What is VLAZE

Vlaze is a range of porcelain enamel surfaces and furniture designed specifically for the living environment. The exceptional finish is created by fusing powdered glass to steel at temperatures in excess of 800°C. The result is a luxurious, vibrant glaze that does not crack or discolour, is heat and chemical resistant and is available in a wide range of opaque colours with pattern or light texture.

Vlaze is British made in our workshops on the Isle of Wight. The same factory that manufactures much of the iconic signage for The London Underground & Paris Metro (www.ajwells.com). The entire range is sustainably made, fully recyclable and with the right to repair.

Our Story

1972

The company is established by Alfred J Wells and two of his sons. Starting out as a small engineering business in Niton on the Isle of Wight the company specialised in tractor and machinery repairs.

1974

A combination of the 70s oil crisis and the spread of Dutch Elm Disease in the UK led to the trio to produce a small woodburning stove as an alternative way to help people heat their homes.

1980

1980 The Charnwood range of stoves continued to grow throughout the 70s and 80s and were sold across the UK. More family members joined and the company moved the factory to Newport and invested in machinery and equipment in order to bring the manufacturing under one roof

1990

A porcelain enamel plant was installed enabling the stoves to be enamelled in-house. This major investment was the start of a new arm for the company: A.J Wells Porcelain Enamellers.

1992

The company began to produce signage specified for its long lasting and durable finish. One of the first major contracts included London’s iconic Barbican Centre. Then began a relationship with TFL - producing porcelain enamel signs, diagrams and cladding for the iconic London Underground.

1999

The company began to export stoves and signage across Europe and beyond including Japan and South Africa.

2007

The company manufactured much of the new DLR signage and London Overground in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.

2009

The company was awarded the Queens Awards for Enterprise: International Trade.

2011

The company undertook further architectural cladding work including the manufacture and installation of two of Europe’s largest porcelain enamel art pieces for Aylesbury bus terminal and London’s Edgware Road Station.

2013

The company feature as one of the faces of the Business is Great Britain campaign.

2014

A.J Wells establish Vlaze: a new brand focusing on porcelain enamel for the living environment. Debuting enamel fireplace panels and heatshields for stove surrounds in collaboration with Charnwood.

2015

Vlaze undertook various commissions for restaurants, hotels and residential projects with a range of designers and architects including Thomas Heatherwick, Tom Dixon and the Soho House Group.

2018

Vlaze launch a range of kitchen and bathroom splashbacks and wall coverings including designer ranges in collaboration with Mini Moderns, Layla Faye, Voyage and TFL.

2020

The Vlaze Adapt range of indoor/outdoor modular kitchens is launched across the globe in the UK, USA and Italy.

Today

Today A.J Wells continue to design and make stoves, signage, cladding and other products exporting world wide . We remain a privately owned British manufacturer and design house run by the second and third generation family members and employing around 150 people.

Porcelain enamel surfaces for the living environment