With Zuzana at Royal Selangor Hard Knocks Workshop
Originally uploaded by ypooiling.
A free voucher to Royal Selangor brought me and my Slovakian friend, Zuzka, to the factory. Without any expectation in mind, I was all gear up to find out what this company has to offer.
Our tour cum workshop was joined by 4 other visitors. The guide is catered for at least 5 persons per group.
Our guide, Joseph, was a friendly chap who introduced us to the company's history through different parts of the factory.
Through his explanation, i was marveled at how this company has survived over the centuries. Of course, the owners of this place have built it with the right principle and values.
As pewter is a labour intensive industry, staff recognition is important.
The entrance of this place is surrounded by handprints and names of all the staff. No matter how "small" the person is, he is given a place on the wall. Such recognition definitely gives ownership to those who work at Selangor Pewter.
Joseph told us that most of the staff have worked there for over 30 years. Talk about loyalty!
That aside, I found out pewter making is not easy but needs lots of concentration and skill. No wonder the company gives such emphasize on its staff. The management doesn't want to lose a skill worker after providing at least 6 months training to the person.
My end product was a flower-shaped bowl but it looks more like a cigarette bowl instead.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the workshop. Tho the tickets are expensive (at RM50 per person) I think it's worth the experience.
