Valley Mill have been manufacturing and supplying 100% Welsh made products for a decade now and it doesn’t look like they are going to be slowing down anytime soon.
Their journey began with director and creator Kevin Thomas in 2007, after purchasing a laser engraving machine and utilising two bedrooms at home as a workshop. The one-man band started attending markets and shows on the weekend; selling handmade laser engraved Welsh slate products, whilst still working as a full time manufacturing engineer. After committing to the business full time in 2009 the next step was to build two sheds in his garden to house the business.
In 2012, due to a surge in business brought on by supplying retail stores throughout the UK, Valley Mill moved into a commercial property in Crynant. This gave them the room and opportunity to expand their manufacturing processes, resulting in the creation of their range of Soy wax candles & handmade natural soaps.
Due to the success of supplying other stores, the natural progression was for them to open their own high street store in Neath.
Two years later the momentum continued, and with the help of local investment funding, were able to purchase better machinery and take over the unit next door in Crynant. This has expanded their workshop to an impressive 300 square metres in total, which houses 3 high powered laser engraving machines, a 7Kw sandblast engraver and a 2 meter bridge cutter.
In 2016 they made the brave decision to move their high street store from Neath, to a much larger store in the heart of Swansea. Valley Mill now hand make a wide range of Welsh slate products; from coasters and placemats to clocks and memo boards – all of which can be personalised in-store whilst you wait. With the help of one of their friendly sales assistants, you can also design your own house signs, memorials, trophies and awards; all of which are handcrafted to order in the Crynant workshop.
As well as their Swansea store and “I believe in these uncertain times it is online, you can find Valley Mill’s products in over 140 stores throughout the UK.
Alongside their large range of Welsh slate home and giftware, you can find a variety of products from other like-minded Welsh companies; such as Melin Tregwynt, Tweedmill, Welsh Lavender and many more. All of these products, which are also handmade in Wales, include Welsh woollen blankets, scarves & cushions, handmade ceramics, natural beauty products, jewellery and much more. All products are hand picked to compliment Valley Mill’s own ranges. Valley Mill is proud to support other independent Welsh businesses, and stock some of the best products that Wales has to offer.
Having supplied products to some of the most demanding and influential people in the world, such as Barack Obama, David Cameron and even the Queen, Valley Mill has the confidence and drive to keep putting Wales on the map.
I believe in these uncertain times it is important to support Welsh companies, which is why the whole ethos of Valley Mill is to only sell products that are actually made in Wales.”
Check out everything Valley Mill has to offer by visiting the website or for a more immersive experience pop to the store…
Valley Mill
39 Union Street
Swansea
SA1 3DZ
01792 448041
www.valleymill.co.uk
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