J E Heath Ltd

J E Heath Ltd	Burslem	1951	June 1996
Dudson Armorlite Ltd	Burslem	June 1996	March 2001

Earthenware manufacturer at the Albert Potteries, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England

J H Heath was a well-regarded English manufacturer that produced a range of commercial catering ware. Their output, especially during the second half of the 20th century, was aimed at hospitality industries—such as hotels, restaurants, railway dining cars, and other institutions requiring durable, functional yet aesthetically pleasing tableware and kitchenware. Heath’s products were designed to endure the rigors of daily use while maintaining an attractive appearance.

The Albert Potteries were in Albert Street (renamed Hobson Street in the early 1950's), Burslem - these works were acquired in 1950 by Dudson Bros.
J. E. Heath Ltd was registered in March 1938, probably as China & Glass Merchants, the first directors were John Edgar Heath and Albert Robert Prichard. - it is likely that the company remained dormant as a result of the Second World War.
In 1951 Dudson established J E Heath Ltd as a new catering ware manufacturer - the managing director was C. B. Dudson.
The 1953 Articles of Association listed the directors as the time as Hubert Scrivener Dudson, Mrs Helen Mary Dudson and Charles Bruce Dudson.
1980 accounts recorded that J E Heath Ltd were whole owned by Dudson (Holdings) Ltd. The chairman was C. B. Dudson and managing director I. J. Dudson. The number of employees was 193.
On the 1st June 1996 J E Heath Ltd changed its name to Dudson Armorlite. The works director was Michael Cooke and the sales & marketing director was Peter John Goodwin. Other directors: Charles Bruce Dudson (also director of The Furlong Mills Company Ltd), Derek Max Dudson, Ian James Dudson.
On the 31st March 2001 Dudson Armorlite Ltd became dormant and the assets and trade was transferred to Dudson Ltd.
Dudson Armorlite Ltd remained dormant until the 1st October 2019 when it was voluntarily dissolved and removed from the register.

J H Heath’s catering ware was engineered for everyday use in busy catering and dining environments. While function was primary, the business was conscious of the visual impact—many pieces feature understated patterns or embellishments suitable for a public dining setting.

A 1960 directory entry listed "Vitrified Ware... badged ware, canteen and hotel ware, hospital ware". They had agents in Australia, Canada, Jamaica, Kuwait, Malta and South Africa.
Trade names were ERICA and ARMORLITE.

Some of the marks carry the name of the retailer - Canada was a big market for Heath catering ware.

Often the mark contains the date of manufacture in the form of the month/year of manufacturer - so 9-58 is September 1958.