This year, Charltons celebrate their landmark 120-year anniversary. From humble beginnings in 1903, when Frank Charlton started supplying pit props to Somerset coal mines, to supplying Royal Households, Glastonbury Festival and even exporting gates all the way to Australia.
Currently in its fifth generation,the business today remains family owned and run, with Chairman A J Charlton approaching his 80th year in the company. Charltons have built their reputation on the quality of their products which was recognised in 2000 when they were granted Her Majesty the Queens Royal Warrant.
Having now supplied Royal Estates for over 30 years the pinnacle was in late 2015 when the Somerset company were asked to tender for a pair of large bespoke architect designed gates for Buckingham Palace. Company Sales Director, Matthew Charlton says “It was a great honour to be asked to tender for the project and to be successful is something that the entire company is understandably very proud of.”
All Charltons products are made in Somerset. By applying the “Made in Britain” mark to products Charltons are making it clear to consumers that all their products are manufactured to the highest standards in the UK.
Sustainability is key to the business and all products carry PEFC accreditation. Over the last couple of years significant investment has been made on solar panels leading to an expected reduction of around 1,400 tonnes of carbon over the
next twenty years – the equivalent of powering 1,750 homes for a year. Three new efficient articulated lorries and fully electric company cars are also in operation. With further investment in new machinery the business is now in a strong position for future growth. Using CNC machines, the company combines the latest technology with traditional joinery skills to produce high quality gates that also include advanced weather features which encourage water runoff.
For the anniversary Charltons have joined the One Tree Planted initiative and will be planting trees each month.
Also, to mark the occasion, Charltons are launching several new products:
The Wessex 5 Bar Gate which is a stylish 5 bar universal gate. With unique 4” rails and braces, it has fully radiused edges giving a quality feel. The Wessex is robust with the heavier duty braces fitting securely into the corners of the gate offering maximum support to help prevent movement during exceptionally hot summers. Initially available in pressure treated softwood from June 2023. This impressive gate will certainly add that “Front of House” kerb appeal to a property.
The Farrington Driveway Gate is a design that offers security whilst not being over imposing, it’s a premium gate which looks great hung either way around and benefits from the dramatic top bar being machined on our CNC from one solid piece for added strength. It will be offered in both softwood and hardwood.
The Buckland 6 Bar Field Gate is another addition to the gate range. A heavy duty universal 6 Bar field gate which is now
available from stock in 3’-14’ sizes. With a 3” x 3” bottom rail, planed finish and stainless-steel fixings; this will no doubt prove to be popular.
During 2023, Charltons are also introducing a fully treated service on our Softwood Courtyard gates, offering both UC3 protection via Vac Vac treatment and in a range of four popular heritage colours (pictured). This will be achieved using further treatments of modern UV oils offering total convenience and peace of mind.
Charltons are offering additional sizes and made to order service on special sizes of their popular Town & Country Pedestrian Gates.
Western Red Cedar cladding and shiplap can now also be offered in a range of sizes as a pack service on our regular deliveries.
As always customers have access to an array of support including the comprehensive website with stockist training modules, how to guides, POS, quality brochures and sales specialists available to answer any queries and pass on
lead referrals. Further initiatives are in the pipeline and planned to be rolled out later in the year.
Finally, the family would like to thank all our customers, suppliers and the team here at Charltons (both past and present) for their support over the years, without whom we would not be celebrating this landmark anniversary.
Find out more about Charltons Gates and Fencing on their member profile page here
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