A SWINDON kitchen and cabinet maker is showing a mix of traditional craftsmanship with high-tech can be a recipe for success.

Workers at the Optiplan Kitchen factory make more than 2,000 kitchens from the Kelvin Road factory, Greenbridge Industrial Estate, every year, ready to be shipped to go on display at 16 showrooms across the UK.

The company, which started 30 years ago, employees 50 staff, many of whom are skilled carpenters whose techniques can be passed down through the generations.

Commercial director Mark Gledhill discussed the heritage of the brand and importance of it to the business.

“What started out as a passion to deliver premium kitchens between school friends in 1984, has evolved into a trusted specialist in bespoke, high quality, handcrafted kitchens,” he said.

“Each of our 11 beautiful kitchen collections are made from scratch at our state-of-the-art factory in Swindon, using the latest technology, while incorporating traditional handcrafted techniques.

“We value the importance of the skilled craftsmen and women, many of whom have been with us for more than 20 years.

“Our kitchens are passed down through generations, whether that’s through the customers who purchase them, or in the workshop and the craftsmen that manufacture them,” added Mark.

“In particular, Peter Davies from Swindon has worked at the factory as a joiner with us for 19 years.

“Peter is also passing on his expert joinery skills to his grandson Josh, who has been with us for five years and has undertaken a three year cabinet making apprenticeship whilst being part of the Optiplan team in Swindon.

“The human touch is an essential part of the process and because we manufacture every kitchen from scratch, we're able to offer a tailored experience from beginning to end.”