Ironclad began, like all good things, with food. Founders Levi and Kate drew inspiration from cookware inherited from Levi’s grandmother, Lily Slavin, whose kitchen was filled with laughter, stories and the aroma of recipes perfected over generations. Cooking with her heirlooms unlocked cherished memories and inspired the creation of cookware designed to connect families across time. Some of Lily’s pieces had even travelled from Russia, carrying with them the essence of tradition and shared meals. From this legacy, Ironclad was born, with a purpose to craft cookware that lasts lifetimes so that what is shared at the table today becomes tomorrow’s legacy.

Determined to revive New Zealand’s dormant cast iron industry, Levi and Kate set out to create cookware with timeless quality and beauty. The journey required sourcing materials, working with skilled artisans and balancing heritage with innovation. Ironclad’s heirloom range remains handmade in New Zealand, a true testament to this dedication. As demand has grown, some production has expanded overseas, yet every pan continues to meet the same uncompromising standards of durability and performance.