The deal will see the Rotherham printer relocate six miles to Gala Tent’s premises on Farfield Park, Manvers. It will meet Gala Tent customers’ needs for custom-printed tented structures but also offer a range of branded goods to other businesses.
Three-staff Sign Man is owned by Tom Madden and produces banners, fliers, van wraps and shopfront material on kit including Roland VersaCamm. Madden said it was too early to give details of further developments, such as a possible name change.
“We will have to suck it and see how the situation unfolds, but there's definite possibility to expand and look at more kit,” said Madden, who has over 35 years in the digital printing business. “It is fantastic to have the backing of Gala Tent.
“It has a strong reputation and a customer base that requires branded goods. We are excited to be relocating to the Dearne Valley and with the backing of Gala Tent we will be investing in the business to further increase our range of branded services to customers.”
Gala Tent provides custom-printed services for commercial gazebos for promotional products, market traders, motor racing, new businesses and for exhibitions and events. Bringing print in-house could double Gala Tent's capacity and turnover within a year.
The company was founded in 1999 and sells more than 10,000 tents annually and around 90,000 event accessories and furniture. It has a turnover of £7m and is a preferred supplier to the UK armed forces, the NHS, South Yorkshire fire and police services, the AA and St John Ambulance.
Gala managing director Jason Mace said: “Sign Man is a perfect fit with our business. Tom Madden has extensive expertise in high-quality digital printing. We expect to create a number of new jobs in the digital printing business over the next six months.
“It will give us greater control on our printing of branded goods, providing a much quicker and more efficient service to customers. We expect to offer a much shorter lead time for delivery of branded goods, expand our custom-printed business and increase our market share."
Mace, who was recently named Business Person of the Year by the Rotherham and Barnsley Chamber of Commerce, contacted Sign Man as he was looking for branded goods for a nearby restaurant. Sign Man was just around the corner and Mace was impressed with its service.
