Manufacturing industrial engraving, signage and safety identification from Dundee since 1952. PWG Signs is part of the ICL Plastics Ltd Group, supplying industrial, commercial and public sector clients across the UK and internationally.
About PWG Signs
Over 70 years of UK industrial signage and engraving
Plastics W. Graham Ltd was established in Dundee in 1952 by William Graham, supplying plastic materials and products to local businesses. The company quickly branched out into engraving, sign-making, labels and safety equipment.
By the 1970s, PWG was supplying the developing North Sea oil industry — work that established the company’s reputation for durability, specification and quality.
Now in its eighth decade, PWG Signs manufactures industrial engraving, signage, safety identification and bespoke products for industrial, commercial and public sector clients across the UK and internationally. The business is part of the ICL Plastics Ltd Group.
Our heritage
From a single-operator plastics stockist in 1952 to an integrated in-house workshop covering engraving, fabrication, printing and finishing today — the timeline below traces how PWG developed alongside UK industry.
1952 — Foundations
The business originated as DIY came into vogue, supplying plastic materials and products to local Dundee businesses. Engraving was introduced to use up offcuts and remainders, leading to the production of labels and signs. The business gradually grew from a single-operator stockist into a small in-house production workshop, supplying labels and signs alongside material sales.
1960s and 70s — Joining the ICL Plastics Group
PWG moved to its current Dundee premises and joined the ICL Plastics Group, based in Glasgow. Investment in manufacturing equipment expanded sign-making and labelling capability, supplying as far north as Aberdeen as the North Sea oil industry developed. The first computerised engraving equipment came to PWG in the late 1970s — the fourth installation of its kind in the country at the time. Contracts followed with a major oil company for the supply of signs and labels.
2000 — Plastic fabrication and PWG product ranges
Equipment investment opened up plastic material profiling and fabrication — bending, drilling and cementing of plastic sheet. Full-colour printing and the application of photographic images to materials were introduced, and demand grew nationally for industrial and local authority work. PVC wallets for permit-to-work systems were developed as a PWG product range, and a portable barrier system was developed in-house — the foundation of what became the Quick Barrier range. The business expanded into the top floor of the Dundee premises.
2010 — ISO 9001 and international supply
New production methods were introduced progressively. Most processes were now computerised, but skilled operators remained central to quality. PWG achieved ISO 9001 quality management certification. Eco-solvent printing on vinyl and chemical etching on metal were brought in-house. The portable barrier system was refined further, and international sales expanded alongside continued local and national supply.
2020 — Laser profiling and full in-house production
Investment in laser profiling and laser etching capability expanded PWG’s product range and reduced reliance on external suppliers. With more processes now under one roof, PWG continues to supply industrial engraving, signage, identification and bespoke manufactured products to clients across the UK and internationally.
Quality and procurement
PWG operates with ISO 9001 quality management and is registered with major procurement platforms including Achilles Global, Achilles UVDB, Oracle & FPAL, SAP Ariba, Supplier Gateway and Supplier One.
Our team
Trusted by industrial and commercial clients
A small selection of the organisations PWG works with across offshore energy, manufacturing, utilities, construction and the public sector.
Work with PWG
Send your drawing, specification, sample or quantity requirement and the PWG team will advise on the most suitable material, finish, process and supply route.