Ashford Handicrafts Ltd operates from a 3,000 square metre (30,00sq ft) factory on a two hectare (5 acre) site located on State Highway 1, in Ashburton. This rural town is one hour’s drive from the main South island city, Christchurch.

The historic Mill House dating from the 1920s is adjacent to the factory and is home to our show room, class room, craft shop, museum and café. It is also the centre of our Craft Village.

Staff Alan (left) and Gary place the giant Elizabeth spinning wheel at the entrance.	Mill House has an A Heritage Building classification and is a fine example of the Arts and Craft style of architecture.
Our timber is sourced from a sustainably-managed mill (Forestry Stewardship Council approved) in Southland, New Zealand and is naturally air-dried for up to twelve months before kiln drying. Timber is cut to length on a 4 side moulder.
Solid Silver Beech hardwood is allowed to dry naturally.	Silver Beech once sawn shows a beautiful colour range from the silver sap wood to the red heart timber.
Such heavy investment in plant ensures the company can produce and export precision-made, affordable products to the world. Ashford products are available lacquered or natural.
One of the three CNC (computer numerically controlled) routers.	Preparing wheels prior to lacquering on our electrostatic spray line.
Each kitset is laid out and checked prior to packing.  Ashford products are sold in kit set form or pre-assembled in the factory.
Our dust extraction systems keep the environment clean and our wood shavings are used by local farmers. The company is active in waste reduction, recycling, energy and water conservation.