Craftsmen Launch New Product Range

A supported furniture and woodworking factory in Haverfordwest has launched a new range of ready-to-buy handmade products.

The craftsmen at Norman Industries in Snowdrop Lane have designed and manufactured a wide variety of items from bird tables to garden planters, laptop tables, and even hedgehog houses!

The enterprise has formerly focused mainly on bespoke commissions for private individuals or organisations.

Now, it is hoped their range of off-the-shelf products will attract new customers.

Cllr Simon Hancock said Norman Industries, which employs people with a disability, has been transformed since it opened in 1977.

“In the early years, it was a typical supported factory,” said Cllr Hancock, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health, Wellbeing and Equalities.

“There was a large work force making blinds and doing small repetitive tasks like filling bags of screws and stuffing envelopes.

“Clearly it has changed dramatically. Over the years Norman Industries has developed a skilled work force with a wide range of expertise.”

Many of their products can now be viewed at their premises in Snowdrop Lane, as well as Scolton Manor and for the first time, at this year’s County Show from 18th to 20th August (stand A37).

They are also available on their website, facebook page and via their catalogue.

Karen Davies, Project Manager at Norman Industries, said the 17 employees include master craftsmen, furniture-makers and finishers.
“Over the last five years, Norman Industries has been part of the DWP Work Choice programme, which allows it to employ people who might not otherwise be considered in the workplace,” she said.

“This includes someone who is profoundly deaf, someone who is registered blind, people with long term health conditions, learning disability and more in between.

“Everyone is treated an individual with a personalised work plan. All deliver to the very best of their ability and the results are evident in the work they produce.”

To view some of Norman Industries’ products, please come to their workshop at Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest or view:
www.facebook.com/NormanIndustries
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/normanindustries

Or please phone Norman Industries on 01437 763650 to request more details on their stock.

Captions 

Pictured are (left to right) Tomas Lewis and Craig Jenkins (factory operatives), Cllr Wynne Evans, the chairman of Pembrokeshire Count Council, David Sture, production supervisor, Ashley Stone and Chris Reynolds (factory operatives).

Hedgehog House
The hedgehog house – one of the off-the-shelf items produced by Norman Industries. The house is hand-crafted from various hardwoods and built to an approved design from a local hedgehog rescue centre.