In 1947, while Europe was still in ruins after the Second World War, a small factory was set up in Ballytruckle, a suburb of Waterford, not far from the site of the original Penrose glasshouse. From very humble beginnings the business grew, making it necessary to move to a larger site in Johnstown, nearer the city centre. Waterford Crystal today has very strong links with its illustrious predecessor.

In 1947, apprentices were initially trained by immigrant craftsmen, this time from the European mainland. Miroslav Havel, pictured left, was one such Master Craftsman, who during his 41 years of dedicated service with Waterford Crystal, created such famous cuts as Lismore, Colleen and Kildare. Waterford Crystal as a result of its own success found it necessary to move location once more. Its principal manufacturing plant stands today on a 40-acre site on the outskirts of the city, over 20 times the size of the original Penrose Glasshouse.