GSM Graphic Arts

GSM Delivering Smarter Labelling Solutions

GSM Graphic Arts — 02/03/2026

Throughout 50 years of manufacturing labels to customers specifications we have become experts in ensuring that all information and detail is visible on your labels to ensure that they work smarter for your company and customers.

Labelling Solutions

We offer a range of plastic and metal labels, nameplates and graphic overlays. These are all made to our customers specifications and can all be very different in their application and usage so choosing the correct one for your product design is essential for a successful conclusion.

An electrical device may need a graphic overlay to complete its aesthetic and seal the products electronics. This may need to incorporate functional buttons and windows. This would not be useful or a smart option for an outdoor sports equipment manufacturer who needs an all-weather, highly instructive plate for their product.

How to make the Labels Smarter

The company manufacturing the electrical device needing live electronics to be covered would benefit from using smart button technology on a plastic substrate. The buttons on the graphic overlay can be manufactured in a variety of ways, and this helps the graphic overlay to work smarter.

Generally, buttons need to be obvious and there are several ways to achieve this. Embossing techniques can be used and include rim embossing and pillow embossing (to name a few). However, embossing techniques may not always be necessary and a simple way of highlighting a button can be to use a selective lacquer to create a contrasting finish to the material that therefore highlights the functional button. Both options are a great way to showcase buttons and switches.
There are also a variety of display windows that can be used, each with their own unique purpose. The option used depends upon the application and these options can make a label become smarter to use by incorporating a translucent red, secret until lit, LED or fully transparent windows.

The choice of which window to use would depend on what is to be read or interpreted through the window. A decision to be made in the label design stage.
Sports equipment needs a plate on it that is informational and informative, giving the user clear instructions for use. These instructions can be lengthy and expansive which could mean that an enormous label or plate would be needed to display them all. This would not be easy to install or economical.

A smarter option for the instructions plate would be to include a QR code on the plate which the user or customer can scan using their smart phone. The QR code can link to the instructions and would even be able to include a demonstrative video.

In conclusion, as technology is evolving, the way we can incorporate this in our label design is evolving too. We would be keen to discuss your labelling solutions and how we could make them smarter for your company.
Contact us to discuss.

Sarah successfully completes the Race to the Castle

GSM Graphic Arts — 18/08/2021

Last month Sarah Peckitt took part in a 100 km ultra-marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research and The Brain Tumour Charity.

In preparation for the event, when not providing label and nameplate quotations for GSM’s customers, Sarah trained hard for the walk of a lifetime covering 100 km over 2 consecutive days to raise money for charity.

As the sponsors came in, the days leading up to the event ticked away and the pressure was on! After a long wait the first day finally arrived and the weather in Kirkharle was miserable! Muddy, wet and cold. The views and scenery were interrupted by the deep fog that had set in. Even so, Sarah took an incredible 82,380 steps to complete the first day of the walk.

After a night spent camping near Amble the weather on the second day was fortunately a complete contrast. There was plenty of sunshine and sea views to enjoy with the route following the Northumbrian coastline as a more cheerful Sarah strode merrily towards the finish line at Bamburgh Castle.

Having completed her first Race to the Castle Sarah counted her blisters of which there were many. Trying to counteract the dampening effect of the blisters, Sarah then counted how much money she had raised for charity… a whopping £1395!

This completely smashed Sarah’s original £1000 target. Well done, Sarah.

Explore GSM’s Anodising Capability

GSM Graphic Arts — 08/01/2025

For over 50 years we have proudly manufactured our anodised aluminium labels, nameplates and fascias at our factory in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Over the decades our business has grown dramatically and so has our site. The building has expanded to house our; production, sales, quality, finance, marketing and graphic design teams. Having all our departments running in-house ensures seamless correspondence with each team providing an efficient order and manufacture process for your labels.

State-Of-The-Art Anodising Plant
Of the varying production departments, we will take a closer look at our anodising plant. Overseen by one of GSM Graphic Arts longest serving team members having worked at GSM for almost 30 years, its safe to say that the team is highly experienced.

Undergoing many facelifts’ over the years due to advances in technology, we now have a state-of-the-art anodising plant and that coupled with the experience of our team makes for an expertly made aluminium nameplate or label. The latest update to the anodising plant included a bespoke tank, this enabled us to increase productivity and increase capacity.

The anodising process involves chemicals which our team are trained (in depth) how to use to anodise but more importantly we invest heavily in chemical health and safety training to protect our workforce. The chemicals that we use must be disposed of and therefore GSM Graphic Arts uses a chemical waste specialist to responsibly dispose of the chemicals used in the process.

Quality is Our Highest Priority
As with all departments at GSM, quality is very important. To ensure the labels that we are manufacturing continue to stay on target for completion our team are trained to spot any issue with the material that may impact on the process or any further processes. This is part of our commitment to providing quality products that are manufactured to your specification.

Once we have anodised the labels, they continue their journey through various departments before making their way to you. Due to the experience and dedication from our expert team we can manufacture aluminium labels that are durable and hard-wearing for use in internal and external applications. Our capabilities with anodising are not limited to anodised labels, we can also manufacture aluminium control panels, nameplates and fascias.

Contact Us

Contact our dedicated team to discuss your anodised aluminium label requirements.

GSM Continues to Support Customers through Difficult Times

GSM Graphic Arts — 23/06/2021

Following on from the Ventilator challenge that GSM Graphic Arts participated in last May, we have continued to support our customers through the challenging beginning to this year.

As UK based manufacturers of labels, nameplates and overlays, GSM Graphic Arts have enabled our customers to continue to manufacture their products throughout the pandemic.

We supply medical companies with overlays and serial plates that they use for life saving equipment. We manufacture metal and plastic rating plates for use within the transport industry on vehicles that have kept the country running. We offer our customers a first-class service in printing their essential labels, nameplates and graphic fascia’s.

Please view our full range of manufacturing capabilities.

Hard Wearing Graphic Overlays

GSM Graphic Arts — 06/01/2025

Graphic overlays are a visual display for an interface panel that ensures a product functions correctly. You may think that choosing a graphic overlay means you have to choose between appearance or functionality, that the more hard-wearing it is, the less eye-catching and visually appealing it becomes. But at GSM Graphic Arts, we can offer you the best of both worlds.

We can provide you with high-quality, durable graphic overlays that complement your product and meet its requirements. Our graphic overlays are created bespoke to your design needs. We can make them with a range of finishes, including hard-wearing materials that will handle some of the harshest environments. Here’s what you need to know about our hard-wearing graphic overlays.

What are Graphic Overlays Used For?
Graphic overlays are used to convey crucial operational information to users, as they are often used for control panels, while also looking great and offering a professional finish to a product. They provide a layer of protection to the device it sits on and their excellent durability means they can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Each touchpoint on a graphic overlay will complete a different function, so the symbols or icons used are of significant importance. Graphic overlays help convey the functionality of a product and are the primary touchpoint for user interface.

A graphic overlay is also the face of your company for the product user, so they should not only function well but also look great. When you design a graphic overlay, you can customise it with your branding and company logo to ensure an overall cohesive finish and promote brand awareness. Graphic overlays are found in a wide range of industries from marine, electronics, medical and security.

Materials Used for Graphic Overlays
Graphic overlays can be made from a range of materials and finishes like polycarbonate and polyester. Polycarbonate is ideal for graphic overlays due to its high impact resistance and is found everywhere in industries like engineering due to its rugged nature. Polyester is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide and is perfect for extreme environments due to it being resistant to chemical agents and biological contaminants. It makes an excellent choice for industries like medicine and pharmaceuticals.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we aim to ensure that your graphic overlays are durable and built to last, which is why we either silkscreen or digitally print them with your design. With this method, we can perfectly colour match to recognised colour specifications or match a sample you provide to us.

To ensure a durable, hard-wearing quality to your graphic overlay, we can finish it with a variety of different textures that will be ideally suited to the environment it will eventually be exposed to. Hard-wearing coatings and transparency and gloss levels can be supplied to suit your needs, and we can also easily incorporate your business brand into the final design.

Our graphic overlays provide the perfect durability to your product, thanks to their hard-wearing nature. As the top layer of your product, they can provide water resistance, UV resistance, chemical resistance, scratch resistance, heat resistance and much more.

Graphic Overlays from GSM Graphic Arts
At GSM Graphic Arts, we can provide you with an extensive range of graphic overlays, including our control panel overlays made from aluminium that can be either screen or digitally printed. We can also anodise the aluminium to create a durable, scratch-resistant finish that can then be used for a wide range of outdoor applications. We can also etch and fill stainless-steel control panels for use in extreme environments like the marine and oil and gas industries.

We also provide fascia panels using various materials and manufacturing methods, including under-surface printed plastic panels, etched and filled stainless-steel panels and fully anodised aluminium panels to ensure we can offer you a solution to suit your needs. Our fascia panels are printed using a digital printing system that can re-create full photography imagery, so there are no limits to your design choices, meaning you do not have to compromise on your product’s aesthetics.

Our metallic labels are produced using a metallised substrate with surface printing for text detail, which is then protected by a UV lacquer or over-laminate to provide a cost-effective finish. For an even more robust finish, chrome and metallic inks can be printed under the surface onto Lexan polycarbonate and Autotype polyester. The inks can be printed selectively onto suitable overlay materials to create embossed switch areas and clear windows for LED and LCD displays.

Our unique products can be manufactured with transparent components, and you have your choice of textured and lacquered finishes for maximum durability and complete customisation. If you would like to learn more about our range of hard-wearing graphic overlays, do not hesitate to contact us.

GSM Group Becomes Employee-Owned, Securing the Legacy of Its Founders

GSM Graphic Arts — 09/02/2026

GSM Group Becomes Employee-Owned, Securing the Legacy of Its Founders

GSM Group Limited is proud to announce a major milestone in its history: the business has officially transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), placing ownership of the Group into the hands of its employees.

The change in ownership marks the realisation of a long-held ambition of founders Frances Dodd and her late husband Barry Dodd CBE, who built GSM with the belief that its greatest strength has always been its people. By becoming employee-owned, GSM is ensuring that the individuals who contribute to its success every day now have a meaningful stake in its future.

The Group, which includes GSM Graphic Arts Limited in Thirsk and GSM Valtech Industries Limited in Wetherby, has transferred ownership from Frances Dodd to an Employee Ownership Trust. Under this structure, all employees are beneficiaries of the Trust and will share collectively in the long-term success of the business.

Frances Dodd will continue to play an active role in GSM as a Trustee, working alongside employee representatives from both sites to help guide the company into its next chapter.

Reflecting on the transition, Frances Dodd said:

“I am proud to be able to pass the business on to our wonderful team who have collectively, under CEO Paul Wright and Finance Director Gill Gitsham, continued to drive GSM forward. This transition marks an exciting new era for the company and for all of our employees. Barry and I always believed that the success of GSM came from its people — this ensures that legacy will live on.”

CEO Paul Wright added:

“This is a proud day for everyone at GSM. Becoming employee-owned means putting our people first and giving them a real stake in the business. Our team will now truly share in the rewards of their hard work and dedication, helping to ensure our continued growth and success. This transition is a lasting tribute to Frances and Barry’s vision and secures GSM’s independence for generations to come.”

Founded more than 50 years ago, GSM has grown into a world-class manufacturing group, supplying industrial nameplates, graphic overlays, and precision-engineered components to customers across a wide range of sectors, including electronics & electrical equipment, telecommunications & broadcast, and aerospace & defence.

The move to employee ownership reinforces GSM’s long-standing commitment to its people, its customers, and the communities of North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. It ensures the business remains innovative, sustainable, and proudly local, while protecting the values on which it was built.

GSM Graphic Arts – Going Greener Installing Solar Panels

GSM Graphic Arts — 12/03/2021

GSM Graphic Arts is doing our part to help the planet by ensuring that our manufacturing plant is as sustainable as it can possibly be. Due to an increase in customer requirement and as part of our continuous improvement we had to invest in technology and machinery to keep up with new demand. As a company we were determined to do this with the environment in mind.

So, in 2020 we commissioned Geo Green Power to install solar panels at our factory in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Our Ongoing Eco-friendly-ness
For over a decade GSM Graphic Arts has been zero landfill whilst manufacturing our high-quality labels, nameplates and graphic overlays. This sustainability is a manufacturing achievement that we are very proud of.

To ensure we remain at the forefront with sustainability, last year we upgraded our print dryers which saw an overall reduction in energy consumption. Always wanting to do better and to ensure renewable energy generated was at a maximum we began the installation of the solar panels.

Installation from Geo Green Power
We are thrilled to announce that our brand-new photovoltaic systems replace old on-site diesel generators and substations.

There is now a 55kW roof mounted system delivering 43,000 kWh of electricity and saving 13 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Paul Wright, our CEO, says: “Having spoken with several providers and visited ‘happy users’, we selected Geo Green Power on the basis of recommendation, the effectiveness of the existing systems we reviewed, customer feedback and the professionalism exhibited by James and the team.

“Our project is fairly unusual in that we are using the system to manage peak demand and increase capacity, in addition to generating purely for environmental and ROI reasons.”

We will also install a battery storage system and EV charger. In total we hope to save 20% on energy bills and once the battery system is operational and optimised this may increase.

With all of this in mind you can be sure that when you work with GSM Graphic Arts you are choosing a company that is actively becoming more and more sustainable and helping the environment along the way.

Printed Labels manufactured in Yorkshire

GSM Graphic Arts — 30/07/2019

With a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over 40 years printing label, nameplates and fascias there’s no wonder we call ourselves the label, nameplates & fascia specialist and if the friendly approach of our dedicated employees isn’t enough you may ask yourself, what can GSM Graphic Arts uniquely offer our company as our labelling and nameplate supplier?

Well firstly, your experience with GSM begins with our in-house studio who will provide you with the artwork to produce your requirement giving you a visual of your intended product before we begin printing it.

If an anodised aluminium plate is required we will electrically charge the aluminium using sulphuric acid to open the pores of the aluminium so we can then print ink into the metal to provide a more durable and hard-wearing finish. GSM has recently invested in our new and improved, in-house anodising plant which has proved to increase productivity for GSM Graphic Arts and our customers.

Once the material is prepared our in-house printing team will print the design that the studio has prepared. Whether this is digitally printed or screen printed our team use their experience and knowledge to ensure that every label required is printed with the same exceptional quality.

After printing, the material has any adhesive or fixing holes added by our in-house finishing team before it is punched to shape or laser cut. The completed label, nameplate or fascia is then fully inspected by our in-house quality department who ensure that the finished product is of highest quality before it is packed to send.

If you would like to keep your company’s labelling with one supplier who keeps their in-house processes under one roof then please contact us to find out more.

GSM's Specialist Label Range

GSM Graphic Arts — 17/12/2024

At GSM Graphic Arts we pride ourselves on manufacturing quality products that will be durable enough to withstand the environments that they are subject to which is why we have created pages specially dedicated to our Specialist Labels range. On our website we explore further the uses for labels within the agricultural, catering and aerospace industries. We also review how antimicrobial, chemical, UV resistant and underwater labels can impact products whilst also being aesthetically pleasing. View our specialist labels here.

GSM provides essential Rugged Barcodes

GSM Graphic Arts — 25/01/2021

With the Coronavirus pandemic placing an ever-increasing amount of pressure on the warehousing and logistics industry, it’s no surprise that businesses are looking to optimise their current workflow strategy.

More consumers are forced into making online orders rather than in store orders, and this inevitably means that distributors and warehouse operatives are required to continually evaluate their strategy to ensure products reach consumers in a suitable timeframe.

With this in mind, Phil Deller, Business Development Manager at GSM Graphic Arts, takes a look at why rugged barcodes can make a genuine difference to the warehousing and logistics industry, especially in these trying times.

What Is The Difference Between A Barcode and A Rugged Barcode?

Within the logistics and warehousing industry, it’s no secret that a standard barcode that you’d see on a product in a shop simply isn’t fit for purpose. Barcodes come under immense pressures when in haulage, which can cause issues when it comes to successfully identifying products during their journey from supplier to consumer. Whereas a standard barcode’s integrity can be compromised during transit, and even during storage and handling, a rugged barcode’s cannot.

Rugged barcodes are made from extremely durable materials, meaning that they can withstand a huge amount of external pressure, whilst the barcode itself remains intact and scannable. They operate in exactly the same way that a standard barcode does, but are specifically designed to maintain their integrity for long periods of time.

Why Choose Rugged Barcodes?

As mentioned previously, rugged barcodes are exactly that, rugged. This inevitably means that they are more than capable of withstanding the harshest of working environments. Standard barcode solutions aren’t suitable for most settings, especially if you’re dealing with transporting larger, high value items over considerable distances.

Scanning issues will be a thing of the past if you do choose rugged barcodes. Taking the time to optimise your warehouse and logistics company can have a huge difference on productivity levels, and there’s evidence to suggest that barcoding scanning issues can cause issues for even the largest of operations. Having access to barcodes that are robust and capable of maintaining their integrity throughout their lifetime can help to avoid scanning issues, whilst also giving your staff the confidence they are able to effectively track items undergoing transportation, either through a courier or around your warehouse. Not only this, but it’s important to remember that rugged barcodes can be reused over and over, as they have been developed with longevity in mind.

One extremely important benefit that rugged barcodes can bring to your operation is the fact they can be cleaned with anti-bacterial spray without affecting the barcode itself. This is obviously a huge bonus given the Coronavirus pandemic, and can go some way to helping your staff feel safer when handling products.

How Are Rugged Barcodes Created & What Steps Are In The Process?

To fully understand how robust rugged barcodes are, it’s important to see the process that goes into creating them. The process begins by choosing a suitable base material; the material chosen will be influenced by the final application. During the initial consultation regarding your requirements, any good supplier will look to nail down your exact requirements and make a recommendation on materials based on product intent.

In the warehousing and logistics industry, there’s no getting away from the fact that scruffs and scratches are part and parcel of any packaging’s life. This applies to barcodes too, so an anodised aluminium barcode is usually best suited to these industries. However, a stainless-steel base could also be recommended if the barcode is likely to come into contact with high-temperatures or harsh solvents, fuel or oils. It’s essential that you consider all of the variables during the consultation phase, as this can help you to eradicate any issues with your barcode further down the line.

When it comes to displaying the information on your barcode, etched stainless-steel rugged barcodes are usually a popular choice as its properties are capable of increasing your product’s overall lifespan considerably. There are many other options available too, but the options provided will depend on your barcodes anticipated environment.

Utilising under-surface digitally printed plastic labels is also a popular and cost-effective way of enhancing your current barcoding solution. If you anticipate that your barcode will be stored and transported in relatively neutral settings, this type of label, combined with a durable finish and a clear substrate, will be more than capable of withstanding anything it faces. Not only is this option extremely durable, it’s also aesthetically pleasing, so is a great option for customer facing barcodes.

The final part of the process will see your business decide on the adhesive used on the rugged barcode. The adhesive used will depend on your budget and requirements, though mechanical fixings can be incorporated into the design for aluminium and stainless-steel products. In some cases, a high-quality self-adhesive tape could also suffice too, especially if the barcode is only going to be used on well stored and transported products.

Whilst the initial outlay will be more than a standard barcode, by investing in durable barcode technology, your business can stand to reap the benefits for years to come. Rugged barcodes can help your staff to quickly and effectively track all products, without any of the issues presented by standard barcodes.

GSM Graphic Arts are one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of high-quality labelling products. They manufacture a range of specialist labels, nameplates, graphic overlays and rugged barcode labels using various processes and substrates, including most metals and plastics.

GSM Explains UV Printing – Ultraviolet Printing

GSM Graphic Arts — 17/04/2025

GSM Explains UV Printing – Ultraviolet Printing

What are the benefits of UV printing for labels, nameplate and graphic overlays and what this means for your products. Let us explore and explain.

As with any manufacturing process, label printing has various methods. At GSM Graphic Arts, we can digitally print and screen print. We can under-surface and surface print. And we can use solvent-based ink or UV cured inks.

Digital or Screen Printing

We offer both options for printing as there are many designs of labels that we print. When we are presented with a serial numbered nameplate or a multicoloured logo badge we would look to digitally print these. Digital printing means we can replicate photographic imagery and program the printers to sequentially print serial numbers and or barcode/QR codes.

Screen printing is a traditional method for higher volume production of nameplates and logo badges that we continue to use. We have a very experienced print team, and their technical expertise is extremely important in the screen printing method.

UV – Ultraviolet Printing

Becoming an environmentally preferred method of printing, UV inks are cured using ultraviolet light preventing them from emitting odour into the atmosphere surrounding them. We have invested heavily in the drying technology used in our print department to ensure a smooth process. The dryers used to dry solvent-based inks have already incorporated into them an infrared light which can cure the UV printed inks, saving space and time.

What This Means For Your Products

Having a UV printed label or overlay on a product increases the lifespan of the product, especially if it is located outdoors.

During a products lifespan outside, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun, over time, can break down the chemical bonds of inks used and therefore fade the printed detail.

The impact of degraded labels could be devastating, for example, if a label houses warnings and those fade, a user of the product may end up hurt or seriously injured.

Using a UV ink along with the correct material for your application could be a solution to this problem.

Contact our team to discuss your application and how UV printed labels may help.

The Career Progression of a Trainee Silk Screen Printer

GSM Graphic Arts — 04/02/2021

GSM Graphic Arts' Digital Printer, Tim Dale, provides a great case study for the career progression opportunities on offer for those going into the Printing sector of UK manufacturing.

Tim was identified through the personal development scheme, starting out at GSM Graphic Arts as a Trainee Silk Screen Printer.

Tim quickly expressed an interest to progress his learning through gaining experience in various roles within the company, which were supported with training; namely a "Level 3 CMI in Management and Strategy" course which was fully funded by GSM Graphic Arts.

Job progression has already been achieved in Tim's relatively short career, who has progressed from a Trainee member of staff, to become a qualified "Digital Printer". A typical day for Tim in this role will often start by him gathering the works orders for the digital suite and then setting them into machine dockets within date order.

As part of this process, he will identify and collate all the material requirements, size variants and any efficiency he can apply. His objective will be to stagger the start point of each machine so that as one finishes he can reload the next job, vital for keeping every machine running with minimal downtime.

Tim’s training allows him to meticulously plan the workload through the suite. This training also means that he can support the production role planning on a bigger scale, across the entire plant.

Throughout his journey with GSM Graphic Arts, Tim has been given various opportunities that have allowed him to take on additional experience. Peter Young, Operations Director, agreed a training plan for Tim that supported his ambitions and met the needs of the company where key skills were needed.

Looking forward to the future, the next step in Tim's career progression map may well be as an Assistant Production Manager. However, the opportunities for career growth and learning are vast within this sector.

GSM Graphic Arts has for many years actively looked to develop its team at every level within the business. This has been one of the core values at GSM from the start of the company over 40 years ago. In this time, the company is proud to have seen this investment in its staff allow for the likes of apprentices to eventually go onto work in Senior Management positions.

Founded in 1974 and based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, GSM Graphic Arts is the UK leader in the manufacture of Labels, Nameplates & Fascia panels.

GSM Manufactures UKCA Labels

GSM Graphic Arts — 28/09/2021

The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. Therefore it is essential to find a label pritner to produce labels to house the new UKCA marking.

GSM Graphic Arts has been printing our customers updated labels, nameplates and fascias that need to include the UKCA marking.

A large number of markets are required to display the UKCA marking including; electrical equipment, measuring instrumentation, equipment for use outdoors, radio equipment and many more.

Click here to find out more about how GSM can help with your UKCA label requirement.

GSM contributes to Ventilator Challenge

GSM Graphic Arts — 04/05/2020

GSM Graphic Arts have gained opportunities to contribute towards the Ventilator Challenge with the supply of identification labels, serial labels, graphic overlays and control panels to both existing and new customers alike.

Following initial enquiries from several companies involved in the Ventilator Challenge UK project GSM was able to quote, manufacture and dispatch the initial batches of labels and overlays within a 24-hour time frame. This enabled the labels to be assembled onto products in time for the approval testing to be completed.

The comprehensive manufacturing capability, based in Thirsk, has enabled them to produce plastic product labels and graphic overlays utilising a polyester film which has antimicrobial protection embedded within the textured hard coat to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria.

The polyester is then screen printed on the reverse side to offer a durable, protected finish within which they can offer translucent display windows, led windows and embossed switch pads.

In order to meet the required specifications GSM has also been able to offer finishes which withstand the autoclave sterilisation processes used, this will ensure that the labelling remains legible and in place through the life of the product.

These materials include Polycarbonate film and anodised aluminium, both of which we can digitally print to offer unique identification details, serial numbers and barcodes.

GSM’s in-house design studio, digital print and laser cutting capabilities ensure that they are well placed to respond to urgent label requirements as well as full production requirements. Read more.

Ready to Raise Your Product Branding

GSM Graphic Arts — 21/05/2025

Discover how GSM Graphic Arts incorporates trending styles into the design of your product badge or graphic overlay.

With over 50 years manufacturing product branding badges, we remain at the forefront of the latest technologies to print and cut labels nameplates and graphic overlays. We also understand and study current and emerging trends to ensure that our labels, nameplates and graphic overlays are relevant and understood.

Product branding can also house instructions for use and warning messages for operators. This is why the layout is key to the design of the badge and something we take very seriously at GSM.

Not only that, branding badges and overlays often incorporate operational functions and lights which are used to display multiple messages or house/cover an operational button or switch. It is important that the designer of the label ensures functionality is priority but does not deter from the aesthetic of the product.

Once a design has been decided the printing of the branding badge or graphic overlay is also paramount as the inks used have to withstand the environment it is subjected to. Ways that our printing can raise and enhance your product branding is through digital printing. This offers a full colour and photographic imagery as standard, ensuring that your brand will be vibrant and eye catching. Digital printing also enables us to incorporate variable information, for example, sequential numbers and barcode/QR codes.

From what has been said it may seem that labels or branding badges need to be very large to incorporate everything however, this is the beauty of the label design. They can be as large or as small as you require because of the design and the technology we use to print and cut.

Find out how GSM can help you level up your product branding by contacting us.

Yorkshire Based Label & Nameplate Manufacturer supports local charities!

GSM Graphic Arts — 26/11/2019

Made in Yorkshire members GSM Graphic Arts, The Label, Nameplate & Fascia Specialists, recently announced that in September 2019 they raised a further £700 towards charity, through a cake sale and the Great North run, building on a proud, and continued tradition of supporting charities.

Throughout the year, two GSM Graphic Arts team members had trained hard to race in the Great North Run. Exchanging their label manufacturing attire for a pair of trainers, on Sunday 8^th September they raced across the North East to complete the 13.1-mile long race for Brain Tumour Research and Macmillan.

On September 26^th, GSM Graphic Arts hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning. Producing fairy cupcakes, chocolate cookies and Victoria sponges instead of aluminium labels, stainless steel nameplates and plastic fascias the GSM employees embraced the cake day that saw the company raising monies for a great cause.

This year also includes other charitable events, including team members and their dog, who took part in a Poppy Run to raise money towards British Legion. Earlier on in the year, GSM Graphic Arts also donated a sum towards Thirsk Clock, a local charity. In addition to donating 2 iMac PC’s and a cheque donation for the MAP Charity.

Speaking about the labelling manufacturers approach to charity, and what it means, Paul Wright, CEO of GSM Graphic Arts, stated: “The team here at GSM are a tight-knit bunch and we are proud at how we demonstrate such a strong sense of social responsibility, team members at all levels partake. We recognise we are very fortunate and are always ready to pull together to help others who may be experiencing difficult periods in their lives. Events such as these and the upcoming Elf Day on December 6th in aid of Alzheimer’s Society help to cement a strong team ethic which can only improve the working environment.”

However, this success won’t stop here. The company has also announced that in 2020 they will be introducing a donation match scheme whereby any money that is raised will be matched by GSM Graphic Arts.

Help GSM Graphic Arts to continue supporting local charitable causes and contact us to discuss your requirements for labels and nameplates.

We design your Graphic Fascia Panels since 1974

GSM Graphic Arts — 05/04/2019

At our factory in Thirsk we have been designing and manufacturing your graphic fascia panels since 1974.

To read more about our capabilities please click here.

GSM launches new e-commerce website

GSM Graphic Arts — 06/01/2021

GSM Graphic Arts has launched their new GSM Online Label Sales website which offers a quick and convenient way of ordering bespoke, off-the-shelf labels, online.

By offering a range of standard templates customers can choose which most suits their particular requirement and customise the labels by adding their own details such as company, phone number and website.

The online label sales options include Product Rating & Machine Labels, Asset Serial No. & Asset Tags, Warning Labels & Signage and Laser Marking & Engraving Blanks.

GSM Online Label Sales offers a choice of either anodised aluminium or digitally printed Polycarbonate label depending on the product type. A range of colours and choice of fixing types are also offered. The labels are UV durable and have been tested for a minimum of 5 years without fading or discolouration to ensure that GSM’s online label range meets the same high quality as our custom label range.

GSM Online Label Sales is perfect for low volume and one-off label requirements as there are no origination or set-up charges. The labels are produced to the customers specification and are ready for despatch in 7 working days, using a next day carrier to ensure that the customised labels are delivered without delay.

For further information please visit www.gsmonlinelabelsales.co.uk

Challenges of Harsh Environmental Forces – Land, Sea & Air

GSM Graphic Arts — 04/02/2020

When we think of industries such as the oil and gas, marine and aerospace industries, there is an instant association with extremely harsh environments. From facing the elements of the deep blue sea in the marine and oil and gas industry to the devastatingly harsh environments faced in the sky by aircraft – there is a real reliance on ensuring that the right types of products and materials are always used in the production of all equipment and machinery.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the key environmental challenges faced by the industries, whilst also highlighting some of the ways durable labelling products have been able to ensure the safety of those who work within the sector.

Oil And Gas Industry & Marine Industry – Land & Sea

The oil and gas industry is an extremely important part of many modern countries’ economies, but the reality of working within the industry can actually pose many dangers to those who work within the sector.

With activity in the oil and gas industry taking place in a range of environments, there is a necessity for extremely durable products and materials to be used throughout the industry. The likes of durable labels, overlays and other information bearing signage can be difficult to come by for these industries, but are of the utmost importance.

It’s extremely important to guarantee that anyone who is working in the oil and gas industry has clear signage displayed throughout the workplace, to minimise the risk of injury. Utilising stainless steel 304 or 316, depending on the exact conditions that you are likely to be working in, is usually advised as the material can be finished in a variety of styles, including bright, satin and brushed finishes.

When it comes to the marine industry, there is an obvious need for products and equipment to be created with longevity in mind. The environments faced by anyone who works within the marine industry are usually challenging, especially when weather conditions are adverse. With the vast majority of the marine industry completely exposed to the elements, it’s extremely important that all products, equipment and signage are created with permanence in mind.

With a huge amount of oil and gas companies using offshore based machinery to gather fuel, it’s vital that every machine is capable of being identified clearly. Highly durable stainless steel labels are a necessity within the sector and used extensively.

To ensure long-term durability of the label, a chemical mask will be printed on the steel. This mask will then later resist an acid solution which the steel is immersed within. This process ensures that the bespoke design required is clearly visible, but also guarantees that each label is capable of withstanding the day to day wear and tear associated with being used in a particularly challenging environment.

The Aerospace Industry - Air

The aerospace industry competes with a whole host of issues on a regular basis, from rigorous design specifications to exposure to extreme environments. When designers are considering which products should be used within their aircraft, there are a number of considerations that must be taken to guarantee the safety, and longevity of the aircraft.

When it comes to labels used on and in aircraft, they are required to hit a number of complex specifications in order to be fit for use. Just a few of these specifications include being chemical resistant, weatherproof and flame retardant – all of these requirements are absolutely essential.

For example, when it comes to the use of aluminium labels within the aerospace industry, only fully anodised labels are suitable to be used. By utilising anodised aluminium labels, the text that needs to be displayed on the label can be either silkscreen or digitally printed to ensure the ink is locked within the grain of the product. By utilising this process, the finished product is extremely durable and hard wearing, making it perfect for the aerospace industry. Anodised aluminium has also passed salt mist and UV durability tests, which helps to guarantee the longevity of each product.

Another great example of durable labelling products being used within the aerospace industry can be seen through the use of fascia panels. This particular product has become a mainstay within almost all commercial aircraft, as they provide a clear readout for all instruments they accompany. When working within challenging environments, fascia panels are specifically created with durability and visibility in mind, for this reason they can be created with either an illuminated or non-illuminated panel.

Fascia panels can be created using a variety of materials, all of which are completely suitable for the harsh environments that the aerospace industry encounter on a regular basis. Under-surface printed plastic panels, fully anodised aluminium panels, etched and filled stainless steel panels are the most commonly used types of materials within the aerospace industry, as they are relatively cheap to manufacture but also offer robust properties.

This article was written by Phil Deller, Business Development Manager at GSM Graphic Arts, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of high-quality product labels, based in Thirsk.

GSM Group Supports the Richard Shephard Music Foundation

GSM Graphic Arts — 26/02/2025

Yorkshire's GSM Group is celebrating three years of support for local primary schools via local charity the Richard Shephard Music Foundation.

The Foundation provides weekly music teachers in primary schools across North Yorkshire, which means thousands of local children are getting more music at school.

"Having regular music lessons from a young age has been proven to help brain development, make children happier, help broaden their horizons, and build confidence and creativity." said Cathy from the Foundation. "And with school budgets tight, any help from organisations and charities will make sure children in our region don't miss out."

"We're aiming to be delivering weekly music lessons to 10,000 local children by 2026 and the support from GSM has been absolutely vital to this growth. They saw the potential to make sure the region's children are getting the very best opportunities and it's been a great partnership."

The three C’s of Label Printing

GSM Graphic Arts — 03/09/2025

The three C’s of Label Printing

GSM Graphic Arts has over 50 years’ experience in printing. We have a wealth of knowledge that we can share with our customers to ensure the perfect design for any label, nameplate or graphic overlay and to do so we start with the 3 C’s.

CONCISE – CLEAR – COMPLIANT

Concise

As many labels, nameplate and graphic overlays are used as warnings for hazards it is important that the information is kept to a minimum and concise. This comes from being direct with instructions and directions, removing any colloquial language and sticking to the bare minimum required for the command. The label does not need extra ‘fancy bits’ that detract from its main purpose or message.

That said, it may be useful to have a logo or QR code on the label or nameplate for further information or reference and this can be subtly worked into the design of the label.

Clear

Labels and nameplates we manufacture are used for warning and safety and need to be interpreted by many people. Because of this, it is crucial that these indicate very clear messages and instructions. Labels that house a warning need to be easy to understand and follow quickly. To ensure this, in our design we encourage clear text to minimise reading and generic, universal symbols.

Our design team work closely with our technical team to ensure functional operations and warnings are clear.

Compliant

Many product manufacturers use labels and nameplates on their products to display regulatory and compliance logos or registration numbers. Generally, it is the law that these markings must be shown on their products and is something that needs to be considered when designing the labels.

Whilst the markings are law it is still possible to produce an aesthetically pleasing label with all the detail required.

The comprehensive range of concise, clear and compliant labels that GSM manufactures can be discussed further with our team of experts, please call +44 (01845) 522184 or click here to visit our website.