Stove manufacturer invests £130k in expansion

Devon-based stove manufacturer, Dean Forge, has recently invested over £130,000 in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and a second showroom, along with opening a second Devon showroom in Exeter.
In response to increased demand for its handmade products, the new facilities will allow the company to expand production and guarantee top quality, while the new venue in Exeter offers a convenient outlet for shoppers.

Simon Chew, Co-Owner of Dean Forge, explains: “We really celebrate our Devon heritage and champion UK manufacturing. Our products are handmade in our Dean Prior workshop in Buckfastleigh, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and the entire range is named after Devon beauty spots, such as one of our best sellers The Hembury.

“The market is saturated by imported stoves, but Dean Forge is gradually eroding this trend, due to the build quality and the fact our stoves are really made in Britain. A large amount of well-known stove brands are made in China, the Far East or in Eastern Europe, some of which even use a Union Jack flag on their stove packaging,” continues Simon.

Pat Ranger, General Manager, says: “We have bought a new paint spraying plant, a CNC folder and are also due to install a new heating system this month. As the new kit has allowed us to increase production levels we have employed four more factory staff.” He adds: “As a company we are always looking at how we can improve our working process, as well as the products we create, in order to offer our customers the latest in stove technology at the highest quality.”

The new showroom opened last month in Marsh Barton, Exeter, near the Porsche Garage, and gives the company a greater presence and wider reach across Devon. As well as investing £60,000 into the new venue, the company has also taken on two new staff to look after the centre, with the new team total now at 40.

The showroom stocks Dean Forge’s own range of stoves, as well as other leading European manufacturers, accessories and bespoke metalwork made in its forge. To mark the launch of its second showroom, the company has unveiled its latest innovation, The Dartmoor Baker – a quirky product that combines a traditional wood burner with a compact oven.

As well as its own showrooms, Dean Forge stoves are currently stocked in over 100 independent showrooms across the UK. Pat says: “We have stove shops contacting us almost on a daily basis wanting to become a Dean Forge stockist. We make sure that these stockists are top caliber, as we believe it is important that customers receive advice from experienced stove experts, in order to determine which stove will suit their situation and also to make sure that it is installed safely.

“For this reason we also do not allow our wood and multi-fuel stoves to be traded through the internet. If customers purchase a stove online we are unable to guarantee that their stove will be fitted correctly, using the appropriate materials and are unable to offer the necessary aftercare.”

Annette Collins heads up the support team and explains, “We give buyers the help they need to install their stove, but also provide aftercare, with repairs and glass replacement. We believe this 360-degree service is really important, as our clients don’t need to source various suppliers and it sets us apart from our competitors.”