Our History

1979

Glendining Signs began life in 1979 as Glendining Safety Services, a small family-run business started by Andrew Green. Initially, the company supplied a broad range of signs, markings and safety equipment, serving local businesses with a focus on quality and reliability.

By the early 1980s, it became clear that the company could make the most impact by focusing on signs and markings, a decision that would define its path for decades to come. This early commitment to a niche market laid the foundation for Glendining’s reputation for excellence in signage.

1988

In 1988, Glendining Safety Services made a major leap forward by purchasing a Spandex (Gerber Sprint) vinyl cutting machine. At the time, this was a substantial investment and a revolutionary addition to the sign-making process. The Gerber Sprint allowed the company to produce vinyl graphics in-house, shifting away from traditional painted signwriting. This innovation introduced precision-cut lettering to Glendining’s production and positioned the company at the forefront of modern sign-making technology.

By the early 1990s, the business had rebranded to Glendining Signs, reflecting its new focus and expertise.

1997

Glendining Signs was an early adopter of emerging technology. In 1997, the company invested in a Roland Colour Camm PNC 5000, a cutting-edge machine capable of printing full-colour images on a single sheet of vinyl.

This development expanded the creative possibilities for clients and allowed Glendining Signs to produce more visually striking and complex signage. At a time when full-colour printing was still in its infancy, this move demonstrated the company’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends.

2001

In 2001, Glendining Signs further invested in future-focused technology with the purchase of a Resolve X21 solvent inkjet printer. This printer enabled the production of large full-colour graphics, opening the door to new applications for signage and graphics. The technology quickly proved popular, and by 2004, the company had invested in three additional identical printers, enabling higher-volume production without compromising quality. This expansion marked Glendining Signs' transition into large-scale, high-quality digital signage.

2008-2009

By 2008, the Resolve printers were replaced with faster, more reliable models, keeping pace with growing customer demand for high-quality printed images.

In 2009, Glendining Signs purchased the Roland XC540, the flagship model at the time and the fastest printer of its kind. These ongoing upgrades ensured the company maintained a competitive edge, providing clients with top-quality signage delivered efficiently.

2012

The company purchased its first HP FB500 UV printer in 2012, a revolutionary machine using ultraviolet light to instantly cure ink directly onto substrates. This technology drastically improved production speed and durability of printed signs.

By late 2013, three of these machines were operating side-by-side in a dedicated print room, allowing Glendining Signs to deliver high-quality signage at scale. This period marked a significant step forward in innovation and production capability.

2014

In 2014, founder Andrew Green retired and Glendining Signs became part of VGL, a local family business founded in 1976 by Ted Ayerst.

The merger provided the backing and support of a larger, successful partner while allowing Glendining Signs to maintain its own identity and operations. The company, which once had only a handful of staff, became part of a print group employing over 120 people, with access to some of the largest and fastest equipment in the UK.

2015

Glendining Signs continued investing heavily in cutting-edge technology:

• Introduced one of the largest flatbed UV printers in the UK.
• Installed additional HP UV printers (FB750)
• Added HP Latex printers to expand production capabilities.

These investments, combined with extensive work with Hewlett Packard, positioned Glendining Signs as HP application experts and allowed the company to deliver faster, higher-quality results for clients.

2016

By 2016, with over 35 years of experience, Glendining Signs had been voted number one supplier for service in the construction signs sector by Plimsol Industry Analysis. The company’s philosophy remained simple: “Listen to what you want and then provide what you need.” This focus on service, quality and customer satisfaction ensured that clients continued to return, reinforcing Glendining Signs' leading position in the industry.

2019

In 2019, Glendining Signs purchased new state-of-the-art equipment:

• EFI VUTEk h3 hybrid LED printer
• Esko Kongsberg X24 digital cutting table

These tools increased speed, quality and turnaround times, allowing the company to manage large or complex orders efficiently while maintaining exceptional standards.

2023

In 2023, Glendining Signs launched the Custom Sign Builder, empowering customers to design, customise and visualise bespoke signage online before placing an order. This tool made it easier for businesses large and small to craft tailored signs that perfectly match their brand and site requirements right from the start.

2024

2024 was a milestone year for the company’s environmental and customer service focus:

• Carbon Neutral Certification: Glendining Signs became a certified Carbon Neutral business, achieving this recognised standard by measuring and offsetting carbon emissions and implementing reduction strategies such as solar energy, better waste management, transport optimisation and energy‑efficient printing technology. This reflected a long‑term commitment to environmental responsibility that extends into every area of operations.
• Trade Portal Launch: To better support contractors, builders and commercial customers, the company introduced a dedicated Trade Portal. Trade account holders benefit from exclusive pricing, bespoke catalogues tailored to their business needs, simplified bulk ordering and advanced account management tools that improve efficiency and purchasing control across multiple projects.

These developments positioned Glendining Signs not just as a sign maker, but as a strategic partner in business operation and sustainability.

2025

In 2025, the company continued its investment in cutting‑edge production equipment to further extend both capability and quality:

• Added Canon Colorado M‑series printer, JWEI digital cutter, and EFI Pro16h+ printer, expanding production flexibility, print precision and turnaround speed for complex jobs.
• Launched CorriGlen, an innovative and sustainable signage material developed in‑house. CorriGlen® is 100% recycled and fully recyclable, providing solutions for customers who want high‑quality signage that’s more environmentally responsible.

These initiatives not only strengthen Glendining Signs’ operational performance but also reinforce a culture of innovation that supports customers’ evolving needs.