Products manufactured by Matform have been incorporated into the new £7.1 million South Winchester Park and Ride scheme.

The company secured orders to supply Externiture, a prominent name in bus stop infrastructure, with bus stop flag faces, SMS plates and route number signs.

Hampshire-based Externiture are the creators of the EX-O System, specially designed for the public transport network, on which bus companies can attach passenger information, reflective flags, timetables etc.

They also manufacture other lines of essential street furniture including bespoke seating, information displays, bins, bollards, and signage and are looking to re-locate to larger premises in Berkshire.

Matform manufactured the products from an aluminium composite in order to be durable, robust and weatherproof.

After an initial process of sampling and sourcing the 7 year vinyl and external grade composite, correct files from the customer made production relatively straightforward.

Externiture’s Technology Director, Mark Smith, explained how a fortuitous phone call had resulted in a successful working partnership.

“We had been using another screen printer and digital supplier but had been failed horribly on delivery times.

“We received a phone call from Matform explaining about their services.  Since then we have sent everything their way and have been happy with the results.  We’re now up to our seventh order with them.”

Added Mark: “ Their prices are nicely competitive and their quality seems a step above everything else at the moment.  Our clients have certainly been happy.”

As well as the new South Winchester Park and Ride service, Matform products can also be seen on 120 bus stops in Oxfordshire.

“It was just the kind of phone call we like!”, said Matform’s Managing Director, John Kelly.  “A customer who knows what they want and a specification to get it.”

Matform also supply a number of other public area furniture/play equipment manufactures with company nameplates and signage.

Matform’s workforce was initially engaged to make 5,000 stainless steel labels for Westminster Teak, whose headquarters are based in Uckfield, East Sussex.

This was rapidly followed up by a repeat order for 2,000 more.

Matform’s Sales Director, Paul Down said: “ We were delighted to be able to supply Westminster Teak with labels. “Our state-of-the-art technology and precision metal engraving ensure that the nameplates have the ability to withstand even harsh outdoor environments.”

Westminster is a member of the Tropical Forest Trust (TFT) and sources all teak from TFT supported forests. Its products are hand-finished by craftsmen whose skills and understanding of the wood are demonstrated in the furniture’s design and construction.