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July 2025
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Haddonstone's USA customers love traditional English architecture
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Here Chris Doyle, Vice President ofHaddonstone's Commercial Operations in the USA, talks about the American operation in Pueblo, Colorado, and gives us an insight into the American customer base.
Can you give us a short biography on you?
I hail from Doncaster in South Yorkshire and have worked for Haddonstone Group for 15 years. I joined whilst still at university (it is the only ‘proper' job I have had!). In terms of education, I have a Bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Hull along with Master's degree in Senior Leadership from Sheffield Hallam University (Haddonstone also sponsored and supported me to carry out my Master's).
I joined the Haddonstone group in 2010 working for Pennine Stone as a graduate trainee and worked my way up to Commercial Manager after learning all aspects of the business processes. I was then asked to move to the US operation in November 2021 as Commercial Manager and now hold the title of Vice President of Commercial Operations.Regarding family, I have an amazing wife andseven-year-old son who are enjoying a new life in the USA; we have been here nearly 3 years now!
In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf and exploring the Coloradomountains with my family.
What is your title and role at Haddonstone? Can you describe the role and what it entails?
AsVP of Commercial Operations, I overseeall aspects of the company'scommercial operations including sales processes, contract management,andpricing strategies. I am tasked with ensuring theefficient performance of all sales activities and operational performance.
Where do you find inspiration?
Great question! I get a lot of inspiration frompeople. Interacting with people from all walks of life, especially those from diverse backgrounds who have admiring stories to share,gives me new ideas and insights. I also get a lot of inspiration from personal experiences (both positive and challenging).
Projects - most proud of and why?
Two projects spring to mind. One was a project called Yuki Hospital in Japan; this was the first large project I was involved in when I moved to the US. Thisis nowa huge private Nursing Home in Ibaraki (about 70 miles North of Tokyo). Our client was based in Seattle and I had multiple visits there to fully understand the requirements. This was also a UK collaboration with the products being manufactured in Northamptonshire.(https://www.haddonstone.com/en-us/case-studies/yuki-hospital-ibaraki-japan/)
Yuki Hospital, Japan
The second project was a local one in Evergreen Colorado (which isabouttwohours north of our office and manufacturing plant in Pueblo). Our client was an inspirational man called Charles Bluth who is a very successful self-made property developer. Charles took his vision and passion for classical architecture and wanted to produce a property designedwith the look of the palace of Versailles. Wemanufactured the façade stonework for this property on its own private mountain 30 miles from Colorado's capital of Denver (https://www.haddonstone.com/en-us/case-studies/private-residence-evergreen-colorado/).
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Chateau V in Evergreen, Colorado
What size is the facility you look after and how many people work there? What is the capacity product-wise? For example, "how many units per week" is a good statistic.
We have athree-acre site in Pueblo Colorado, and we employ 25 people. We manufacture,on average,35,000lbs of product a week and,depending on the size of products, this would be roughly 200-300 products.
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Haddonstone's site in Pueblo, Colorado
How many employees are you responsible for?
I am responsible forfouremployees in the front office, and I also help the factory of 21 individuals on some operational practices.
Haddonstone is known for continual investment in the factory - what is the next addition/development in US?
Our next addition to the factory will hopefully be the custom-made manufacturing arms that have been installed in the UK for a couple of years now. These were designed by our in-house steel fabricator,Andy Holt, and these produce a more compact product;they also reduce the hand arm vibrationthat our castersexperience with a routine hammer.
Where in the world do your products go - just USA?
We ship to the US, Canada, Korea and the Caribbean Islands.
What are favourite products/design trends the USA loves?
I think the USA market really appreciates our classical and more traditional architectural and landscape products. They give thema feel of having an English-inspired design in their space. Americans are also proud to receive products that are made in their owncountry so ourbalance of English designs that are manufactured in America really goes well with our clientele.
Does the US operation differ from the UK one? If so, what are the differences?
Overall, the manufacturing operations are very similar. However, one big difference is the logistical challenges of moving product around such a largecountry. Commercially, it makes no sense to have our own fleet of vehicles,likewe have in the UK; we rely on trusting and developing relationships with America's largest freight carriers to get our products to customer safely.
Are US customers different to UK customers? If so, how?
Overall, I think customers have some similarities. However, I think US customersare just sodevoted to a product or service once they have received or experienced something they like! They love us and love telling everyone.
Who are your customers?
We have a wide range of customers such as private homeowners, architects, landscape designers, general contractors and governing bodies. We have a very loyal customer base; particularly,architects and landscape architects who continue to specify our products for appropriate projects.
What is the best thing about working for Haddonstone?
The best thing about working for Haddonstone must be thefamily history behind the business. Although we are a relatively small business, our employee retention in bothcountries speaks for itself and I truly believe this is down to everyone having value and respect for one another which I think has been instilled right from the start of the founding of thebusiness over 50 years ago.
For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.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 in East Haddon, near to the manufacturing facility.