Western Signs, based in West Wiltshire, delivers a comprehensive range of sign solutions, exclusively for the trade. Over many years, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality products and reliable service.
The company’s history is intertwined with Protip Precision Engineering. “My mother and father founded Protip Precision Engineering in the 1980s,” says John Hulin, Director of Western Signs. “It manufactures plotter blades for sign vinyl suppliers across the UK and Europe. This gives Western Signs unique insights into the materials and processes vital to successful sign-making.”
Western Signs was formed in 1999 to provide Spandex with an additional sign centre to convert its modular signage range for the trade. “Our business began with a very specific remit to deliver certain products for Spandex. We have since grown to become a supplier of a huge range of solutions to the sign trade,” says John.
With its close relationship with Protip Precision Engineering, Western Signs has an impressive portfolio of routers, engravers and large-format printers. “We have an 8×4 and a 3×2 CNC router that allows us to produce flat-cut lettering, sign trays and more. We have a 3m guillotine and brake press to produce aluminium sign trays and totem signs. We powder coat in-house as well,” explains John.
He continues, “We recently upgraded our large format printer to a new Canon Colorado, a 1.6m printer that enables white, textured, matt and gloss on the same print. We can deliver everything our trade customers need with all the equipment, knowledge and experience we have.”
Western Signs maintains complete control over every aspect of the sign-making process. Their comprehensive in-house services include:
- Engraving
- CNC routing
- Metal fabrication
- Wide-format printing and finishing
“Our commitment to in-house production ensures we can respond quickly and make sure we deliver when and where our customers need,” says John, adding, “If we tell somebody we’re going to get a job done, we get it done. That’s crucial in the trade – reliability is everything because our customers can’t afford to have installers waiting on site for a product that hasn’t arrived or is not what was ordered.”
Western Signs joined the BSGA in April 2024 in order to help raise its profile in the sign industry. “Being a part of the BSGA allows us to network with other professionals, stay informed about industry trends, and demonstrate our commitment to best practices,” he concludes.
European Sign Federation