Charleston Forge is a hand-crafted metal and wooden furniture manufacturer in Boone, North Carolina

Boone, North Carolina

Boone is a town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, United States. Boone's population was reported as 17,122, as of 2010...

. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...

, Charleston Forge's artisans use a combination of traditional blacksmithing techniques and new technologies. The furniture maker uses iron pieces prepared usign various techniques with wood, glass and other materials, and sells its high-end furniture in the US and Canada.

In 1999 Charleston Forge was noted for its adoption of an ergonomics program by Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was created by Congress of the United States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, 1970...

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In 2005 the company laid off 34 of its 200 employees at its two manufacturing plants, one in the Watauga County Industrial Park and the other on George Wilson Road. Art Barber co-founded the company and is chairman and chief executive officer.