Ashford Handicrafts Ltd operates from a 3,400 square metre (36,500sq ft) factory on a two-hectare (5 acre) site located on State Highway 1, in Ashburton. This rural town is a one-hour drive from Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand.

The historic Mill House built in 1912 is adjacent to the factory and is home to our show room, classroom, craft shop and café.

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

We use only the finest beech hardwood sourced from sustainably managed forests. It is stacked and allowed to air dry before kiln drying to ensure the timber remain stable. Once sawn, beech shows a beautiful colour range from the silver sap wood to the red heart timber.

Beech hardwood is allowed to air dry naturally
The timber is cut to length on an optimising saw to ensure minimum waste before machining smooth on a 4-side moulder.

Efficient CNC machines work seamlessly alongside traditional hand-finishing techniques, combining precision manufacturing with artisan craftsmanship for exceptional quality and detail.

Ashford products are available either natural or with a water-based lacquer finish. 

One of the eight CNC (computer numerically controlled) woodworking routers
Preparing wheels prior to applying water-based lacquers on our electrostatic spray line
Lacquered Warp Thread Weights
Each kit is laid out and checked prior to packing. Ashford products are sold ready to assemble or factory assembled

Our two dust extraction systems ensure a clean healthy environment for our staff and our wood shavings are used by local farmers. The company is active in waste reduction, recycling, energy and water conservation.