A CREDITON business which is the largest employer in the area and which generates millions of pounds into the local economy is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Graphic was formed on June 21, 1968 by Rex Rozario OBE. Rex worked with Dr Paul Eisler, the inventor of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB), at Technograph-Telegraph in the 1950’s.

In 1972 Rex moved the factory to Crediton and operated from a number of buildings on the Lords Meadow Industrial Estate.

In 1993 Graphic moved into a 50,000 square feet purpose-built facility.

In 2001 the company completed a 10,000 square feet extension to the factory, which was opened by HRH the Princess Royal.

Over the years Graphic has amassed many national and international quality approvals for its products and has achieved many accolades including Investors in People, Business Excellence awards and many customer performance awards year-on-year.

In 1999 Graphic became the first PCB Company to achieve the environmental ISO14001 standard.

In 2007 Graphic set up a new manufacturing venture with Somacis in China (Dongguan Somacis Graphic PCB Company) based on demanding technologies, reliability and high performance; this venture has achieved exceptional growth.

A further 18,000 square feet extension to the Crediton facility was added in 2017, to increase the manufacturing capacity by 20 per cent, to meet increased demand. 

An amazing 70 per cent of the workforce has been with the company for more than 10 years, with the Directors averaging over 35 years; collectively with the workforce have a wealth of knowledge and experience to benefit all of its customers.

In 2016 Graphic Plc was acquired by the Fine PCB Group and continues to go from strength-to-strength, under the leadership of its original Directors.

Graphic Plc is one of the largest European manufacturer of time-critical and technologically complex HDI, Flex and Flex-Rigid printed circuit boards (PCB).

The company’s products are used in a range of complex electronics applications in markets such as defence, aerospace, industrial, space, medical and Formula 1.

The Company offers the UK’s most comprehensive set of technical expertise and capability across a wide range of substrate materials, thermal management, and design for manufacturing, resulting in products of the highest quality and reliability delivered within time critical lead times.

Commenting on this milestone, David Pike, CEO commented: “We are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit within a great team of employees, which has enabled us to constantly push new boundaries and enter new markets to better support our customers.

“We want to sincerely thank our customers, suppliers and staff for the trust they have placed in Graphic Plc during the last 50 years of business.”

The company is now looking forward to the next 50 years with optimism and confidence.