An Argyll-based manufacturing company is targeting 20 per cent annual growth in the global awards sector after investing almost half a million pounds in new production technology.
Lochgilphead-based Midton has installed a biomass-powered autoclave as part of a £429,000 upgrade to increase production and improve the efficiency of its foundry. The move strengthens its position as one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of cast acrylic products and one of the few specialist acrylic foundries in the world.
The new autoclave significantly increases the scale, speed and complexity of castings the company can perform, enabling it to meet the growing demand of the international events and awards industry.
Midton works with a high-profile client base including the Royal Television Society, Universal Music Group, Irish Recorded Music Association and Gay Times. Its products are used for a number of prestigious awards and commemorative pieces.
An important pillar of Midton’s growth strategy is sustainability. The company has developed Remade, a recycled acrylic range made from recycled scraps. The material reduces reliance on virgin plastics while providing visual clarity and design flexibility.
The company says the sustainable offering has been well received by environmentally conscious customers and award winners alike.
Directors Graham Ramsay and Craig Cameron said the investment was a game-changer. “The new large autoclave fundamentally changes the scope and quality of the casting work we can do,” they said. “Sustainable manufacturing is not just a responsibility but an opportunity, and Remade allows us to offer a unique solution for the circular economy.”
Beyond production, Midton offers comprehensive design support, enabling bespoke colors, embedded objects and special casting effects. Other services include custom packaging, consistent reorders and hybrid digital-physical marking with QR codes.
The foundry’s roots date back to 1982 when it was originally established as Midton Crafts in Paisley, before moving to Argyll and branching out into acrylic casting. Over four decades, the company has evolved from giftware to corporate promotional items, barware for breweries and financial “tombstones” for the banking sector.
By investing in 3D design, laser cutting, UV printing and advanced finishing techniques, the company has expanded its range of services to include wood, metals and recycled materials.
With increasing global demand for high quality, sustainably produced awards, Midton believes its blend of high-tech manufacturing, in-house craftsmanship and environmental innovation positions the company for accelerated expansion in the international events market.
