66 | Northern Enterprise Awards 2022 Zinc Engraving Signage & Artwork Manufacturer of the Year 2022 - North West The Photocast story begins in 1988 with a small zinc etching plant and its assorted bench tools and the smallest of spray paint booths. The main business was to produce etched and painted plaques and name plates. But over the next few years, as the business began to grow, in the early 90s introduced historical interpretation panels, blue plaque schemes, and golf course signage to its product offering. The increase in business was bittersweet, having to bid farewell to the small section of its warehouse and move to Lynwood Hall, an old church with a church hall attached. Thus, the company invested in larger equipment, and more importantly, the recruitment of extra staff with the artisan skills needed to progress the business. Talented and artistic, the family-style environment has been there from the offset, and it is always looking for new recruits. As the years went on, Photocast’s product range continued to grow, adding pattern making and the finishing of cast bronze and aluminium plaques signs to its products, and it wasn’t long before, once again, it needed more space and more people. In 2006, it moved to new purpose-built workshops and offices, with this additional space enabling further etching capacity, a new paint room with high temperature stoving ovens, as well as new CNC facilities. It also upgraded its art department which allowed the offering of a complete artwork and design service. In 2020, Photocast approached its long-term supplier and close business friend, Charles H Cowards of Sheffield with a view to taking over the ownership of the company. Both companies are happy and proud that this transfer of business took place and Photocast is now a member of the CHC group of companies. The existing directors and staff remain the heart and soul of Photocast and with the support of CHC, the aim is to take the company to the next level. For years, Photocast has been enjoying a wellearned reputation for fine crafted work across its vast range of products. Its team has a unique ability to take a customer’s idea from paper to produce a beautiful handcrafted plaque using pattern making and etching processes. Utilising artwork and photographic manipulation, they can ensure they produce the most accurate representation of the client’s requirements. The pattern making process enables them to produce highly detailed panels that competitors would find difficult to imitate. Ultimately, the mission is to provide a quality product at a competitive price within a good delivery time. Underlying everything the team does are core values of integrity, respect for clients, honesty, and excellence – all of which have remained fundamental since the company’s establishment. Indeed, the products that the Photocast team creates are truly one of a kind, and they feel fortunate to have been involved in so many wonderful projects over the last year. We are now looking forward to the new year with enthusiasm! There is a number of large projects upcoming that the team are massively excited about for 2023. Watch this space! Company: Photocast Products Ltd Contact: Kim Backhouse Email: kim@photocast.co.uk Website: www.photocast.co.uk Photocast Products Ltd is a Liverpool-based company that produce high quality architectural signage in the form of plaques, panels, recognition awards and name plates from etched zinc, cast bronze, and cast aluminium using specialist etching and casting processes. These products are manufactured for a range of clients including landscape architects, English Heritage, machine manufacturers, councils, historic societies, golf courses and individuals.
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