FROM borrowing £300 to invest in then cutting-edge machinery...to supplying artwork, prints and more to the likes of ao.com, Selfridges and more – Vinyline has had an amazing 40 years.

The first floor of this building is where the company started 40 years ago

Ken Hughes started the company above a shop and is one of the creators of the Vinyl Graphics Industry, buying the first vinyl plotter sold outside of the US in 1983.

Despite having moved to many new locations in their 40 years – Vinyline remains a St Helens company now based in Sherdley Business Park and it is well and truly a family business at heart.

They produce works for the likes of Selfridges, Saints, ao.com, kitted out Kings Cross Station in London and even did a bespoke design on a 45,000sqm building in Lisbon.

To highlight their big anniversary, Ken alongside creative director son Keith held an event at their HQ with representatives from the council, business leaders and more.

Ken back in the day printing on a vehicle

They showcased significant recent investments such as the Swiss Q Print Nyala - the European champion among flatbed printers - which provides highly economic printing with a clear conscience.

Reflecting on the company’s history, Ken said: “There’s no one more surprised than me that this company has grown to this position.

“Started form nothing, I borrowed £300 to invest in an engraving company and the logic of Vinyline is important to me, it’s what I did.

Vinyline do varied work with a host of big names using a range of printing techniques

“The most important thing is the staff, we’ve had some unbelievable staff during the years and we’ve won every award going. There are bigger companies but none doing the variety to which we’ve done.

“Sao Paulo Brazil, all over Germany, Bahrain, Italy, also done two of the biggest jobs any graphics company have done.

Some of the services that Vinyline can carry out

"One was 45,000sqm of print, which is a big job and the magic of that job was to use kids off the dole and we got help to employ them and it was a win, win, win situation.

“Second biggest was working for 10 years continuous at Kings Cross London, not easy, but if you have passion for it. We can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone.

Vinyline do varied work with a host of big names using a range of printing techniques

“We’ve had help on our journey. It’s a family business and 40 years. If you’d have told me that at the beginning, I would have cried.”

Their new machine changing the way they print - including eco friendly options

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