Longtime pottery maker Red Wing Stoneware & Pottery this September will shutter its manufacturing and retail location.

In a statement on the company’s website, Red Wing Stoneware said it’s halting industrial manufacturing of pottery to pursue other business opportunities.

“We have spent the last six years trying to revive and restore these iconic brands,” the company said.

When reached for comment on Tuesday afternoon, Red Wing Stoneware owner Bruce Johnson said he's been dealing with “pretty significant health issues” that have prevented him from focusing on the business.

“I've had pneumonia four times in the last five years,” Johnson said. “Being in an environment that has a lot of clay dust is not really an option for me.”

Johnson said his family has put the business up for sale.

“We are hoping we might find someone that wants to step in and take over the business,” he added.

Despite the closure, Johnson said the company may continue to make and sell custom pieces at its old pottery salesroom at 1920 Old West Main Street.

The company's property at 4909 Moundview Drive has already been sold. Johnson declined to share who purchased the property.

The company was first established as Red Wing Stoneware Co. in 1877. After a few name changes over the years, the pottery maker began operating under its current name in 2013.

The company formed from the combination of two smaller pottery makers in Red Wing, according to its website.