The Story Begins
1970
1970
The Wells family move to the Island
Alfred J Wells with his wife Eileen and their nine children. Standing from left: Alistair, Pete, Alan, John, Tim and Phil. Seated from left: Alfred with Roger, Eileen, Pam and Paul.
1972
Niton
Established in 1972, by Alfred Wells and two of his sons. Started as a small engineering business in Niton on the Isle of Wight.
1972
1972
1973
Ironworks
In addition to tractor and machinery repairs the company diversified into ironworks, creating gates, railings and fire escapes for homes and hotels across the island.
1973
1974
1974
Ironworks & Fire Hoods
Work also included freestanding fireplaces.
1974
The Beacon
A combination of the 70s oil crisis and the spread of Dutch Elm Disease in the UK led to the company producing their first woodburning stove. Oil prices had rocketed but there was a plentiful supply of wood so consumers were looking at alternative ways in which to heat their homes. The Charnwood Beacon Stove was born
1974
1975
The Beacon Brochure
The first stove leaflet was block printed by Island printers Crossprint – the same company we use to print our brochures today.
1975
1976
1976
The Beacon
The first marketing image complete with dog.
1978
The Charnwood CH
The success of the Beacon led to development of a second stove the CH:. an 11KW stove with a vitreous enamel exterior and double glazed doors.
1978
1980
The Charnwood CHB
Charnwood’s first purpose built boiler stove, the CHB was launched providing enough heat for hot water and 6 radiators.
1980
1980
1980
Westminster Lane, Newport
A.J Wells & Sons soon out-grew the Niton workshop and moved to Westminster Lane in Newport.
1981
The Charnwood LW
The range of stoves continued to grow. The LW was launched in 1981 designed for the smaller room
1981
1982
Stove Shows
The Charnwood brand became more established as the company exhibited at agricultural shows across the UK
1982
1983
The Charnwood SW
The SW was added to the range of stoves to cover potential heating requirement from 6kW to 11kW
1983
1983
1983
Local Press
“During the last 6 years, the partnership of A.J Wells & Sons has established and successfully developed the business of assembling and marketing multi-fuel fires, selling widely at home and abroad. Throughout this period, the Bank [Lloyds] has fully supported this progress with essential finance and a range of other services”
1984
The Charnwood CW 50 / 50B
The Charnwood CW range was introduced starting with the freestanding CW50 and CW50B. This range included an innovative multi-fuel grate for burning many types of fuel.
1984
1985
The Charnwood CW 40 / 40B
The CW 40 and CW 40B followed shortly afterwards.
1986
1987
1987
The Charnwood CW 20i / 45iB / 50iB
Further additions to the CW range were introduced. These were designed to be inset into the wall.
1988
The Charnwood CW 20i / 45iB / 50iB
Wellington the Cocker Spaniel became the first ‘face’ of Charnwood
1988
1989
The Charnwood Fireflow
Charnwood launched a revolutionary new stove concept. The fireflow was a self refuelling and ash clearing stove.
1989
1989
1989
Fireflow
The fireflow could be operated by remote control to control the amount of anthracite added to the fire to increase or decrease heat and flame. Weather man Michael Fish with Philip Wells.
1989
1990
New Vitreous Enamel Plant
In 1990 A.J Wells & Sons installed their own vitreous enamel plant enabling stoves to be enamelled in house.This major investment was the start of a new direction for the company: A.J Wells & Sons Vitreous Enamellers.
1990
1990
The Charnwood Fireclass
The Fireclass was bought to the market. European inspired with a single, vitreous enamel door.
1990
1992
The Charnwood Country 8
The Charnwood Country 8 was launched. The new range had an exceptionally cleanburn airwash system and sophisticated riddling grate. Comedian Tommy Cannon with his Country 8
1992
1993
The Charnwood LA 20i / 30iB
The LA (Local Authority) range was developed. This full central heating range was designed specifically for business and council properties.
1993
1993
1993
The Charnwood Country 12
The success of the Country 8 led on to the expansion of the Country range. The 12kW Country 12 was designed for bigger homes and open plan living areas.
1995
1995
1996
Factory move to Bishops Way, Newport
The business outgrew the Westminster Lane site and in 1996 the company moved the entire outfit to one building on Bishops Way, Newport.
1996
1997
Anki Chimney Systems
A.J Wells & Sons expanded the stove business by offering pumice chimney systems imported from Denmark.
1997
1998
1999
The Charnwood Country 14B
The Country range expanded yet again with the launch of a full central heating boiler model – The Country 14B
1999
1999
Charnwood France
The company began to investigate the French stove market. The first sales to France were made.
1999
2000
The Charnwood SLX
Charnwood introduced the new SLX multifuel range. A contemporary enamelled twin door stove available as a roomheater or boiler model.
2000
2000
The Charnwood OLX
Launched alongside the SLX the OLX was an oil fired central heating boiler model.
2000
2002
Bodj Products
Charnwood began working alongside Bright Arrows Development Ltd in Cambodia to develop a range of ethically sourced fireside accessories and hearth tiles to complement the stove.
2002
2002
2002
Charnwood Premier Dealers
Coinciding with the launch of the Island range, Charnwood established it’s Premier Dealership scheme carefully selecting the best UK and Irish stove shops to sell exclusive Charnwood products.
2002
2002
The Charnwood Grosvenor
Based on the Country 4 the Grosvenor gas fired stove was brought to market.
2002
2003
Charnwood Exhibitions
Charnwood continued to tour the UK’s agricultural shows with live display show trailers.
2003
2003
Charnwood France
The company exhibited for the first time at the Batimat trade fair in Paris. Soon after a permanent French office was established.
2003
2003
2004
Charnwood Japan
Export markets continued to grow for Charnwood. Moving into Japan.
2004
2004
Charnwood South Africa
…and into South Africa.
2004
2004
Charnwood Rebranded
The new Charnwood logo and branding was launched.
2004
2004
Exhibitions
Charnwood continue to exhibit internationally and across the UK.
2004
2005
The Charnwood Cove 2 & 3
The Charnwood Cove range was launched at Priory Bay Country House. Over 100 guests from around the world arrived by Hovercraft – landing on the beach.
2005
2005
The Charnwood Cove 3
The Charnwood Cove 3 was designed to burn a 50cm log – ideal for the rapidly expanding French market.
2005
2005
Bodj Basketware
Charnwood began working with a number of small basket producers to add to their fair trade fireside range.
2005
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
The British Design Awards
Working in partnership with Elle Decoration Magazine, Graham & Brown and Kuchen Lab, Charnwood hosted the British Design Awards 2008. As part of the publicity Charnwood’s stoves were photographed at London’s Wallace Collection.
2008
2008
Wallace Collection
As part of the publicity Charnwood’s stoves were photographed at London’s Wallace Collection.
2008
2008
Investment
Charnwood undertake a £3 million plan to streamline production.
2008
2009
Launch of the Charnwood Tor
The Charnwood Tor was unveiled at a spectacular lake side ceremony at Wootton Creek on the Isle of Wight. The Tor was Charnwood’s most innovative stove to date. A freestanding contemporary fire with 3 large glass viewing panels.
2009
2009
The Queens Awards for Enterprise
Awarded the Queens Awards for Enterprise: International Trade
2009
2010
2010
Charnwood Island store stand & high legs
Optional store stands and high legs for the Island range were introduced.
2010
2010
The New Charnwood Dog
Rona was introduced and trained up as the new ‘face’ as Phoebe nears retirement.
2010
2011
2011
The Fat Lip
Bodj’s latest basket the ‘Fat Lip’ designed by New Zealand designer Chris Jackson launches to rave reviews winning two international design awards.
2011
2011
Charnwood in North America & Canada
Charnwood move into North America and Canada.
2011
2012
Charnwood Island IICT
Charnwood launch the island IICT – a new cooking top stove designed to work in open-plan living spaces where lounging, cooking and dining areas are merged.
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2014
2016
Launch of the Charnwood Arc
The Charnwood Arc is a revolutionary new multi-fuel stove. It simplifies the process of burning wood and smokeless fuels setting the bench mark for a new generation of modern, clean burning stoves.
2016
2017
Launch of the Charnwood Skye
The Charnwood Skye is a new state-of-the-art stove with a remarkably efficient combustion system. It’s innovative burn technology ensures efficiencies of up to 86% and exceeds the new Eco Design standards and Defra exemption limits; allowing wood to be burnt cleanly in smoke control areas.