearance Center is located at the Reading Outlet Center. The clearance center does not carry the regular line of merchandise, but does offer discontinued lines.