Aj Wells Credentials

signage specialists

© A.J Wells & Sons Ltd 2011 BISHOPS WAY, NEWPORT, IOW PO30 5WS T. 01983 537766 AJWELLS.COM

INTRODUCTION
A . J W E L L S & S O N S LT D

A.J WELLS & SONS LTD, was founded in 1972 and is a privately owned, family
controlled, British company that specialises in the design and manufacture of high
quality signage and other precision engineered products including woodburning
stoves - under the brand name of Charnwood. Run by second and third
generations of the family, we are dedicated to providing products of enduring
design and of the highest quality.

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
In the past thirty years we have grown from our original small factory of around
1500 sq. ft to our current site of over 50,000 sq. ft. We have always been keen
to provide local employment on the Isle of Wight and have seen the number of
our employees rise from the original 3 to over 160. We are very proud of our
workforce who have rewarded us by staying loyal to the company, with many
staff having worked with us for over 20 years. This brings stability to the business
ensuring that pride in the company and the quality of our products is maintained.

Commitment to our staff is vital as is the commitment to invest in the latest
technology to ensure the highest quality. Over the years we have installed our
own Vitreous Enamelling Plant, CNC controlled Press Brakes, Robotic Welders
and a state of the art Laser Profiler all of which allow pin point accuracy resulting
in superior quality. Keeping the manufacture of as many parts as possible in-house
enables us to maintain full production control to provide our customers with long-
lasting products leading the field technically in both operation and function.

OUR BUYING POLICY
In our quest for quality we source our raw materials from only the very best
companies. We aim to build strong relationships with our suppliers so that
we can be confident in their quality, to maintain our high standards. We
unashamedly buy British wherever possible. It is our view that it is environmentally
unsustainable to transport heavy materials around the world, on the grounds of
small savings, when the world’s finest materials are available here in the UK.

© A.J Wells
OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
As a family company service is of utmost importance to us. All customers in our
enamel business have dedicated project management contacts to ensure any
questions can be answered quickly.

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

C O M PA N Y M A N AG E M E N T S T R U C T U R E

MARTIN BOYCE
Director

DAVID GATRELL DAVID MEARNS ELLIE WATSON
Head of Sales Head of Projects Production Manager

MARILYN CHALK GRAEME PRESTON ANDY THEARLE JEAN STORIE
Sales Secretary Snr Project Manager Project Manager Production Administrator

170 Employed


Q U A L I T Y & E N V I R O N M E N TA L
O N LY T H E B E S T

Collectively we take seriously our commitments to our customers and other
stakeholders with regard to the quality and reliability we offer and also our
commitment to being a socially responsible organisation with respect to our
actions on the environment.

We operate a policy of caring for the environment in all aspects of the business;
from the products we design, to the way we package them, to the way we
transport them, to the way we deal with disposal of waste products, to the vehicles
we use and to our choice of raw materials.

As a result we have established an integrated management system that focuses
on both quality and environmental management and applies, as a catalyst
the international standards ISO 9001 for quality and ISO 14001 to address
environmental controls.

This policy identifies the intent of the business in realising the integrated
management system and is supported by arrangements that will

© A.J Wells
• Ensure compliance with legal and other requirements we subscribe to
• Identify objectives relevant to both quality and environmental management
• Determine controls that will prevent the significant impacts of our activities
resulting in pollution.

The Integrated Management system is communicated to our employees, people
working for or on behalf of the organisation and other interested parties on
request.

A J Wells & Sons Limited are committed to continually improving the IMS through
a programme of management audits and reviews.

THE QUEENS AWARD
In 2009 AJ Wells & Sons Ltd, were granted the honour of The Queen’s Awards
for Enterprise: International Trade. The Queen’s Award is the UK’s most
prestigious award for business performance, recognising exceptional achievement
by UK companies.

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

H E A LT H & S A F E T Y
THE SAFE CHOICE

We take our responsibility to safeguard the health & saftey of our employees, all
persons who may be affected by our activities and any impact on the environment,
very seriously.

We have appointed health and safety consultants SP Feltham Associates to provide
expert on-going health & safety advice as well as on-site support developing a
pro-active health & safety management system.

© A.J Wells
All employees are put through rigorous health and safety training at point of
induction. In addition we have a safety committe, which draws its membership
from all levels of the company, to constantly promote and review good safety
practice to all A.J Wells employees and subcontractors.

All of our employees receive the necessary training and instruction to carry out
their jobs with the upmost safety. This is particularly important for our installation
teams where the investment in training is never questioned. Our installation teams
have CSCS, IPAF, PASMA and basic first aid training as a minimum requirement,

Those in management or on-site supervisory roles have undertaken various

© A.J Wells
courses in managing safety in the industry. This way we ensure compliance and
that our accident rates are kept as low as possible.

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

P R O J E C T M A N AG E M E N T
M A N AG I N G A L L A R E A S

Customer service is of the utmost importance to A.J Wells and we pride ourselves
in our strong relationships with our clients. Our extensive knowledge and
experience of the sign and wayfinding industry enables us to offer practical advice,
ideas and innovative solutions to our customers.

Each client is assigned a personal project manager as a point of contact so that all
queries can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
All of our departmental procedures are aligned to ISO 9001 which in turn
provides an accurate and traceable work flow.

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

I N H O U S E FAC I L I T I E S
F U L L C A PA B I L I T I E S

We have the largest enamel facility in the UK, with a full range of in-house
capabilities - including: site surveying, CAD design, laser cutting, metal fabrication,
graphic design, colour-matching, screen-printing, electrical assembly and
installation. We offer unrivalled capacity for enamel signs, cladding, interpretation
panels and bespoke commissions.

© A.J Wells
VITREOUS ENAMELLING

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
A state of the art enamelling plant including colour matching laboratory, glass
milling, spray shop and furnacing for sheet steel and cast iron applications. A
vitreous enamel finish is achieved by fusing glass particles to sheet metal by firing it
at temperatures in excess of 800°C. The result is a surface finish that is incredibly
hardwearing to all the elements.

LASER PROFILING & METAL FABRICATION
Metal and laser workshop for manufacturing bespoke and tray panels.

GRAPHIC GENERATION AND SCREEN PRINTING
Full screen making facilities and print studios offering screen print, transfer

© A.J Wells
application, digital print and vinyl graphics.

DESIGN STUDIO
Offering artworking and graphic design services. Also incorporating resident
artist studios and CAD design.

ELECTRICAL & ILLUMINATION
Electrical workshop for back-lit and illuminated products. Full framing services are
also available. All illuminated signs are supplied with electrical testing certificate.

SITE SURVEYS & INSTALLATION
Signage and architectural site surveys and installation are undertaken for all areas.

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
Approved by Transport For London, registered with the UK rail industry and
PASMA and CSCS certified.

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

PRODUCTION
FA B R I C AT I O N T O F I N I S H I N G

We design, manufacture and finish all our products at our Newport factory.
Having all our facilities under one roof enables us to manage each project
effectivley a offer a fast and efficient turnaround.

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
MADE
SH
®

DE BRITI
®
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells & Sons Ltd 2011
A
BISHOPS WAY, NEWPORT, IOW PO30 5WS T. 01983 537766 AJWELLS.COM

I N S TA L L AT I O N
ON SITE FINISHING

The ability to carry out projects big or small, whether complete station
resignage,cladding or wayfinding work comes down to the quality of our
installation teams and the way we manage them.

Whether conducting site surveys, appointing specialist sub-contractors or
organising logistics, we aim to be personable and knowledgeable, backed by the
highest professional and safety training standards.

© A.J Wells
Our surveyors, installers and specialist sub-contractors all comply with the highest
professional and safety training standards including CSCS, PASMA and IPAF
accreditations.

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

GRAFITTI TEST
V I T R E O U S E N A M E L G R A F I T T I R E S I S TA N C E

VANDAL RESISTANT ENAMEL
Graffiti can be easily removed from vitreous enamelled panels using solvents without affecting the graphics
or enamel. This makes it an unrivalled product for the urban environment.

1 2 3 4 5

As a demonstation a vitreous enamel line diagram panel All 3 signs are graffitied with spray paints ... ... and scratched with keys and coins. The vitreous This represents the kind of vandalism that these signs The paint is left for 1 hour to dry before being wiped
is placed alongside a pre-coated aluminium roundel and enamel cannot be marked. could be subjected to in the urban environment. with standard graffiti removing chemicals
a powder coated aluminium directional sign.

6 7 8 9 10 11

The chemical agent removes the spray paint with ... but in doing so the graphics on the pre-coated and The graphics on the vitreous enamel however remain Regardless of how hard the panel is scrubbed it remains The enamel panel is restored to its orginal condition In the working enviroment the pre-coated and
relative ease ... powdercoated aluminium are also affected and start to intact and unaffected. in pristine condition. with no damage to the surface. powder-coated aluminium signage would need replacing
wipe off. as the graphics are severly damaged.

T H E R E S U LT S - B E F O R E T H E R E S U LT S - A F T E R
ALUMINIUM POWDER COAT ENAMEL ALUMINIUM POWDER COAT ENAMEL

ONLY VITREOUS ENAMEL
ALLOWS GRAFFITI TO
BE REMOVED!
BEFORE Pre-coated aluminium BEFORE Powder-coated alumini- BEFORE Vitreous enamel - graf- AFTER Cleaned with graffiti AFTER Cleaned with graffiti AFTER Cleaned with graffiti
printed to face - graffitied with mum printed to face - graffitied fitied with spray paint and scratched removing solvents. The scratches removing solvents. The artwork has removing solvents. The panel is
spray paint and scratched with keys. with spray paint and scratched with keys. are clearly visible and the artwork been removed. back to its original condition- good
with keys.


CASE STUDIES
3 . 4 . 5 I R I S H C O A S TA L C AU S E WAY

CLIENT: F.P McCann
TYPE: Wayfinding signage

DATE: April 2011

© A.J Wells
A.J Wells worked with the clients’ architects and designers to produce a complete bespoke signage
scheme installed along the Causeway Coastal route from Benone to Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland.
The project included screen printed vitreous enamel interpretation and gateway signs as well as oak posts
with etched stainless steel discs set into the wood. There were 17 different locations along the coast and
26 different styles of sign with 86 signs required in total.

KEY FEATURES:

© A.J Wells
• Free standing monoliths
• Oak plinths
• Etched stainless steel plates
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Metal fabrication
• Internal steel framing
• Pre-assembly of signage for easier on site installation
• Oak plinths and posts
• Etched stainless steel components
• Stainless steel letters

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells


CASE STUDIES
LONDON UNDERGROUND

CLIENT: Transport for London
TYPE: Underground Station Signage

DATE: 1990 - ongoing

© A.J Wells
A.J Wells have been producing the official London Underground signage since
1990. Working in partnership with TFL (Transport For London) A.J Wells have
re-signed and re-furbished stations throughout the London network.

A.J Wells have become a one-stop-shop for London Underground. From initial
survey and design work, metalwork and framing fabrication, enamelling and
screenprinting, through to installation.

All types of enamelled and illuminated signage are produced in-house including
suspended, hanging, wall-mounted, trackplates, line diagrams, frieze panels and
roundels.

Since 2008 the Overground signage has been added to the portfolio;
manufacturing yet another iconic brand and incorporating new innovative signage
such as illuminated Super Graphics.

KEY FEATURES:

• Survey and design
• All 8 types of LUL signage

© A.J Wells
• Installation
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Enamelling
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Framing
• Screenprinting
• Illumination & electrical
• Installation

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
LEGIBILIT Y LONDON



© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
Legibility London is a new pedestrian wayfinding system to help people walk
around London.

Based on extensive research, the system uses a range of information, including
street signs and printed maps, to help people find their way. It’s also integrated
with other transport modes so when people are leaving the Underground, for
example, they can quickly identify the route to their destination.

Following a successful prototype in the Bond Street area, TFL are now piloting
the scheme in three distinct areas of London. The pilots will test the system’s
effectiveness in a range of environments.

A.J Wells manufactured the enamelled monoliths for this signage system
throughout London.

Vitreous enamel was specified for this project due to its durability and weather
resistance.

KEY FEATURES:

© A.J Wells
• Freestanding wayfinding monoliths
• Throughout London
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Enamelling
• Framing
• Screenprinting

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
AY L E S B U RY B U S S TAT I O N

CLIENT: Buckinghamshire County Council
TYPE: Laura Boswell

DATE: 2009

Laura Boswell’s creation for the newly refurbished walls of Aylesbury Bus
Station is Europe’s largest piece of
original enamelled panel artwork. The vibrant mural of rolling hills and patchwork
fields has transformed a once plain, dimly lit underpass. The piece draws
inspiration from the landscapes of Aylesbury Vale and lines the sides of Great
Western Street, leading into the bus station.

Laura Boswell’s work was commissioned by Buckinghamshire County Council
following a successful bid by AVDC to Arts Council England for The Art Plus 2007
Award Scheme for art in public places.

In an unusual twist to the project Laura hand applied her proposed design directly
onto the cladding. Not only did this prove more cost effective and economical than
a traditional screenprinting method but Buckinghamshire County Council were
essentially buying a completely unique artwork for the district.

Studio space was allocated at A.J Wells and the project was incorporated into
the factory work-flow so that Laura had full access to facilities and assistance as
and when required. Laura created the imagery by projecting and sketching out
her carefully planned artwork onto the plain panels before applying the inks. The
dimensions of the design and each colour was referenced and recorded should any

© A.J Wells
of the panels need replacing in the future.

A.J Wells and Laura worked together in developing a handpainted ‘Scraffito’
technique involving sponging the inks onto the panel, drying and scratching into
the surface before finally fusing the enamel to the panel by firing it at over 800°C.

Each panel measured 2.4 meters high by 1.2 meters wide with a total of 800
panels of which 400 were handpainted.

Another element of the project produced in-house at A.J Wells were the cut steel
screens that re-enforce ventilation panels appearing within sections of the artwork.
Laura designed these as abstract hedge detailing that was then laser cut in stainless
steel.

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
The artwork was unveiled in April 2009.


CASE STUDIES
L O N D O N OV E R G R O U N D

TYPE: Overground Stations


© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
A.J Wells are currently working alongside Transport For London on the rebranding of the London
Overground. The project includes initial site surveying and design work through to the fabrication and
installation of new vitreous enamelled signage.

In addition to new line diagrams, frieze runs, freestanding monoliths and framing the work has also
included the refurbishment of existing enamel cladding artwork. As part of the new London Overground
scheme A.J Wells produced a number of external LED illuminated super-graphics for new and refurbished
train stations. *The letters were designed, fabricated and hand assembled in-house at A.J Wells using low
energy LED technology.

KEY FEATURES:

• Environmental energy efficient signage
• New Overground branding
• Station refurbishment
• Urban regeneration
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Metal fabrication and laser profiling

© A.J Wells
• Low energy illumination & framing
• Site survey & Installtion
• Bespoke designwork

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
BRIGHTON MAPS

CLIENT: Brighton & Hove City Council
TYPE: Woodhouse

DATE: 2008-2010

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells
Stunning block colour printed map panels were produced by A.J Wells for Brighton
& Hove City Council for directional usage throughout the city of Brighton.

The intricate graphics were screenprinted and fired over 8 times resulting in an
exceptional depth of finish. Vitreous enamel was specified due to its durability, low
maintenance and its performance in areas close to the sea.

KEY FEATURES:

• Wayfinding maps & finger posts
• Urban regeneration

A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Vitreous enamel screenprinted artwork
• Freestanding monoliths

© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
E X M O O R I N T E R P R E TAT I O N

CLIENT: Exmoor National Park
TYPE: Interpretation panels

DATE: 2010

With the backing of The National Lottery A.J Wells re-signed Exmoor National
Park with interpretation panels for Langham Engine House.

The white enamelled panels featured block screenprinting and enamel
photographic transfer technology. All film output and colour separation for the
photographic elements of the signage was produced in-house ensuring graphic
precision from start to finish.

The panels were fabricated, enamelled and framed by A.J Wells.

Signage consisted of: three wall fixed signs, two freestanding vertical post mounted
signs and two freestanding lecterns.

KEY FEATURES:

• New thermal imaging technology used
• Lottery funded scheme
• Heritage signage
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

© A.J Wells
• Enamelling
• Graphic generation & screenprinting
• Framing

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
LIVERPOOL ONE

CLIENT: Liverpool City council/Grosvenor
DATE: 2008

© A.J Wells
A.J Wells were commissioned to produce vitreous enamelled signage for The
Liverpool One scheme on behalf of Grosvenor and Liverpool City Council to
commemorate the slave trade that much of Liverpool’s docks are based on.

A.J Wells created a series of twenty vitreous enamel monoliths situated
throughout Liverpool City Centre with curved panels featuring complex screened
graphics set into stone mounts.

A.J Wells also fabricated three stainless steels lecturn stands curved to the same

© A.J Wells
radius as the rolled enamel panels set within them.

Another unique part of the scheme was a large jigsaw-like wall installation
incorporating a stainless steel frame with a sculpted centre section created from
one single piece of vitreous enamel. The surrounding sections consisted of acid
etched stainless steel with inset coloured ink.

KEY FEATURES:

• Freestanding way-finding monoliths
• Curved lecturn signage

© A.J Wells
© A.J Wells
• Wall installation with bespoke framing
• Vitreous enamel with stainless steel acid etched elements
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Screenprinting: 4 colour process and block colour onto flat and curved surfaces
• Enamelling
• Stainless steel elements
• Bespoke framing

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
3 . 4 . 4 F O R E S T RY C O M M I S S I O N

CLIENT: Arien Signs
DATE: 2007

In 2007 A.J Wells manufactured vitreous enamel graphic panels for a series of oak framed enamel
monoliths for Top Lodge - Fineshade Woods. Enamel was specified for its striking aesthetics, low
maintenance, graffiti resistance and durability. The ten double faced monoliths were created by placing
bespoke enamel tray panels back to back with an internal filler and then set into a solid oak frame. The
wayfinding scheme was designed to blend into the woodland surroundings and age sympathetically.

© A.J Wells
KEY FEATURES:

• Durable, low maintenance signage
• Bespoke framing system
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Vitreous enamel
• Screenprinting

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

CASE STUDIES
SOUTHAMPTON PILOT SCHEME

CLIENT: Southampton City Council
DATE: 2009

© A.J Wells
In 2009 A.J Wells and Sons produced a number of wayfinding monoliths
for Southampton’s London Road. The signage was part of a pilot scheme to
regenerate the city centre.

Screenprinted vitreous enamelled mapping panels were specified due to their
durability and vibrancy. Phase 2 of the scheme is planned for 2011.

KEY FEATURES:

© A.J Wells
• Freestanding way-finding monoliths
• Enamel mapping panels
A.J WELLS SERVICES:

• Screenprinting: 4 colour process
• Enamelling

© A.J Wells

© A.J Wells

Aj Wells Credentials

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Featured

Featured (20)

Aj Wells Credentials