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Peter & his faithful companion Norman
Click here for Team photo
Ethical Statement:
Although there is no Fairtrade organisation in Vietnam, Peter and his partner Hai are committed to the principles of Fairtrade and conduct their business accordingly.
Some fairtrade principles include:
• paying of fair prices to employees/ suppliers which reflect the true cost of production;
• advising on product development to increase access to markets;
• encouraging environmental responsibility;
• committing to long-term relationships to provide stability and security;
• campaigning to highlight the unequal system of world trade.
The craftsmen employed in making our products receive a good wage and are provided with overalls and safety equipment. In some instances, housing is provided for workers who have travelled a long distance from their families, and each worker is covered by insurance.
The employees take regular Vietnamese holidays and often spend this time together in a group activity. Click here for some holiday snaps. |
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Who is Peter Weldon?
After a first class BA (Hons) in ceramic design, I began my career in the ceramics industry as a designer and model maker before starting my own business in 1994. It was while I was working in Vietnam on 2002 that the French colonial ironwork caught my eye and a new enterprise was born. For more information about me click here. Where is the company based?
All design work is done at our farmhouse in Carmarthen, South Wales. Manufacturing is in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, where my business partner Anh Hai employs highly skilled ironworkers. They are flexible, artistic craftsmen – proud of their skills and loyal to this expanding business.
Why Manufacture in Vietnam?
Quote from the Daily Telegraph October 22nd 2007
“The Vietnam bulls (from the London Stock Exchange) emphasise how young, hard-working and well educated the population is- Vietnam has one of the highest literacy rates in developing Asia….”
Vietnamese workers are energetic, enthusiastic and highly skilled. Ho Chi Minh is the country’s manufacturing capital with a positive attitude that anything is possible, which allows us to be indulgent with our designs. Our craftsmen are artists and we can provide beautiful antique designs that until now have been too difficult or impractical to make.
Just another ironwork business?
Absolutely not. Our ironwork is very obviously superior to other manufacturers- just try a google search and see the difference! Much modern ironwork is so ugly that it is totally unsuitable for the traditional house and would probably de-value your property rather than add to it. With emphasis on fine design our craftsmen are artists and we can provide beautiful antique designs that until now have been too difficult or impractical to make.
What products can we offer?
We provide ironwork for the domestic garden, public amenity and private estate and we have a special interest in recreating pre-war patterns – a time when English ironwork was at its best.
We have received commissions for a wide range of decorative and architectural ironware – bandstands, pergolas, summerhouses, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, rose arbours and arches, gates, benches, granite tables, chairs, well heads. Whatever you need, we can design and make it.
What type of commissions are considered?
An ideal project for us would be to re-make an antique design. This is particularly important when considering ironwork for the period house and we can do this so well that only an expert can spot the difference. From this site you can see that we have received commissions for bandstands, pergolas, summerhouses, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, rose arbours and arches, large and small gates, benches, granite tables, chairs, well heads...resulting in a large portfolio of successful designs.
What materials do we use?
Most of our work is executed in mild steel and cast iron. Large structures are assembled on site to confirm overall finish and every item is protected with a zinc oxide primer to be overpainted using a robust exterior paint to the customer's colour specification. We offer galvanising as an optional part of the process.
Ordering is simple
We do not have a preferred method of ordering, but perhaps you do. You might choose to telephone us with your order...or you may prefer to email an outline of your requirements to us.
We are happy to visit your premises, discuss designs and take measurements in person. On agreement of a design, a deposit will be payable with the balance due on delivery of your order. We specialize in design and manufacture and recommend C. Griffiths & Son (www.cgautomatedgates.co.uk) for all our installation work. Alternatively you may choose to arrange installation yourself locally.
Whatever your decision, you can be assured of the best advice and service.
Our Guarantee.
We guarantee the supply of ironwork to an agreed design. If you are not entirely happy with the quality of workmanship, we’ll give you a full refund (subject to terms and conditions – please ask for details).
Our Gates - your questions answered. Click here to view gate specific Q&A's.
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