The site in Aylesford, Kent has recently been extended and remodeled to improve materials flow as part of a lean manufacturing drive. The remodeling was needed due to a 35% rise in orders following a £250,000 investment last year in digital printing and cutting equipment.

Including the kit spend, the organisation has invested £350,000 to remodel and upgrade the facility and has also taken on an additional member of staff due to the increased volume of work.

During his visit McLoughlin unveiled a plaque marking the expansion of the factory and met RBLI staff and customers including representatives of Network Rail, Amey and Kent Highways.

“Our investment is already paying dividends with improved quality, greater efficiencies and faster production,” said RBLI chief executive Steve Sherry CMG OBE.

RBLI runs a number of social enterprises that provide employment, training and support for disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable people, particularly those from the Armed Forces community. It employs 300 staff.

In addition to the signage factory in Aylesford it also has a digital print and direct mail factory in Leatherhead, Surrey.