At PB Signs, we’re always looking for ways to improve what we do, invest in our people and bring even more of our manufacturing capabilities in-house.
That’s why we’re delighted to announce the latest addition to our Malvern production facility – a Vivid VeloBlade Nexus CNC cutting system, made possible with funding and support through the Made Smarter programme.
It’s a significant investment for our business and an exciting step forward in how we design, manufacture and deliver signage for our customers across the UK.
Bringing More Signage Manufacturing In-House
Since establishing PB Signs in 2009, we’ve continually invested in our equipment, technology and team to build a business that can manage projects from initial concept through to manufacture and installation.
With an established range of large-format printing equipment, UV flatbed printing and finishing capabilities already in place, the next step was to strengthen our fabrication processes.
As our business has grown, so has the demand for increasingly bespoke signage, intricate shapes, specialist materials and faster turnaround times.
Our new VeloBlade Nexus allows us to take greater control of these processes, reducing our reliance on outsourced cutting and fabrication while giving us the flexibility to produce more complex signage within our own workshop.
For our customers, that means greater flexibility, improved production efficiency, more consistent quality and the ability to respond quickly to changing project requirements.
What Can Our New CNC Do?
The VeloBlade Nexus is a versatile digital cutting and routing system, combining multiple production processes into one machine.
Its capabilities include:
- Precision CNC routing: Producing intricate shapes, lettering, panels and bespoke signage components from materials including aluminium composite, acrylic and MDF.
- Cutting and contour finishing: Accurately cutting printed graphics, Foamex, display boards and other materials into custom shapes.
- V-cutting and grooving: Supporting the fabrication of folded aluminium composite signage, including trays, returns and three-dimensional structures, subject to the installed tooling.
- Creasing and perforating: Opening up opportunities for bespoke point-of-sale displays, promotional products and packaging.
- Automated tool changing: Allowing different production processes to be combined with fewer manual interventions.
- Digital precision: Turning artwork into accurately cut components, improving repeatability and reducing manual finishing.
One of the biggest advantages is the ability to move more seamlessly from design to finished product, with greater accuracy and less manual handling.
It also gives our design and production teams more freedom to explore creative solutions that may previously have required specialist outsourcing.
More Than Just a New Machine
For us, this investment isn’t simply about increasing production speed.
It’s about building a more capable, efficient and resilient manufacturing business.
By bringing more processes under one roof, we can improve workflow, reduce unnecessary material handling, minimise waste through more efficient cutting layouts and maintain greater control over production schedules.
It also creates opportunities to develop new products and services, from bespoke fabricated signage and architectural features to more intricate displays and specialist components.
Importantly, we’re investing in our team’s skills too. Learning and developing new manufacturing techniques will be a key part of making the most of this technology.
As a business that prides itself on offering a complete signage solution, from design and print through to fabrication and installation, this investment brings us another step closer to that ambition.
Supporting Growth Through Made Smarter
We are particularly grateful to have received a £20,000 grant through Made Smarter, helping us make this investment a reality.
Made Smarter supports UK manufacturers in adopting digital technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and long-term growth.
For an independent manufacturing business like ours, access to this kind of funding, alongside specialist technical guidance, can make a real difference.
The process has encouraged us to look closely at our existing production methods, identify opportunities for improvement and consider how technology can support our longer-term growth plans.
Carl Murphy, Managing Director at PB Signs, comments:
“We’ve always believed in investing in the business rather than standing still. As we’ve grown, we’ve seen more opportunities to manufacture specialist signage in-house, but we needed the right technology to make that possible.
The new CNC is a big step forward for us. It gives our team greater flexibility, allows us to take on more complex projects and means we can keep more of the manufacturing process here in Malvern.
The funding and support we’ve received through Made Smarter has been fantastic. For a business of our size, it makes a real difference and gives us the confidence to keep investing in our future.”
We’d like to say a particular thank you to Martyn Mangan and Ravi Manikanta, alongside the team at WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), for their guidance and support throughout the process.
A further thank you goes to Jamie Clyne at Worcestershire Growth Hub, whose support and advice have been greatly appreciated.
We’d also like to recognise the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing work supporting and connecting local businesses.
Programmes like Made Smarter demonstrate just how valuable collaboration between local businesses, industry specialists and regional growth organisations can be in helping manufacturers invest, innovate and grow.
Looking Ahead
We’re already enjoying getting to grips with the new machine and exploring what it can do.
A big thank you also goes to the team at Vivid Laminating Technologies for their support in getting us up and running.
This investment marks another important milestone for PB Signs as we continue to grow our manufacturing capabilities here in Worcestershire.
We’re excited about the opportunities it creates, both for our team and for the customers who trust us with their signage projects.
More capability, more creativity and more manufacturing under one roof.
And we’re only just getting started.
