Don't be fooled by the name. WM Ironwork Ltd certainly doesn't churn out your run-of-the mill hardware. Instead, this North Devon firm produces a wide range of bespoke metalwork - anything from structures for factories to glitzy fixtures and fittings for penthouses. Customers range from individuals to big national builders. So high is WMI's reputation for quality and service that their products go from Newton Tracey, near Barnstaple to all parts of the world.
Charlie West founded W M Ironwork over 30 years ago to produce agricultural ironwork, mainly for animal housing, handling and feeding. Soon the company's reputation for quality and service landed bigger specialist projects.
WMI fitted out the cattle markets at Exeter, Salisbury and Truro. Michael Eavis, of Glastonbury Festival fame, has had dozens of WMI gates.
The company has always looked to develop, and over the years, demand for their expertise has led the Company more into the realm of industrial steelwork and architectural ironmongery. They now supply national builders, local authorities and public utilities with a vast range of products individually designed for particular situations: safety railing, fire escapes and decorative gates - you name it.
Stuart West took over running the company on his Fathers retirement and now heads a team of 50, many having been with the company for over twenty years.
'Although WMI's a go-ahead company with very large companies amongst our clients, a lot of our success is down to the fact that we're still a friendly, family-run firm. We pride ourselves on giving customers big or small exactly what they want.'
'We're not an "off-the shelf" company,' 'What we do is offer a complete bespoke service from start to finish', whether it's for a big company or a single homeowner looking to add something unique and special to their house. We listen, offer advice and quotes as necessary, we manufacture the items here and at the same time source any additional materials needed from elsewhere. This may be glass, steel rope or even plastic. When it's all ready, we fit everything on site.'
W. M. Ironwork Ltd, Newton Tracey, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 3PN, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1271 858 444