Archived News
Below are all our past news releases, for the latest news with what is happening at Fascia Graphics Limited please see the latest news section of our web site.
For all media enquiries regarding Fascia Graphics news stories, please contact David Pippett at DWP Public Relations: Tel: 01225 833745
Train to Gain, a free service, funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has delivered more efficient processes which has led to market leader doubling its sales force...
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of membrane keypads in the printed graphics industry has doubled the size of its sales force to eight as a result of making its processes more efficient. The Chippenham based manufacturer has seen capacity increase by up to a quarter after training shopfloor workers in lean manufacturing techniques through the LSC’s Train to Gain programme.
Fascia Graphics has now invested in increasing sales in order to make use of the extra capacity it has gained. In turn, this is expected to have a positive effect on company turnover, which has increased by between five and 10 per cent each year for the last three years.
The company, which now employs 57 people, originally got in touch with Train to Gain in August 2006, and 16 months on, significant improvements have been made as three workers at the company are about to complete Level 2 NVQs in Business Improvement Techniques.
Gary Knowles, Training Manager, Fascia Graphics comments: “Since we started this improvement programme staff have come up with ideas for reorganising work areas that has helped increase capacity at the factory by between 15 and 25 per cent. All of the staff have put ideas forward for improving processes, all of which are saving time and money. We have seen some very significant savings through these improvements.”
Train to Gain is a free service, funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and delivered throughout the South West by Business Link. Train to Gain Skills Brokers carry out an organisational needs analysis and offer businesses impartial advice on their skills requirements, matching skills and training needs with providers.
David Keefe, skills broker, Business Link Wiltshire, who worked with the company to find a training provider and source funding for employees eligible for free training, commented: “As a result of the qualification the production line has been rearranged and a ‘marked improvement’ has been seen in working practices. The end result is that Fascia Graphics now works more efficiently with its existing workforce and this has gained 15-25 per cent more capacity, without increasing their staff numbers or doing overtime.”
Training was carried out both on and off-site by Avon Vale Training, which specialises in engineering training. The huge success of the Train to Gain programme, will see Fascia Graphics put a further three employees through the qualification in 2008.
Market leading membrane keypad manufacturer recognised for its continuous improvement in shop floor operations...
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of membrane keypads in the printed graphics industry has again received positive feedback from ISO 9001:2000 auditors for its Quality Management Systems (“QMS”). The Chippenham based company was praised for its investment in a new purpose built factory and state of the art equipment, and the development of comprehensive training systems such as Q Pulse and NVQ.
Towards the end of 2006 and after five years with ISO 9001:2000 status, Fascia Graphics embarked on a long term investment program to train its staff for a national qualification in Business Improvement Techniques. The N/SVQ Level 2 in Business-Improvement Techniques has subsequently helped to improve personal career development and business performance across the company.
Pete Coombe, Lead Auditor, AJA, who carried out the recent audit, commented:
“By operating from one building, Fascia Graphics has structured its operations in a way to ensure there is a logical flow. The company’s expansion has been carried out in a structured way, ensuring that there is sufficient training resources to meet potential increases in work, and training systems such as Q Pulse and NVQ are proving successful in improving quality and speed of delivery at all levels.”
Paul Bennett, Managing Director of Fascia Graphics commented:
“Fascia Graphics has always been highly regarded across the industry for its quality control and this recent report is further evidence of how our approach to raising standards at all levels are being embedded into our day to day activities.”
ISO 9001:2000 is an international standard that gives requirements for an organisation’s Quality Management Systems (“QMS”). These standards provide customers with the confidence that Fascia Graphics consistently provides goods and services that:
- Meet customer needs and expectations
- Comply with applicable regulations
Fascia Graphics’ scope is ‘The Design and Manufacture of Membrane Keypads, Graphic Overlays and Screenprint Labels’. As an ISO 9001:2000 approved manufacturer, monthly audits of the systems are carried out by fully trained auditors to ensure that the systems and personnel are working to the QA procedures set out in the ISO manual. Through the audits Fascia Graphics strive to continually improve their processes and training of their staff to ensure that all members of the team keep the high quality standards required.
Fascia Graphics research across the medical industry finds that Superbug proof overlays and membranes are one of the biggest developments in the medical device sector for 10 years…
Fascia Graphics research released today (28th September 2007) has found that whilst the majority of medical equipment manufacturers (88 per cent) feel that awareness is low to Superbug proof graphic overlays and membrane keypads; all of them see it as the biggest development in the sector in the last 10 years. The survey also found that nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of those surveyed expect this product to be used across the entire industry as awareness is raised.
The research conducted by Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of membrane keypads in the printed graphics industry surveyed 50 companies working within the medical equipment manufacturing sector. The research also found that almost all (88 per cent) see protection from Superbugs as a major issue for customers, with MRSA continuing to be their biggest threat.
Fascia Graphics has been working with MacDermid Autotype since 2005 to provide graphic overlays and membrane keypads that inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mould and mildew. Called Autotex AM with Microban antimicrobial protection, this unique substrate has been specially designed by MacDermid Autotype for any hygiene critical surface application, where preventing the growth and spread of bacteria is essential.
Paul Bennett, Founder and Managing Director of Fascia Graphics commented: “Our research demonstrates that although awareness to this material is low at present, there is potentially a significant future demand from the medical equipment industry. With issues of cleanliness and hygiene of paramount importance to electronic equipment manufacturers serving the medical sector, we are predicting futher growth in this market.”
Autotex AM with Microban allows Fascia Graphics to provide medical equipment manufacturers with graphic overlays and membrane keypads which incorporate built-in Microban® Antimicrobial protection. Microban® Antimicrobial technology is incorporated into the Autotex textured hard coat during the manufacturing process, ensuring an even distribution of the antimicrobial agent throughout the texture and film surface. This effectively guarantees surface protection throughout the lifetime of the product. Hygiene Critical Applications that will benefit from this unique new product include membrane switches, fascia panels, wall coverings, shelf covers and worktops.
Fascia staff raise over £700 for Cancer Research UK
Fascia staff, Jennifer Chadwick, Beverley Clarke, Beverley Turner and Vicky Edwards raised over £700 for Cancer Research UK after successfully completing the Race for Life in Lydiard Country Club, Swindon on 16 June 2007 and The SunWalk in Ashton Court, Bristol on 8 July 2007. Again this year, Fascia Graphics matched the sponsorship donated by staff.
The Race for Life is the UK’s biggest woman only fundraising event; raising almost £100million for Cancer Research UK. The SunWalk includes three distances, 5k, 10k and half marathon. The event attracts well over 2,000 men, women and children that power walk the city’s streets; raising in excess of £150,000 for breast cancer charities.
Jennifer Chadwick said:
“In the past two years and with the help and support of Fascia Graphics, we are delighted to have raised nearly £2,000 for Cancer Research UK. We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support and donations.”
Fascia Graphics’ new Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) status opens up a massive US market
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of Membrane Keypads in the printed graphics industry could see a 15 per cent increase in overseas orders (particularly for products bound for the US) after receiving Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) PGDQ2 Status. The UL Mark is the most widely recognised safety certification mark in the world.
Achieving the UL Mark and PGDQ2 Recognition to standard UL969 is a key development for the Chippenham based company as it is the most accepted safety certification mark in the US by consumers, regulatory authorities and the insurance industry – opening up a vast US market for UL approved Graphic Overlays and Membrane Keypads.
The UL Recognition Mark means that all UL approved Fascia Graphics products have been tested and evaluated to nationally recognised safety standards with regard to the applicable safety standards.
Paul Bennett, Managing Director and Founder of Fascia Graphics commented:
“This is a significant achievement for Fascia Graphics as UL has been a product safety leader for over 100 years and is widely acknowledged for its safety standards, integrity and independence. With the growing emergence of the global marketplace, we are finding opportunities to sell our products in many new markets.”
“This new mark demonstrates that our products meet safety standards which are recognised in diverse national, regional and international markets.”
Stephen Street, Operations Manager (Materials) from UL International Operations commented: “Manufacturers such as Fascia Graphics are finding that the UL mark can allow access to markets that had previously been out of reach. UL standards cover many thousands of different product types from the smallest components to the largest end-products, wherever there is a risk to the public.”
Chippenham based, Fascia Graphics continues to raise standards with investment in business improvement programme
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of Membrane Keypads in the printed graphics industry has announced that it is undertaking a long term investment in its staff to train them for a national qualification in Business Improvement Techniques. The N/SVQ Level 2 in Business-Improvement Techniques will not only help improve personal career development, it will also improve business performance across the company.
Fascia Graphics has always been highly regarded across the industry for its quality control and this investment in its staff is further evidence of how the company aims to raise standards at all levels to remain the market leader. This announcement comes shortly after the company was awarded the UL Mark (PGDQ2 Status), the most widely recognised safety certification mark in the world, whilst it also received another three year ISO 9001:2000 accreditation.
Whilst based on national industry standards, the N/SVQ training will be provided by Chippenham based, Avon Vale Training. Rob Aldous from Avon Vale Training said: “This qualification is about evolution, not revolution - as it is specifically designed to cascade the knowledge instilled into the individual throughout the organisation.”
Paul Bennett, Managing Director and Founder of Fascia Graphics commented: “This investment will have an effect on the whole company as the primary objective of the Business-Improvement Techniques N/SVQ is to improve business performance as a whole. We are looking forward to working closely with Avon Vale Training to ensure that the full benefit of this course is received.”
“Our approach to fast tracking personal development across the company has been highly successful with retention of key staff presently running at seven years.”
Market leader increases production capacity as it experiences a 17 per cent increase in new orders in 2006
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of Membrane Keypads in the printed graphics industry has invested in an additional Flat Bed Printer (Atma Sliding Table Flat Bed Printer with Gripper Take Off (Model AT-80PP/G)) to increase the company’s capacity following a sustained period of growth.
The company’s rapidly growing order book during 2006 has seen total orders grow by 17 per cent, with over a 100 new customers this year.
Five staff from Fascia Graphics have raised over £1200 for Cancer Research UK after successfully completing the Race for Life at Lydiard Country Park in Swindon
Runners, Jenny Chadwick, Alison Pibworth, Beverley Clarke, Beverley Turner and Louise Dolman were supported by Fascia Graphics, which pledged to match the sponsorship donated by staff. This alone amounted to over £350 in sponsorship.
Fascia Graphics has teamed up with MEDÆS to produce the first range of Medical Gas Alarms with Graphic Overlays which inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria
Fascia Graphics Limited, the market leader for the production of Membrane Keypads in the printed graphics industry has teamed up with MEDÆS, the world's leading supplier of medical gas equipment to produce the first range of Medical Gas Area Alarms with Graphic Overlays that inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
Fascia Graphics pledges to match sponsorship from staff for Race for Life runners
Five Fascia Graphics employees are taking part in Race for Life on Saturday 8th July 2006 at Lydiard Country Park, Swindon to raise in excess of £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. To encourage the five runners on the day, Fascia Graphics has pledged to match the sponsorship donated by staff that work for the company.
Latest static control technologies from Meech International will further enhance Fascia Graphics' reputation as the market leader for the production of Membrane Keypads
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of Membrane Keypads in the printed graphics industry has just invested in the latest static control technologies from Meech International. This new investment will reduce dust attraction and electrostatic discharge within Fascia's state of the art factory further improving the company's reputation for its product quality.
New service will ensure Design Houses and businesses will display superior prototypes at shows and exhibition
Chippenham based, Fascia Graphics has launched a new UK wide service to deliver Design Houses and businesses with professionally manufactured Digital Overlays or Membrane Keypads for a trade show prototype or new product development in less than five days.
Fascia Graphics, the market leader for both quality and customer service creates new UK Sales Manager's role to continue expansion and effectiveness of UK sales force
Fascia Graphics, the leading provider of Graphic Overlays and Membrane Keypads has appointed Mark Anderson as its new UK Sales Manager.
Fascia Graphics overtakes competition to become the UK’s leading supplier of Screen Printed Labels, Membrane Keyboards and Graphic Overlays
With a 15 per cent increase in turnover to £2.1million in the last twelve months, Chippenham based, Fascia Graphics has just announced that it has overtaken its competition to become the UK’s leading provider of Graphic Overlays and Membrane Keypads. The company is now firmly positioned as the market leader for both quality and customer service.
Fascia Graphics acquires new factory to incorporate new printing line and achieve expansion goals
Just over ten years after Chippenham based, Fascia Graphics was established, the company has announced that it has acquired a new factory on the Bath Road Industrial Estate for £500,000. The company is moving from Bumpers Farm to support its expansion plans, which will see the development of a new £100,000 printing line, expected to create a further ten jobs for the area.
Since it was established in 1994, the company has grown rapidly, increasing its turnover from £165,000 and five staff in its first year to £2.1million and 50 staff in 2004, a 15 per cent increase in turnover from 2003. The company is now one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Screen Printed Labels, Membrane Keyboards and Graphic Overlays.
Medical industry set to benefit from a new product that inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria such as MRSA, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia Coli and Listeria Monocytogenes
Fascia Graphics Limited, one of the leading providers of Graphic Overlays and Membrane Keypads for equipment used extensively across the medical industry is working with Autotype International to provide new Graphic Overlays and Membrane Keypads that inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mould and mildew.
Called Autotex AM with Microban antimicrobial protection, this unique substrate has been specially designed by Autotype International for any hygiene critical surface application, where preventing the growth and spread of bacteria is essential.
