Soyang Europe, a manufacturer and distributor of wide-format media and surface coverings, is celebrating 20 years in business this year. July 8th marked the 20th anniversary of the materials manufacturer, which is headquartered in a 70,000sq ft facility in Accrington, Lancashire. In that time, the company has undertaken significant expansion, having first tested the waters with a small batch of Soyang-manufactured materials in the mid-2000s. Soyang Europe’s group chief executive officer, Mark Mashiter, explains the company’s origins, saying: “We started out in the UK in 2005 with the first three containers of material landing to test the market. In fact, with these containers, the VAT and duty rates were paid for on my personal credit card to clear customs!” Soyang Europe’s core product, which was provided by its Chinese parent company, was initially focused on PVC production up to 5m wide. However, as the market evolved, it adapted its offering to cater for changing demands. The company diversified from its core materials offering in 2022 when it purchased wide-format equipment supplier, Josero, which it renamed as Soyang Hardware. Other expansions included the recent opening of a new branch in Dublin, Ireland, purchased to better serve customers in the country. Mark Mashiter was announced as group chief executive officer in April 2025, as part of a revamp of its leadership structure that included a new board of directors being announced. Soyang celebrates 20 years in the UK Mark Mashiter [pictured] started the company in 2005, after meeting with Soyang Group (then known as Daya) in 2000 at a textile exhibition Grafityp to close down after merger with Metamark Sign-making materials manufacturer, Grafityp UK, has announced that it will close all operations at its Tamworth site by the end of 2025, with its business transitioning to Metamark UK. Grafityp was purchased by parent company, UPM Raflatac, in 2024, with the Finnish corporation subsequently purchasing materials manufacturer Metamark in February of 2025. The decision by UPM to dissolve the business was made as part of "broader goals of strengthening its operations" and with the aim of "capitalising on synergies", according to an official statement. The statement about the transition reads: "The graphic films and heat transfer films business in the UK will be transitioned to Metamark UK, a company acquired by UPM in February 2025. UPM is committed to keeping its customers fully informed about the changes and ensuring a smooth transition." By Jonathan Pert UK print firm renamed Shell-Clad launches new wide-format division Exhibition display solutions provider, Shell-Clad, has launched a new wide-format print company, Expo Display, which was presented for the first time at The Sign Show 2025. Expo Display has been created to provide a white label service for both trade print services and community projects. During its soft launch in July, Expo Display partnered with advertising and marketing agencies to provide a wide range of printed products, while also getting involved with a number of charitable events. In its announcement about Expo Display, Shell-Clad reflected on its history, detailing an exhibition signage technique that it invented over 40 years ago. Since then, Shell-Clad has grown its product range to include a wide range of sustainable exhibition products, expanded into the APAC region, and is now exporting its British-made products to a branch in Singapore, named Shell Tech Asia. A wide-format printing firm based in Wimborne, formerly known as AJD Group and Just GB Limited, will now trade as Just AJD, as part of a rebrand and expansion drive. The rebrand marks the beginning of a significant growth phase for the business, which will accelerate in 2026 with the installation of a new HP flatbed printer. As part of the rebrand, Just AJD has launched a new website, and is also finalising plans for a new mezzanine floor at its facility.. The company also announced changes to its senior management team later in the year with Andrew Ballington-James moving into the role of executive chairman. Additionally, Stephen Russell will become the new managing director, and James Arnold will step up to the role of production director. Shell-Clad unveiled Expo Display at this year’s Sign Show at the NEC in Birmingham By Jonathan Pert BUSINESS / NEWS 8 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 261 - October / November 2025 Andrew Ballington-James, founder of the newly renamed Just AJD By Jonathan Pert
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