In addition to teak, Gloster is expert in the use of avariety of materials for the manufacture of our furniture. Extensive use is made of stainless steel, powder coated aluminium, man-made wicker and sling material and there are specialist departments within the factory entirely devoted to the working of these materials to the same high standards as our teak components.We also work in partnership with a few selectmanufacturers who have specialist skills and techniques that we do not have in our own manufacturing plant. These factories have been chosen because of their ability to produce thehighest quality consistent with our standards.Every piece of Gloster furniture is manufactured toour high standards by skilled furniture makers and each item is hand finished to guarantee years of service in demanding conditions.

Teak & The Environment

Teak trees are not indigenous to Indonesia but climatic conditions on Java are ideal for growing teak. Teak was originally introduced to the islands by Buddhist monks, some 700 years ago. When the Dutch colonised Indonesia in the 19th Century, they soon realized the opportunity to establish largeplantations and introduced the sustainable plantation management systems that are still in use today.Teak plantations are really no different than anyother crop, except that the growing cycle is far longer. Within the plantations, the trees are continuously cared for by the local population and over their lifetime the trees are regularly pruned and the integrity of the plantations carefully maintained. This ultimately results in a better quality of timber - healthier wood, straighter grain and with less knots. Ideal for use in outdoor furniture.We work continually with the managers of thegovernment owned plantations and other interested parties to ensure that everything to do with our use of Teak is environmentally correct.We take great care that all our manufacturingactivities follow good environmental practices for the good of our people and of the local communities. 6 7