email: news@signlink.co.uk February / March 2023 - Issue 245 8 OPG a company that specialises in graphics and branding for fleet vehicles has completed a successful multimillion-pound management buyout (MBO) deal with help from UKSE and private investors. The company works with a variety of household names across industries like retail, food and drink, logistics, transport, and construction. Brands the business has worked with include McDonald's, Greggs, Sports Direct, and Natwest. The company currently has 20 members of staff across management, design, production, and admin. With the new investment the company’s five-year plan will look to expand the company with new roles, services, and strategies to bring customers a single source for brand requirements. The buyout came about when founders Owen and Janet Pilling decided to hand over the reins of the company after running it for 28 years. A staple of the wider industry, Allan Hamilton has been appointed as managing director of the company alongside commercial and financial director Stuart Ritchie, and technical director, Tristan Harrold. Hamilton says: “OPG has a fantastic reputation within the industry and local community alike, and I am proud to return after Owen gave me my first break some years ago. I am looking forward to leading the next chapter of growth at OPG as it continues to build positive relationships with existing clients, and welcome more as we expand our brand awareness offerings.” The deal was made partly possible thanks to UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel. which was originally founded in 1975. The organisation offers a range of financial services to help SMEs along with providing workspace offerings. MBO completed at graphics firm The new management of OPG hope their local roots and industry knowledge will lead to exciting new projects in the future Fabricator of custom aluminium frame solutions for the graphics and signage industry, Spirit Displays, has merged with RTD Systems. The merger includes partnering with Octanorm Vertriebs through an exclusive licencing agreement for the production and sale of Octanorm products in the UK and Ireland. Founded over 19 years ago, Spirit Displays specialises in tailor-made solutions and is a family-run business with over 20 employees based in its manufacturing facility in West Sussex. Alistair Weight, director of Spirit Displays describes the merger as “an exciting chapter” in the business’ 19-year history. “We see growth potential for our business in the exhibition, event, and experiential sector,” he says, adding: “The Octanorm solution brings a huge range of profiles, accessories, system-based products, and creative opportunities to enable us to move in this direction.” In March 2023, Alan Sheridan, owner of RTD Systems will retire but remain in a consulting position to ensure a smooth transition. Sheridan comments: “The experienced Octanorm UK team will continue in their existing roles, as part of the wider Spirit Displays organisation, and continue supporting our valued customers with high quality products, an eco-conscious approach, and excellent customer service.” Octanorm has been developing products for the exhibition construction, interior design, and presentation sectors for over 50 years. [L to R] Alan Sheridan from RTD Systems, with Alistair Weight and Hadley Weight from Spirit Displays Spirit Displays merges with RTD Systems Cardiff-based media company, Route Media, has announced a new partnership with Smart Outdoor, expanding its digital screen network. The new partnership means clients of Route will have added access to over 400 screens across the UK. The addition of the Smart Digital Network (SDN) not only bolsters the presence of the Welsh out-of-home (OOH) company but also its clients in Wales and the southwest. The screens have a weekly average footfall of 20 million and comprise of both large- and small-format screens in significantly busy footfall areas. Route Media grows network with new partnerships Route Media has partnered with SDN, owners of large media assets PPDS secures TAA compliance status The rating covers solutions including Philips 4K D-Line digital signage and Philips X-Line videowall displays PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips professional displays, has achieved TAA compliance status in the US for a line of secure 4K UHD digital signage and videowall displays. TAA (Trade Act Agreement) compliance permits the procurement of Philips professional displays for federal, state, and local government institution projects and installations across the US. The status will apply to the Philips 4K D-Line digital signage and Philips X-Line videowall displays, with PPDS having identified education, homeland security, justice, commerce, transportation and energy among the executive departments suited to the technology. Franck Racapé, head of global commercial for PPDS says the announcement marks a significant step forward for PPDS in North America. By David Osgar By Carys Evans BUSINESS / NEWS @signlink @signlink @signlinkmagazine
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