SIGN News


Successful family firm Allen Signs celebrated 45 years in business recently with an anniversary lunch as its workshop on Whisby Way in North Hykeham, Lincoln. Guests, which included Allen Signs’


first ever customer Mr Eric Brocklesby from Whittons Bakery and the Director of the British Sign and Graphics Association David Catanach, were treated to a buffet lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of the workshop. They also got the chance to watch


a car being vinyl wrapped by Allen Signs specialist vehicle livery team and meet the company’s founders Barry and Yvonne Allen. David Allen, who along with his wife


Helen took over the business from his mother and father in 2008, said he is delighted to have reached such an important milestone. “Since my father set up the business


in 1965 we have endured three recessions and not only have we survived but we’ve continued to grow by ensuring we’re at the forefront of the industry,” said David. “Investing in our staff and new


Eric Brocklesby, David and Barry Allen enjoy the celebrations.


technology has always been a priority and we take pride in using the best possible materials available rather than the cheapest. “In the eighties we were the first company in Lincolnshire to


offer self-adhesive vinyl lettering and in 2000 our employee Paul Draper became the first apprentice in the UK to gain an NVQ Level 2 in Signmaking.” Commenting on the success of the birthday celebration


David added: “It was great to see so many of our customers and suppliers and be able to thank them personally for all their support over the years. Without them we wouldn’t be as successful as we are today. “I didn’t think people would get excited about signmaking


but I was pleasantly surprised by the interest we received and I will definitely open the workshop to the public again in the future. “People were particularly intrigued by the vehicle wrapping process which is a difficult skill to master but creates an impressive result.


The vinyl film has to be heated and wrapped tightly around the vehicle with meticulous attention to detail to avoid any air bubbles or creases and is fascinating to watch.” David’s father and founder of Allen Signs, Barry Allen, added:


“The sign industry has come on leaps and bounds over the past 45 years but despite the advances in technology and materials the success of any business relies on good relationships. “Some companies such as Danwoods and LMS (Lawnmower


Service Lincoln Ltd) have been with us from the beginning and although I don’t recognise many of the new faces it’s great to see them all here today. “It’s nice to see the company I started forty five years ago


continuing to do well and I wish David, Helen and the team every success for the future.” For more information about Allen Signs please visit the website www.allen-signs.co.uk or telephone 01522 501500.


AXYZ International celebrates 20 years of operations


One of the world’s leading suppliers of high-performance CNC routing and engraving machines, AXYZ International has notched up the production of its 4000th AXYZ machine to coincide with 20 years of continuous global operations. The company is renowned for its engineering excellence through the AXYZ, Pacer and CAMTECH power brands. Collectively, these now account for well over 9500 successful machine installations worldwide in primary end user markets such as the sign, woodworking, furniture production, boat building, building and construction, plastics and metal fabrication and HVAC industries.


With its headquarters based in Burlington, Canada, AXYZ


International has nine main supply outlets throughout the world, including two facilities in Wolverhampton and Nottingham in the UK. The company employs around 54 people at the Canadian main facility, with a further 50 in its global operations. Essentially service- driven, AXYZ International is renowned for its after-sales customer care, attention to detail and technical innovation which have placed the company at the forefront of the routing and engraving market worldwide. For further information in the UK, visit


www.axyz.co.uk or telephone Robert Marshall on 0115 988 7777.


72 Sign Update ISSUE 126 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011


Allen Signs keeps it in the family


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