The Ombak Story
Our founder, James, has spent extensive time in Indonesia. He fell in love with everything about the country; the people, the culture, the landscape. During an extended stay in Indonesia and way off the tourist trail, a workshop was discovered and an idea began to grow!
After literally stumbling across this small scale family workshop in central Java, things moved forward.
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The products were unique – modern, contemporary and fresh – perfect for the UK market.
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The workshop produced a completely ethical product! Everything was made from 100% reclaimed teak. ‘Reclaimed teak’ is stunning teak that is recycled from previous construction, it is the perfect combination of a stunning wood coupled with no deforestation. Please see our section on reclaimed teak for more information.
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The quality of the products was superb – handmade to the highest standard using centuries learnt knowledge.
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Alex, the owner of the workshop was the perfect partner! A true gent, open, friendly, transparent, affable, driven and flexible.
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Alex ran the workshop the right way. All the workers were treated as part of the family – happy, relaxed, focussed on their jobs, keen to succeed, better themselves and to learn.
Ombak was born in late 2011 with shipment of some items to the UK. The word ‘Ombak’ means wave in Baharsa Indonesia and reflected how we wanted to shape the brand. Fresh, funky, and true to our business and personal roots – Ombak it was.
The Evolution
From small beginnings, we have evolved to where we are today. New wider product ranges, bespoke/custom furniture, commercial projects – thanks to staying true to our original philosophies we have organically grown.
Ombak are still committed to our core ideals – our furniture is amazing, we try to give the best service we can to our customers, we give back to the rural community that produces our furniture, we still use 100% reclaimed teak.
Ombak in Indonesia
Ombak was born out of spending time in Indonesia. Indonesia runs in the blood of Ombak. We are not a faceless exploitative corporate – Ombak work closely with our workshop and all our staff. A modern, connected world allows Ombak to have daily contact with Alex running the workshop and we have regular visits to Java from the UK.
Ombak furniture is a fair price. We encourage our potential customers to think about what goes into making the stunning piece of furniture you see in the UK!
- Fixed business costs such as shipping, taxes, delivery are unavoidable.
- Reclaimed teak is a premium hardwood – leagues above any wood obtained by deforestation, both physically and ethically.
- This leaves the manufacture. Ombak will not exploit our workers – our products are handmade to the highest standards by traditional craftsmen. Labour costs are naturally lower in Indonesia, but Ombak believe in paying a fair wage to allow our workers to live a happy existence. Ombak can provide complete accountability for the whole process of our manufacture – ethical, reclaimed wood and indigenous workers treated as they should be.
An Ombak product is a whole lot more than just a piece of furniture. The piece itself is handmade, beautiful furniture, manufactured from a premium hardwood. The philosophy and the ethos behind any piece of Ombak furniture is as amazing as the furniture itself- the reclaimed wood, the ethics, the origins.
