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The Texas-Ware factory in Dallas was owned by The Plastic Manufacturing Co., which business was sold to Worthington Custom Plastics in 1996, who discontinued its manufacture. The plant itself is now empty and for sale.

There is however, an active collecting community for this and other melamine (melmac) dinnerware. In its heyday (60's -70's) its popularity stemmed from being cheap, nearly unbreakable, colorful, and functional. However it does tend to scratch from utensils, stain or discolor especially from acids in food, the gloss dulls from washing in the dishwasher, and they aren't microwave usable (they absorb heat from the microwaves.) Depite this people still love the shape color and feel of Mid-Century Modern design made from the latest in thermosetting plastics (at least it was when Texas-Ware started in 1946.) It is still widely used today for nursery and camping utensils, ladles and other kitchen tools, and as a key ingredient in Formica brand countertops. You can also still buy new melamine tableware in a variety of colors and styles, albeit mostly in a significantly lighter weight than the original stuff and made in China, from discount stores. The real "antique" melamine is found on Ebay and tag sales.

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13y ago

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