We have come a long way since the early days of Cobal. Back in the 1980s, when it all began, Cobal served a client base looking for a solution to warehouse racking and labelling. Today, we are proud to have grown into an organisation with so much more to offer than simple signage alone.
When Opportunity Comes Calling
Cobal was officially born in November 1981. Philip Ball started the Cobal journey from a modest outbuilding before gaining early success and upgrading to a warehouse in Newbury, Berkshire. Identifying a market for well-crafted simple signage in large quantities, Philip launched, and quickly moved forward with, a thriving local business. We have since moved ahead with not only the needs of local businesses in and around Newbury but those further afield. We have particularly expanded our offerings along the M4 corridor and most significantly in Central London.
Cobal’s production facility in Newbury, Berkshire
Signs of Progress
Today, we still manufacture from the same location and, naturally, there have been and continue to be, many significant upgrades and improvements to our technology and manufacturing equipment in the factory. Computerised cutting machines, laminators, and our welding equipment have significantly advanced, allowing for smoother and faster manufacturing processes. Our printing capabilities are considerably impressive with the investment in our large-scale direct-to-media flatbed printer. Our creativity is endless with this machine!
45 Years of Changing spaces
The requirements of signage in workspaces have also adapted substantially over the decades. For example, remote working after the Covid pandemic has become far more common. To entice employees back into buildings, we have worked with clients to create improved visual spaces using engaging wall graphics and glass manifestations to enhance the employee experience. Companies are also increasingly interested in signage for zoned areas such as quiet zones, open collaborative spaces, and cafés and progressively for neurodiverse signage.
Sustainability has become much more of a major consideration in the design and construction of signage, both for our clients and for us. From choosing materials and sourcing eco-friendly packaging, to measuring carbon footprint, and considering appropriate waste streams and recycling. We are always striving to make improvements to the way we work to ensure we are as environmentally responsible as we can be.
Our Future, Together
We are fortunate to have a strong team with several long-standing employees. The longest serving employee, Mark Davis, joined Cobal 39 years ago as a school leaver shortly after the company was incorporated and has become a pillar of the team. Mark has built an impressive and successful career with us over many years, with an extensive and highly developed technical knowledge.
‘Being part of the company for so many years has given me the opportunity to witness, and be part of, the business' growth and evolution, which has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’m proud to have played a part in the company’s story and look forward to seeing what the future holds for Cobal.’ -Mark Davis
Our customers remain at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to have such valued customers and grateful for the relationships we have built with them. We are excited about what the future holds and remain committed to evolving and enhancing what we can offer at Cobal.