Luxury bespoke metalwork specialist Sfarzo Ltd has relocated its headquarters to Portugal, marking a significant shift in the company's production strategy.

The move, completed in August, follows nine months of careful evaluation and partnership development with Portuguese fabricators. Co-founder Leon Iacono spent the previous decade working with Baltic manufacturers before the decision to relocate.

Proximity Drives Quality Control

The new Portuguese base positions the company within 40 minutes of three specialist fabrication partners in the north of the country. This proximity transforms how projects are managed.

"Whether it's reviewing finishes, discussing design questions, or examining samples, I can be at the factory within minutes," explains the team. "We can make decisions face to face and keep projects moving forward without delay."

The hands-on approach reflects the company's commitment to maintaining tight oversight throughout all fabrication stages. Every solution is meticulously checked and tested before leaving the factory, creating what the founders describe as a "much more seamless and watertight process."

The Portuguese Advantage

Portuguese craftsmen bring a distinctive approach to luxury metalwork. Their "why not" mentality contrasts with more conservative fabrication attitudes, proving particularly valuable for bespoke projects that push boundaries.

The artistic and artisan focus aligns perfectly with the company's client base of architects, interior designers, and high-net-worth individuals. Current projects include a brass external door exceeding three metres in height for an art gallery in Bennett Street, central London.

The three Portuguese partners specialise in multiple disciplines, working with steel, brass, bronze, corten, and stainless steel. They're experienced in both Secco Sistemi and Ottostumm-Mogs systems, as well as developing Sfarzo's own Opulence range of internal doors and screens.

Maintaining UK Market Presence

Despite the geographical shift, UK operations remain robust. Survey and installation teams continue to be based in Britain full-time, also covering European projects.

The digital nature of modern business means most client meetings take place via video calls. When face-to-face meetings are necessary, Portugal's proximity to the UK makes travel straightforward.

Co-founders Katie and Leon Iacono divide responsibilities between client-facing work and home-based operations, maintaining the agility that has characterised their husband-and-wife business model.

International Growth Trajectory

The Portuguese location offers strategic advantages for planned expansion into US and UAE markets. The company is already tendering for projects in Malta, Morocco, and Detroit.

Systems like Secco Sistemi and Ottostumm-Mogs are gaining traction in these territories, where demand for time-served craftsmanship remains strong. The nuances of artisan metalwork and steel window fabrication require expertise that cannot be quickly replicated.

For architects and designers working with the company, the relocation translates into enhanced quality assurance. With production partners literally minutes away, every detail receives the attention that luxury projects demand.