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March 2025

 Haddonstone - combining traditional practices with modern innovation 

Haddonstoneis a world-leading manufacturer of garden, landscape and architectural cast stonework. The company began in 1971 when Robert ‘Bob' Barrow sold seven handmade garden ornament designs from his garage. Today, the Northamptonshire's headquarters serves Europe, and ships as far afield as Australia and Japan, while an established branch in Colorado covers North America and Canada.

His sonDavid Barrow, is now Managing Director, and heritage is a cornerstone of the company. He explains, "We still embrace traditional techniques, which developers and architects appreciate as these techniques are still synonymous with excellent quality; and we pride ourselves on staff retention, too. Many employees have worked within Haddonstone for over 30 years and with such longevity comes an unrivalled wealth of experience and expertise."

Haddonstone's Managing Director, David Barrow

Production DirectorKatherine Kateshas 32 years' experience at Haddonstone and adds, "So much of what is done here is hands-on and so, regardless of technology advances, the human side is absolutely crucial. Our apprenticeships allow students to be paid to work within the company alongside a college course so that they are building their skills and knowledge simultaneously. Another who works in the factory enrolled on a concrete technology course to further develop his knowledge and is now a project manager in our Building & Construction team."

           Katherine Kates, Production Director at Haddonstone

When the business started, it utilised just one material,Haddonstone,  a semi-dry cast limestone used as an alternative to natural stone. Today, around 75% of the company's orders go through its recently expandedTecStonewet-cast department. This material is the favoured choice for larger architectural projects as it is designed to meet demanding performance criteria and because it can incorporate structural reinforcement.[NC1]With a variety of options to choose from and with everything being handmade to order, there is huge scope for versatility.Haddonstone's product range includes façade stonework (porticos, columns, door surrounds), wall and window dressings, garden buildings, balustrade, steps and paving, and it caters for anything from lightweight retrofit designs to large structural units.

Most orders received are bespoke and can be created from drawings or even photos. "Because everything can be cast to the exact requirements, we can work with our clients to achieve their unique goals. For restoration and replication projects, our team can also go out on-site, to take profiles of the original architectural detailing and match it. Our project managers guide the client all the way from initial enquiry to the point of delivery and installation. Clients are also provided with manifests which detail precisely which products are on which pallet, making identifying individual stone components much easier and faster for site managers," continues Katherine.

Haddonstone's diverse product range and capabilities attracts orders from developers, builders, private clients and architects, so the team is well versed in dealing with different spheres of the sector, each requiring high-specification architectural stonework. Additionally, Haddonstone has built up a national list of recommended, independent installers.

As a company Haddonstone constantly strives to reduce the carbon footprint and has undertaken various initiatives to help achieve this goal. All moulds and waste wood are recycled, which then feeds the bio-mass boilers and heats the factory offices and factory, thus significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.  The company operates one electric forklift and plans to replace the other diesel forklifts in due course. Finally, solar panels have been installed on the factory roof so the company can generate its own electricity to heat its facilities.

With forward-thinking working practices, there is a real sense that Haddonstone has managed to combine traditional practices with modern innovation. 

For further information, call01604 770711or visitwww.haddonstone.com

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With Compliments: 
Taylor Alden
media@tayloralden.co.uk 

NOTE TO EDITOR:

Haddonstone is a trusted specialist in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework.  The ranges comprise cast stone architecture for residential and commercial projects, and beautiful formal and informal garden, home and landscape products.

All products are made to order in Northamptonshire and are available in both standard and bespoke designs. Stunning Show Gardens are located in East Haddon, near to the manufacturing facility.