Blacksmiths go

By Paul Pickering
110 YEARS of family experience has taught the De Coites – of the Ferntree Gully blacksmithing and steel fabrications company R. J. De Coite – the value of adapting to the needs of customers.
Having begun as farriers and wheelwrights in Traralgon in 1897, the De Coites’ skills have evolved through the generations to include building truck bodies, agricultural machinery, wrought iron, builder’s ironwork and everything in between.
The family moved to Ferntree Gully in 1924, before Robert and John De Coite took the reigns after World War II.
Today, the company is run by Robert’s three children, David, Rochelle and Neil.
Having seen the family business roll on despite the industrial pressures, Rochelle De Coite believes there is a simple reality that defines the company’s success.
“People will always need blacksmiths,” she says.
R. J. De Coite is located at 766 Burwood Highway in Ferntree Gully.
Business hours are 7.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 7.30am-12 noon on Saturday.
The firm can be contacted on 9758 3998.