Written by Angela
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Every time I see the statement ‘Made in Australia’ alongside a product of any kind my respect, and as often as possible my spending dollar, goes out to the maker. It’s not easy to make things in Australia: labour costs are high (thanks to proper wages and conditions for workers) and the cost of quality materials also attracts a higher price, meaning that there’s not the opportunity for profit that comes with off-shore mass production….which means less people take the risk of making here.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Shining through comes Monty & Frank’s – www.montyandfranks.com – a new kid’s toy and furniture maker who designs and produces every stunning piece by hand in their workshop in Geelong, Victoria.
Their remarkable rocking horses, ride-on trains, table and chair sets, toy boxes (*real* toy boxes, big enough to hold a child’s full complement of playthings) and building blocks will take you back to your own childhood with their beauty and quality. I love Monty & Frank’s old-fashioned attitude to customer service, where we come first: custom colours are available on their products and they ship free of charge, Australia-wide. Although I adore their nostalgic edge, I am happy to say that Monty & Frank’s are thoroughly modern in their care for the environment, using plantation timber to craft their creations and planting two trees for every purchase made. Love your work, Monty & Frank’s!
Join the Monty & Frank’s Club by entering your email address in the top right hand corner of their website and receive a $20 voucher to spend in-store, plus 50% off their custom colour service, express courier service for all online orders, optional pickup service (Melbourne only), advanced notice of sales and special offers and priority ordering on new release toys and furniture. Place your order by 11 November 2011 to guarantee delivery before Christmas.
