Three Coins Cast is a Second Generation Family Company that was formed in 1989. Cast from 100% recycled Aluminum, each piece is fully welded and constructed with reliability and longevity in mind. Three Coins Cast’s unique finishing process gives every piece the strength to withstand the harshest of elements without surrendering any of its character.
We spoke to the owner, Susanna Powell, in this interview for byDesign. Magazine.
Let’s start out by learning a bit more about your company. What makes your brand and products unique?
Three Coins Cast has been making traditional outdoor cast aluminum furniture for 32 years. Our products are truly unique as we have stayed true to the age old tradition of sand casting by old world family artisans. Our newest lines are replicas of historic wooden Windsor Chairs that transition to modern with custom and vibrant finishes. We are founding members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and use 100% recycled aluminum in all our products. With our 100% handmade hand-painted pieces we are truly unique.
Do you have a favorite piece in your collection or a new item or collection coming that designers might not know about?
Our Low Back Windsor chair has really taken off, we will be adding a low back counter stool and bench this year.
Who or what inspires you most when conceiving of your designs?
George Washington’s Mount Vernon approached me 5 years ago because all the styles of chairs at His Estate are Windsors. Traveling to Mount Vernon and looking in archives has inspired The Fan Back Line. As our lines expand we rely on our customers inspiration for what they want to see next.
What is the process behind initiating new designs/products?
We are dealing with primitive artisans for our sand casting molds, so I will come up with an idea and my Plant manager makes basic drawings for the Foundry. They will send us a first prototype which we will normally rebuild so the piece can be tweaked before a final mold is made. These third and fourth generation artisans have no computers or technology, just an art that has been passed down to them.
What is your favorite part about the manufacturing process?
The first and last part of the process are my favorites. When visiting the foundry watching them transfer the boiling aluminum into the sand from primitive cauldrons is so fascinating. Our last step at the plant in Newnan is the hand painting of traditional finishes. I love watching the girls wield the brushes and transform a black piece into a variety of antique finishes.
Please speak to the custom nature of your lines.
We can do a paint match for any solid color a designer may want. If we are able to modify an existing piece of furniture, we will always try that for a customer. We do have the ability to make new molds as well.
Please give us an overview of the more personal side of your business, who’s behind it, how did it come to be, any interesting stories about the origin or the founders you can share?
My parents started the business in 1989. They started to go to furniture Markets shortly there after. At the time there was literally no openings in High Point so they took a hallway in Market Square. They formed many long lasting relationships that My sister and I have cultivated over the years.
What separates you from your competitors?
We are a small specialized family company. We still make everything by hand. The work we do at the Plants consists of welding, grinding, polishing, primer, paint and hand finish. The time we take to transform the pieces into one of a kind works of art separates us from everyone else.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the nine families that make up Three Coins Cast and the incredible handmade products we produce. I am proud to woman owned with 6 of 9 female workers!
