Pennon Plaques
Managing Director John Ross, Kircubbin

The Benefits:
Development of lower cost process for the production of higher quality plaques. This development delivered a Net Present Value* of £29,000 to the company.

The Company:
John and Pauline Ross established Pennon Plaques in 1985. It is now the leading manufacturer of hand painted plaques in Ireland. It produces a range of high quality plaques (shields) and glassware which are aimed at local authorities, sports clubs and schools throughout Ireland and Great Britain.

The Project:
John Ross contacted MTP and a visit was arranged by an MTP Field Officer to discuss the services available through MTP and in particular the opportunities for improving the quality and efficiency of the production processes.

The task given to the Field Officer was to assist the firm in developing a new range of plaques and to determine the most suitable vehicle for taking the project forward. In the first instance it was agreed with the firm that the best way forward was to examine the processes used in another industry and determine the opportunity for applying similar techniques at Pennon Plaques. MTP, through its wide experience of local industry, was able to arrange a visit with a larger company in a different industrial sector, but with relevant expertise and willing to provide advice. This visit proved invaluable and opened up avenues previously not considered by Pennon Plaques.

Making it Happen:

  • MTP
  • Queen's university - Northern Ireland Technology Centre

The real benefit to Pennon Plaques was in being able to ‘Benchmark’ their processes against those used in a larger company. This enabled John to re-examine and make changes in the processing techniques that resulted in a reduction in cost and improved the quality of the product. The Technology Centre at Queen’s University gave advice on future software applications to further improve revenue and production.


The Result...
Pennon Plaques has been able to break into markets otherwise not available for reason of costs. However, due to the groundwork in new processing techniques and software advice from Queen’s University, John has been able to not only produce Plaques but expand their business. Pennon Plaques are now launching “I-glass”, a glass engraving company to supply presentational giftware. In addition, through contacts introduced by MTP, new products are being explored which will lead to fundamental changes in the way the production process is being carried out, and will significantly increase market share and profitability.

John Ross:
“Through MTP we accessed expertise and advice, which we probably could not have obtained by ourselves. This has enabled us to make significant improvements to our business. We can now offer an alternative range of products to suit any sector of business or personal use. We found MTP and the staff at the Technology Centre at Queen’s very approachable and as a relatively small company; we were pleasantly surprised to be treated as an important client.”