Screen Solutions
Adelco is a world leading manufacturer of digital textile and screenprinting equipment and drying solutions. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
This is not just a corporate anniversary; it is an anniversary of a family that grew strong defying the odds.
Over the last half century, Adelco has survived recessions, wars, pandemics, and technology transformations that could have been fatal to some companies, but it has thrived and grown. The next fifty years will likely be even more challenging, and this milestone puts a stake in the ground for what the company is prepared for, and what comes next.
Starting from humble beginnings Adelco has grown from a small UK based manufacturer to a global brand with partners in more than 36 countries, with a large manufacturing facility based in Asia, and a work force of over 150 staff.
Alan Smith, along with two other partners – Des and Laurie – founded the company in 1972, based in Farnham, Surrey. Using their initials, they named the company Adelco. It has developed over the years, initially manufacturing screens, art and design for electronic components, circuit boards and cosmetic toiletry containers.
By the late ’70s the company had moved to a larger premises, and was producing screens for electronic, cosmetic and textile applications. In 1979, Adelco started manufacturing screen printing and drying systems and importing textile machines into the UK and then Europe. This was a real turning point for the company.
Adelco moved to Bordon, Hampshire in 1990, located in three industrial units producing textile printing machinery. With Alan’s two sons, Leigh and Mark, onboard, with experience in engineering and sales, the company grow steadily.
In 2006, Adelco moved the manufacturing plant to China, and with the in-house original designs and inspired engineering in both drying and printing solutions, soon expanded production threefold.
In 2020, Adelco rebranded, reflecting the company’s evolution into a global manufacturing business.
Leigh Smith, CEO, commented: ‘Over the last 50 years Adelco has grown to be a well known and respected brand. Our decision to launch our new logo and brand identity better reflects our market leading position and our technically advanced offerings to the market.’
With three new dryer innovations launching at Fespa, Berlin this year, the company continues to push the boundaries of technology and engineering. It will continue to deliver relevant and groundbreaking screen printing and drying technology with the customer at the heart of all their machines from design to installation.
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