During summer, the idea of sitting by a roaring fire seems a long way off, but it's always worth planning ahead - and on a visit to the Boro Factory Shop in Lye, you will find not only fireplaces but also a collection of quality garden furniture perfect for enjoying the rest of the summer.
Part of the historic Boro Foundry, the shop offers a wide range of fireplaces and accessories from period styles to the very latest designs.
Customers will appreciate the traditional aspects of the family-run company, which uses time-honoured manufacturing methods dating back 100 years and maintains the area's traditional industry.
There has been a foundry on this site since 1934, with the current owners, the Norton family, taking over in 1960. Originally producing castings for industry, they later branched out into cast-iron fireplaces and garden furniture, which form the basis of the business today. Products made in the foundry are sold through the factory shop, recently opened to the general public.
"We sell gas, electric and solid fuel fires as well as free-standing units and stoves," says operations manager, Martin Borley. "Customers could choose a very traditional fireplace to suit a period home, or a streamlined minimal design for a contemporary house or apartment."
Accessories include cast iron fire backs, fronts and panels, and traditional 'fire dogs', and a new range of cast iron baskets has recently been launched, including coloured glass and pebble features perfect for a 'hole-in-the-wall' fireplace design.
In addition to these products, the Boro Factory Shop brings in associated merchandise such as a variety of surrounds in marble or wood, so that customers can purchase 'the whole package'.
"Our Corgi-registered fitters will install every part of your fireplace, not just the actual fire," Martin points out. A free surveying offer is also currently available. Martin adds that compared to high street retailers, the factory shop is able to sell its products at very favourable prices.
With cast-iron garden furniture from tables and chairs to planters and urns also on sale at Boro, it's well worth making a visit to see the choices on offer and help sustain the industrial heritage of the Midlands.
Boro Factory Shop, Hayes Lane, Lye, Stourbridge
01384 896679
www.borocollection.co.uk
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