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The Fife-based
company who specialise in coasters and table mats formed from locally
crafted slate has proved that simplicity and authenticity goes a long
way in the competitive homeware market.
Just Slate
began life in a Kirkcaldy garage in 1998. Bought over in October 2006
by Scottish-born Donny Carstairs, the business has grown to become a
key supplier of slate homeware products at home and abroad.
Carstairs' enthusiasm has pushed first year sales up by 70% and has
seen productivity double. Aware of his green responsibilities,
Carstairs also reconsidered the products' material and packaging and
has reduced his outgoings and impact on the environment simultaneously.
Skilled
craftsmen and women take exceptional care when creating the slate
products. Attention to detail is paramount throughout the production
process at the Kirkcaldy factory. The slate is expertly selected, cut
and shaped before being oiled and packaged resulting in slate
products of outstanding quality.
Carstairs
commented: "Slate is a natural product formed over millions
of years and no two pieces are the same. That means that every item
we produce is unique in both contour and shade - something our
craftsmen and women are adept at accentuating."
In the coming
year, Carstairs aims to increase Just Slate's customer base in the UK
and plans to participate in this autumn's gift fair at the NEC,
Birmingham. The company also plans to develop opportunities for
online sales in the US and Europe with a new website launching later
this year.
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