The factory, located on the southern edge of Shigatse, was built in 1965 and was originally a silver-working factory. The master craftsmen and workers, many of whom are young apprentices, work primarily with hammers and small charcoal fires with bellows of hide, on such wares as ornamental cups, bowls, ewers and votive butter lamps. In addition to silver, gold and copper ware vessels are also produced here.