Ink and laser technology specialists The Needham Group has announced the celebration of its 60th anniversary, after being formed and remaining family owned since 1962. The family-owned business, founded by Roger Needham in 1962 with his son David Needham as the current Chairman, has gone from strength to strength since its inception.
The Needham Group is made up of three subsidiaries – ink manufacturer and coding printer supplier Needham Ink Tech, industrial laser systems manufacturer Needham Laser Tech, and marking equipment and consumables supplier Needham Technologies IRE.
Over the last four years, the business has doubled in size and is the manufacturer of many UK and international marking and coding products. In 2018, Needham Group acquired DeBe Lasers – a move that provided research and development and manufacturing know-how to the business.
This acquisition, plus decades of experience within the laser technology space, led to the birth of Needham Laser Technologies in 2019, which is responsible for manufacturing a range of British-made high quality laser marking machines, known as the N-Lase range.
Aled Ellis, Managing Director at The Needham Group, said: “Since 1962, we have seen a significant transformation to the business landscape, but our family-owned business remains true to its heritage within the heart of rural Shropshire. Our success is down to our commitment to build long-term and prosperous relationships with our customers and partners, together with a dedication to our employees and our community.
“We continue to invest in talent at every level, from technical to sales, to ensure we can satisfy and support our customer and supplier network. We have an absolutely fantastic team around us, who are responsible for the successes we have seen over the last 60 years!”
With customers ranging from automotive, aerospace and engineering to medical, electronics and jewellery, the company recognised and reacted to a constantly modernising industry.
Aled continued: “Over the last few years, there has been considerable market growth in personalised products, so much so that we have developed a range of laser systems specially designed to offer bespoke engraving on an array of products, including knives, gold and silver jewellery, and my personal favourite, golf clubs.
“In 2023, we started the year with the launch of our brand new ‘Create’ range for the personalisation market. We will also aim to further enhance our position as market leaders in the industrial identification market sector, while expanding our international presence across our specialisms.”
The Create range offers retailers of all levels the ability to quickly and easily personalise customer’s purchases. The new products have been overseen by Commercial Director Hannah Ellis who joined The Needham Group five years ago with a background in the retail industry.
Hannah said: “My background in the retail sector has really helped to support the team in the design, development, sales and marketing of the Create range. As customers seek out personalised items and gifts, business are realising the need for a convenient, sustainable way to offer next-level customer experience services. Laser engraving provides them with the perfect solution, allowing them to add value to their products with personalisation while minimising their carbon footprint.”
