Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Foam Board and Substrate Suppliers in the UK
General Print Materials, established in 1981, is a family-run business renowned for its expertise in supplying and manufacturing substrates for the print, design, and display industries. Our team combines decades of experience with a commitment to quality, offering a comprehensive range of services from raw material supply to bespoke fabrication and finishing. Specialising in foam PVC, acrylic, and foam-centred boards, we cater to clients across the UK, including high-end cosmetics manufacturers and luxury retail outlets.Our three divisionsretail, finishing, and manufacturingensure a seamless start-to-finish service, supported by low overheads that enable competitive pricing without compromising on excellence. With a focus on innovation and client-centric flexibility, we deliver tailored solutions for short to medium-run projects, backed by a reputation built on trust and repeat business.
Services
Foam board supply
POS displays
Signage solutions
Acrylic fabrication
Foam PVC cutting
Display design
Finishing services
Exhibition stands
Substrate manufacturing
Custom shaping
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We are family-run with over 40 years of industry experience.
- We offer a complete start-to-finish service across three complementary divisions.
- Our diamond polishing and mitred edges ensure exceptional finish quality.
- We serve high-end clients, including luxury retail and cosmetics manufacturers.
- We provide competitive pricing without compromising on quality or detail.
Services
Foam board supply
We supply the UK's largest range of foam-centred boards, including recyclable, self-adhesive, and textured options. Available in white or black, with thicknesses tailored to project needs. Our expertise ensures clients receive the optimal material for print, display, or signage applications, supported by competitive pricing and expert advice.
POS displays
Our point-of-sale displays combine practicality with high-end aesthetics, designed for luxury retail environments. Using materials like acrylic and foam PVC, we create eye-catching solutions that enhance brand visibility. Clients benefit from bespoke designs, precision fabrication, and finishes like diamond polishing for a premium result.
Acrylic fabrication
We offer custom acrylic fabrication, including cutting, bending, and polishing to exact specifications. Our technical capabilities handle projects of any size, from intricate logos to large exhibition stands. Advanced CNC routing and skilled craftsmanship ensure precision, durability, and a flawless finish for commercial applications.
Foam PVC cutting
Our foam PVC cutting services utilise power presses and CNC routers to achieve complex shapes and sizes up to 2m x 3m. Capabilities include heat bending, laminating, and non-slip coating applications. This service caters to niche requirements in signage, exhibition design, and bespoke display solutions.
Finishing services
We provide specialist finishing techniques such as diamond polishing, flame polishing, and UV gluing. These processes enhance product durability and visual appeal, ensuring a premium finish for clients in sectors like luxury retail and high-end cosmetics. Attention to detail guarantees exceptional results.
People
Peter Johnson
Managing Director
Peter leads GPM with over 40 years of industry experience, driving innovation and quality. He oversees strategic growth while maintaining the company's family ethos and commitment to client satisfaction.
Mandy Holmes
Sales Director
Mandy manages client relationships and sales strategy, ensuring tailored solutions for diverse industry needs. Her expertise in print and display substrates supports GPM's reputation for exceptional service.
Elaine Frearson
Sales Assistant
Elaine provides dedicated sales support, assisting clients with product selection and order fulfillment. Her role ensures smooth communication between customers and GPM's production teams.
Pete Garfoot
Fabrication Manager
Pete oversees manufacturing operations, combining technical skill with advanced machinery to deliver precision-crafted display solutions. His team ensures projects meet exacting quality standards and deadlines.
Questions
What materials do you supply for display solutions?
We supply foam-centred boards, acrylic, foam PVC, Gatorfoam, and more. Options include self-adhesive, textured, and recyclable materials.
Can you create custom-shaped displays?
Yes, our CNC routing and cutting capabilities handle bespoke shapes up to 2m x 3m in materials like acrylic and foam PVC.
Do you offer finishing services for displays?
We provide diamond polishing, flame polishing, laminating, and UV gluing for a premium finish on all display products.
Are your services available to small businesses?
Yes, we cater to both large-scale orders and individual clients, including single sheets or custom-cut materials.
How do you ensure quality in your products?
Our skilled team uses advanced technology and rigorous quality checks, focusing on precision and finishes like mitred edges.
Can you assist with full project manufacturing?
Yes, we offer end-to-end services from design and prototyping to fabrication and delivery, ensuring hassle-free solutions.
