A major investment in state-of-the-art printing equipment has helped increase turnover by 20% at commercial and industrial engraving specialist Brunel Engraving.
The Clevedon-based company, which provides bespoke engraving services, trophies, medals and awards for local, national and overseas customers, has spent more than £75,000 upgrading its technology and expanding its premises over the past two years. It expects to continue to invest to meet growing demand.
It has installed a wide-format sublimation printer, a flat-bed UV printer and a chemical etching machine with associated equipment.
The technologically-advanced machinery, used for producing printed metal labels and badges, name plates and exterior signs, has made a significant impact on business. It can now undertake sophisticated print operations and tackle the most complicated procedures with a quick turn round and improved overall quality. As a result, production levels have increased.
Martyn Wright, a qualified engineer who set up Brunel Engraving more than 23 years ago, said: “We are producing more than 40,000 nameplates, plaques, labels and trophies a year.
“Direct internet sales have increased by 25% in the past 12 months and trade sales have grown.
“We now have an equal balance of retail and commercial business with direct sales accounting for nearly 55% of total turnover.
“Our investment in the very latest computer-controlled machinery places us in a very strong position to provide a full service at very competitive prices.
“It means we can meet a whole host of engraving needs from a wide spectrum of customers – from blue-chip clients in aerospace, mechanical and structural engineering industries, to small trophy shops who require an effective and competitive trade partner to fulfil their engraving orders.”
Two years ago Brunel moved its retail outlet and workshop from two separate sites in Clevedon at Highdale Avenue and Hither Green Industrial Estate to modern 5,000 sq ft premises at Britannia Way .
The relocation brought the company’s offices, workshop and design facility together, improving efficiency and accommodating its expansion plans. Now 18 full-time staff are employed on the site.
The company’s growth means it is now one of the UK’s largest and most successful engraving businesses. Its work is in evidence throughout the country from signs and plaques in offices, hospitals and schools, to inscriptions on trophies and awards, including all the individual engravings at the base of the Isis sculpture, which overlooks The Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park.
Customers include Buckingham Palace, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury, The Body Shop.
Mr Wright added: “I’ve always taken an optimistic view when it comes to business.
“I don’t look at the market and think this is a recession. I just think this is the way trading is and let’s get on with it. If we have to become more cost effective and more efficient to compete then we have to look at ways of investing in the business to grow, which is exactly what we have done.
“The market is moving towards more complicated signs and nameplates with an increased use of colour and therefore a need for print and etched plaques although I believe there will always be a place for traditional engraving.”
Pictured below: Brunel Engraving MD Martyn Wright and office manager Carolyn Smith with the new Mimaki Dye sublimation printer
