Business ‘takes off’ for aeroplane upcycling firm

We are very proud of our varied and diverse range of customers throughout the UK. One of our more unusual businesses is Stu-Art Aviation Furniture, which has got off to a ‘flying’ start at our Felling Business Centre in Gateshead. 

Owner, Stuart Abbott, creates hand crafted and bespoke furniture from old aeroplane parts.  He is busy planning his business growth for 2015 after moving into a second, larger industrial unit within the business centre.

Popular products

Stuart’s business launched as a start-up 18 months ago, when he worked from his garage at home. His creations were so popular that he soon realised he needed to find a dedicated workspace.

“The first item I made was an office chair, which was adapted from an aeroplane seat,” says Stuart, whose career began in the RAF.

“I started tinkering while my wife was busy with other things, and I decided to put the chair for sale online to see if anyone would be interested in it. It sold within an hour and so I thought I’d make some more. When they proved just as popular, I knew I was on to a great business idea!”

Stuart first looked at our Felling Business Centre as it was close to his home and he had visited businesses there previously. He was delighted to hear from Business Centre Manager, Luke Dunnett, that a workshop space was available. Stuart says, 

As a start-up space my first unit was perfect.

“It meant that I could store bigger pieces such as aeroplane doors and still have plenty of space to work. But as I started storing more items I soon realised I needed more room.  I happened to see someone clearing out another larger unit within the centre and I asked Luke if I could take it. 

“Luke couldn’t have done more to help if he tried. If it had been a difficult experience, I would have thought twice about expanding, but Luke made things happen. I think I rang him about the unit on the Tuesday and by the Friday I had the keys in my hand.”

Moving full time

While he currently works full time as an aircraft engineer, servicing and repairing aircraft, within the next few weeks Stuart is planning to take Stu-Art Aviation Furniture to a full time job.

Stuart’s products include clocks, tables, desks, office chairs, and photo frames. One of his most unusual creations has been a large bespoke bookcase and his most popular selling product is his catering trolley wine racks, which he also sells through a retailer in the North East.

 “I source my aeroplane parts from companies which recycle aircraft. Because I’ve built up strong relationships, they often approach me asking if I’d like to buy items and they are increasingly coming to me offering bigger parts, or sets of seating from an entire plane,” he says.

Now I’m in my larger premises, and with the luxury of working on the business full time, I’ll be able to take up these offers and work with a much larger selection of parts. It’s a really exciting time.

Stuart sells his items through his website www.stu-artaviationfurniture.co.uk and Facebook page and is happy to take on any requests from customers, no matter how unusual!

For more information about storage units, workshops and industrial units for rent at our Felling Business Centre, contact Luke Dunnett on 0191 510 5023.