Fire irons. We’ve been forging them for centuries – literally. Blacksmiths have been making them since, well, the Iron Age. They sit at number 12 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain.

In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we visit ironwork company Nigel Tyas to see how they blend old techniques with modern tools and handcraft fire irons, as well as wrought iron lighting and curtain poles.

Brothers Gareth and Dan show us around their South Yorkshire factory. We learn how to test the skill of a blacksmith, chat about the joy – and effort – of hammering at an anvil, give praise to bi-fold doors, and wonder why the siblings don’t argue more often.

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Number 11 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain is The Carry-On Case – and this piece will force you to rethink what you know about the humble piece of paper.

Luggage company Globe-Trotter, loved by royalty, celebrities, and plenty of lifelong fans, takes paper – adds a dose of magic – and creates a material that is extraordinarily durable and light.

In this episode of The Factory Next Door, business development director James Fisher shows us around the luggage and leather company’s Hertfordshire factory. We discuss collaborating with Gucci, the joy of having a lovely case in a rubbish airport, and why Tyler, The Creator is a lovely bloke to have around for a visit.

Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

Let’s make more makers!

We’ve reached number 10 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain. And it’s a true icon. The Spitfire.

In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we visit two factories both making their own versions of this legendary plane. In Margate, we pop into model maker Airfix to chat with researcher Luke about their 1:24 scale Spitfire replica.

And in a hanger in Oxfordshire, we meet Paul who – along with a group of volunteers – are building a squadron of Spitfires that will tour the country (appropriately called the Ace Squadron).

We learn what makes this plane special, the beauty of pop rivet patterns, take a flight in a Spitfire simulator, look around an empty factory, and so, so much more.

Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com



Let’s make more makers!