Trade Made
Signage & CNC Specialists
Trade Signage
Trade Signage Service
One of the main parts of our business is signage we provide a trade signage service to all local and national companies, we can produce any type of sign from large to small one off jobs to multiply batch productions, with over 25 years in sign making and manufacture to the trade we have seen and made pretty much everything you can think of but we are always looking for the next challenge, so if you're looking for a trade sign producer.
Why not give us a call
Why should I use your company?
That's easy here are some points that make us no.1
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25 years in sign manufacture CNC & CAD work.
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High quality work at sensible prices
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Next day delivery with express production
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Large range of materials or you can supply your own
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Fast, friendly, and experienced service
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Free advice if needed
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Backup Service for other CNC owners
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State of art CNC Routers
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Strictly Trade Only
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All work is fully confidential
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All our work is guaranteed
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Full Cad Design service
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Digital Printing
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Acrylic fabriaction
Signage we typically make
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Cut letters (flat cut carved engraved)
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Folded Sign trays
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Carved signage
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Engraved signs
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Built up letters and logos
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Totem signs
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Lightboxes
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Wooden signs
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House signs
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Projection signs
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Sign frame working
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Printed signs
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Print and cut to shape signs
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Vinyl lettering
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Fully assembly or component form
GENERAL
We offer a vast range of flat cut lettering in a large amount of different materials given you endless possibilities, we are able to achieve a wide range of finishes with the highest degree of quality in a costly and time saving manor.
FINISHES & EFFECTS
Most materials come in large range of thickness, finishes and effects as standard, from gold stainless steel effect to powder coated metal and polished bevelled acrylic, we do it all in house to the highest standards, we can create new innovate effects by applying layers of different materials to each other to create a unique visual impression on your customer.
TEMPLATES
All letters requirs a template (fixing / drilling guide) to help you position the letters correctly, we make 2 main types a simply paper layout with drill hole positions pre fixed from the design stage (which means all letters are per marked on their back when machined the reason for this is we have the drill hole positions saved on file so if a letter gets broke or stolen we can replace it without you needing to redrill new fixing holes simply pop it back on). We also make a rigid remples which is very hand for small letters being applied direct to the surface.
CUT LETTERS WE SUPPLY
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Flat cut
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Carved letters (prismatic )
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Engraved letters
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Built up letters
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Inlayed letters
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3d carved letters
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Recessed letters
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Vinyl cut letters
Cut Letters
FIXING METHODS
All flat cut letters come with range of fixing methods fitted in our factory ready for installation, the 4 most common types would be the standoff sign locators, long pin fixings, double side tape and direct glue to surface all methods have good and bad points just depends on your applications (please ring for advice if needed on this).
BASE PRODUCTION
The most common used materials for flat cut letters are acrylic, polycarbonate, Foamex, aluminium composite, aluminium, brass, copper, MDF, and plywood plus some types of hardwood we can basically machine any other material of your choice if needed.
Built up Letters
FINISHES AND MATERIALS
We make our letters and logos primarily from acrylic, dibond and aluminium which come in a wide range of thicknesses and finishes. From brushed silver to powder coated or colors matched sprayed with either choice of matt, semi-gloss or gloss, the possibilities are endless
GENERAL
We have been manufacturing and supplying 3D built up lettering & logos for many years now and have a high level of expertise & experience in building these complex letters.
INNOVATION
We are constantly innovating our products and production techniques to provide the very latest products to meet customer visions. From innovative ideas to building prototypes, we work hard to create products for you to make your customers stand out on the high streets.
FIXING METHODS
All flat cut letters come with range of fixing methods fitted in our factory ready for installation, the 4 most common types would be the standoff sign locators, long pin fixings , double side tape and direct glue to surface all methods have good and bad points just depends on your applications (please ring for advice if needed on this)
Looking for Built Up Letters?
Give us a call
Carved Letters
GENERAL
As well as the standard letters and built up letters we also manufacture a variety of carved 3d lettering this can range from letters with a chamfered edge to radiuses edges, we can recess or engrave parts of the letters tohighlight certain areas but themost popular would be the prismatic cut or triangle shaped letter this is where the letter is machined into a central point shown various angles ideally suited for gold leaf as it reflects the sun to make the letters standard out, this type of lettering is very popular and has been around since the 14th century so it has passed the test of time.
FINISHES AND MATERIALS
We can machine a range of different materials for our carved letters from MDF Foam PVC and Signblock all have their own good points and bad just depends on the application and size of the sign in question if you need any advice simply give us a call to discuss your requirements
Carved Panels
Another favourite type of signage panel is the v-carved sign mainly used for shop fascia and projection signs, This type of sign has been very popular over the years and rightly so if done correct it is a beautiful piece of signage that will last a lifetime with virtually no maintenance the origins of this type of sign predates the 14th century, so you know it passes the test of time.
PROCESS
We take a piece typically 19mm foam and v carved or engrave into the panel to form the shape of the letters and logo, once the panel is machined it is then spray to the desired background colors, after the main colour is laid down and dried we mask of the panel leaving the machined lettering to make it stand out, the most popular colors and traditional colours would be the gloss black background with gold leaf lettering, simply nothing more beautiful than this combination which always makes people stop and admire it especially the gold leaf as it really pops in the sun light
Sign Trays
BLANK SIGN TRAYS AND BOXES
One of the most common services sign companies require is for basic fabricated aluminum and dibond sign trays, we can machine the trays in component form for you to fabricate depending your budget or we can fully form the panels and leave them just ready for you to apply your graphics, whether you need them powder coated or sprayed we have the means to supply you with what you need.
STENCIL CUT
We also supply stencil cut trays, manufactured as above with detail routered cut out of the face of the tray. We then back these areas with coloured acrylic. For illumination we can supply them with aluminium back trays or dibond back trays with fluorescent tubes or leds, This technique allows the light to come through the stencil cut areas only, making it's face illuminate in a very effective manner
Need Sign Trays?
Inlayed Trays
We can then take the sign a step further by adding inlays into cut areas to give the sign some texture/3D effect, and with bevelled edges and stainless steel faces we can create unlimited effects.
For a more creative look we can make shaped trays where we cut and build up shapes to create bespoke fabricated tray systems, giving customers a totally unique product. We also mirror and replicate the process to create back to back or double-sided sign systems which can be mounted on post or projecting bracket.
Engraving
MECHANICAL ENGRAVING
Another popular source of revenue is the typical engraved sign, plaque or name plate a lot of our trade customers do not take this type of work on because they do not have the means to produce these items well fear no more we can do this to, we engrave a large range of different materials from stainless steel to brass to aluminium to plastic to wood you we have engraved it at some stage.
The beauty of and engrave sign is that it will never fade due to the nature of it you are remove a small amoun of material leaving a recessed area in the shape of a letter or logo this area can then be left as is showing the machined out area or colour filled with various types of paint and waxes, simply email us your requirement and we can take it from there.
Laser Engraving
PHOTO BY: CITRIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY
With a new addition to our state of the art workshop we can now offer you a laser engraving service, this gives us the ability to engrave photographs, logos and text onto a large range of different materials like acrylic, glass, marble and wood to name just few, so what does this mean for you, this new service gives you the abilty to customise products and gifts for your customers with their photographs and names on them just an extra way to generate more profit.
Projection Signs
A projection sign is a very common sign type found on the high street you can’t miss them as most shops would have one the beauty of a projection sign is it sticks out from the wall typically 90 degrees to the shop front hence this called the projection sign. The great thing about these signs are you can see the company logo or information from down the street you don’t have to be standing in front of the shop to see to see the sign this is what makes them so good, projection signs come in all sort of shapes and sizes, from simple basic graphics to complex multi layered illuminated signs we have made them all so If you need a projection sign made why not give our sale team a call we will be glad to help or advise on the best option for your projection sign.
Totem signs
Totem signs or monolith sign are freestanding structures that can be made in a variety of different materials. These freestanding signs and can be illuminated to increase their presents and impact.
The use of these signs guarantees maximum visual impact for your business and presents important brand and business information.
Typical totem signs would be used close to the road side to allow maximum customer impact when passing.
Here at trade made we can design and manufacture custom bespoke totem signs including all steel work, internal electrics and finishing to achieve the perfect signs for your customer.
Lightboxes
A lightbox is simply what it says a box that has light coming from it, the good thing with these is you can put a graphic in front of this light to illuminate that image, text or logo, lightboxes do not just coming in a box shape as the name might apply but they can be formed into any size or shape you may need so let you imagination you think it we can make it, lightboxes can be found everywhere but mainly in retail shops as they are a high impact, low cost visual display, lightboxes can be made freestanding they can be mounted onto walls they or suspended from the celling this makes them very versatile, so if you are looking for a visual , high impact, low cost, stunning sign a lightbox is your perfect choice, Why not Call our sales team today for a quote.
Sign Frames
With our metal workshop we can fabricate any type of aluminium or steel frame for any type of sign or display. All our frames come custom built to your specifications and can be finished in a wide range of options typically powder coated or wet sprayed is the norm but we can wrap the frame in vinyl or other media if a specific finish is required just let us know and we will sort.
Another good thing with a custom made frame is you can incorporate wiring loams and essential fixture points into the main design this will help to save time later In the assembly process of that specific sign or display.
Do you need a frame fixture if so we can also provide ground cages or wall brackets for holding the frame. There are many ways to fix the frame just depends on your application best advice would be to give us a call our sale team will be on hand to help with any inquiries.
Sign Assembly
We can fully assembly your sign or we can simply supply all the parts for you to assembly it yourself, some of our customers find having the sign premade and ready to install invaluable as it frees them up to work on sales or final fitting. On the other hand some of our other customers prefer to get their sign in component form so they can assembly it themselves the good thing about this is it saves you money as we don’t need to charge for labour in the assembly process thus making the sign cheaper, whatever level of assembly you want we can help, we always give free advice and help in all case at its really a case of is your time better spent in sales or manufacture each have good and bad points but whatever the case we are here for you.
Sign Blanks
As well as all the other types of signs we manufacture we also produce signs blanks in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Typically sign blanks are used on wall and freestanding way finder posts, they can either be powder coated, wet sprayed and we can also cover them in vinyl for a textured looked the possibilities are endless.
The great thing about a sign blank is you can add your own graphics or we can do this for you if required, we normally make our sign blanks from Aluminium for longevity and damage resistance but we also make them in other materials like composite and plastic.
Fixing of a sign blank depends on its application or position most pole fitted signs blanks will have rails applied to the back of the blank for clip fixing to the post. Wall mounted blanks can a variety of fixing methods like direct glue, angle brackets, wall spacers to name a few simply give us a call or email and we can advise on the best possible fixture for your application.
Wooden Design
As you can see from our website cutting wood is second nature to us, we machine this material everyday so when it comes to making wooden signage we are masters at it. Wood is a brilliant material and if you look after will last a lifetime, the beauty with wood is it so versatile you can profile it, carve it, stain it, paint whatever, and it comes in many forms and grades. With most wooden signs they normally follow the same sort of procedure which is as follows.
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The sign is designed and material is chosen for it application, material selection is very important this is something our sale team would discuss with you as a lot of woods are not good in the wrong situation experience is key here luckily you are speaking to the right people 20+ years in the trade we know what we are talking about
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The wood is prepared this may include laminating of wood planks to get overall size as real wood typically comes in planks at 8-10” wide by 8ft long
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Blank is then planned so its flat and smooth ready for CNC Cutting
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The blank is then set up and CNC Carved and then cut to outside overall shape and size
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Sign is now ready for sanding and finishing
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Depending on sign finish and colours they would be multi finishing operations to get final finished sign
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Once sign is complete and quality checked is ready for shipping
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Final stage post and packaging, good packaging and a reliable fast courier, or you can collect from the factory yourself
As well as these standard wood signs, we can virtually make anything from wood.
Got an idea, need a quote or just a query why not drop us an email or even lift the phone for a chat our sales team are very experience and very friendly and will only be too happy to help
Acrylic Fabrication
OVERVIEW
We have been designing and manufacturing acrylic displays, guards and point of sale items for the last 15 years, we have extensive knowledge in gluing, bending, moulding and polishing all types of acrylics.
Over the years we have been asked to make many things from this versatile material from the simple shop display stand to the more complex acrylic moulded items which can be a very tricky to get right, Our state-of-the-art workshop contains all the necessary equipment required to process acrylic quickly and effectively.
Machine Guards
We also have been manufacturing machine safety guards just as long as our acrylic work really they both go hand in hand, we mainly use acrylic and polycarbonate for this application, but we also use a range of engineering grade plastic's like ABS, polypropylene Nylon and PTFE.
We can work directly from engineering blueprints and files or even a hand drawing sketches whatever you have to hand as long as there is dimension on it, we can make it no problem, with an engineering background trade made understands the importance of structural safe machine guards that will not break under extreme conditions.
Printed Signs
We make and provide a range of printed signage see more in our printed service page
We provide a full digital print service to the trade which included the following.
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Banners
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Printed vinyl
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Pop up displays
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Lightboxes graphics
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Mesh banners
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Stickers
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Contour cut panels
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Cut vinyl letters
Check out our print page for more details on this service.
Aplications and Materials
Here is a list of other applications we do
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Flat cut letters and logos
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Precision profiling
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3d modelling
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Inlay panels
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Nested & bridged manufacture
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Sign blanks
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MDF doors
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Canvas and poster production
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Radiused countertops
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Architectural mill work
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Slat wall
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Complex bevels, turnovers
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Carved 3d letters
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Precision drilling
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3d milling
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Engraving
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Large format cutting 2x3m
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Vacuum moulds
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Carved sign panels
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Furniture components
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Flat pack displays
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Prototyping
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Stencils
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V groove boards
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Complex surfaces
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Laser cutting and engraving
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Built up letters and logos
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Precision pocketing
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3d scanning
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Dibond panels with returns
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Manufacture of POS displays
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3d carved photos
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MDF components
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Kitchen doors and pelmets
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Fret work patterns
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Fireplace surrounds
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Melamine Laminating
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Panel works
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Digital Printing
Here is a list of common materials we use
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Perspex
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Lexan
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Nylon
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Pvc
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Abs
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Foam ex
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Forex
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All Hard woods i.e. oak
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All Soft woods i.e. pine
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Mdf
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veneered mdf
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Plywood
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chipboard
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Hdf
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Stainless steel
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Brass
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Aluminium
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Copper
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Dibond
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Rubber
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Corian
Kristy, owner
First time using this company and i am very impressed by their knowledge and workmanship, I would highly recommend them
Roger, production
We have used trade made before for a previous routering job, Always first-class service and high-quality work
Cris, boss
Simply the best in the trade we always use trade made for our cnc work nobody better
