Skip to main content

UK VMS manufacturers merge

Two major companies in the field of signage systems for highways, urban and rail sectors have joined forces, Variable Message Signs Limited (VMSL) and Techspan Systems, creating a stronger business with a broad product range and an extensive technical capability. Following the acquisition of VMSL in 2014, Hill & Smith Limited realised the opportunity to create a world class provider of variable message signs and systems as part of its HS Roads Technology Division. The new combined business will operate und
April 2, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Two major companies in the field of signage systems for highways, urban and rail sectors have joined forces, Variable Message Signs Limited (VMSL) and 2658 Techspan Systems, creating a stronger business with a broad product range and an extensive technical capability.

Following the acquisition of VMSL in 2014, 60 Hill & Smith Limited realised the opportunity to create a world class provider of variable message signs and systems as part of its HS Roads Technology Division. The new combined business will operate under the name of Variable Message Signs.

VMS provides the design, manufacture and installation of a comprehensive range of LED based technology solutions for both road and rail applications, and with a combined workforce of over 70 people, it will continue to operate out of the two current locations in Aylesbury and Newcastle.

Managing director of the new venture, Bill Hamilton, said, “Variable Message Signs can comfortably claim to have one of the largest installed bases of equipment in the UK highways sector. Not only can we service our existing customers more efficiently but, with our combined resources and capability, we are ideally placed to expand our overseas business.”

“The HS Roads Group is committed to maintaining its position as the market leader in its specialist fields,” commented Bernard Greene, head of the Technology Division. “The aim of integrating these two businesses is to provide an organisation that can provide the highest levels of service and support to our customer base and to deliver products which meet the increasing requirements for higher levels of reliability and availability. I think that Variable Message Signs is extremely well placed to fulfil all of our objectives.”

Related Content

  • February 2, 2012
    A carbon free and accident free Europe by 2015?
    By 2050, the Europe Commission aims to make transport in Europe carbon- and accident-free. Between now and then, however, a significant technological development and deployment effort is needed. Here, Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Agenda, talks about what's being done. In many respects, COOPERS, CVIS and SAFESPOT, set up by the European Commission (EC) to explore the potential of cooperative infrastructure systems, are already legacy projects. Between them, the three devel
  • February 26, 2014
    CA Traffic’s innovative radar traffic warning sign
    CA Traffic and Techspan Systems have combined industry expertise to present CA’s latest Traffic Warning Sign. The product uses CA’s radar technology but combines it with the well-established technical expertise of sister company Techspan Systems. The fully compliant warning sign uses the latest driving technology and surface mount LEDs. The product is reliable and low powered, with the options of mains or battery with solar or wind powered recharging. Designed to be lightweight, easy to transport and ins
  • May 20, 2012
    Trafficware and Naztec have merged
    Simulation, optimisation and adaptive control software specialist Trafficware has combined its talents with those of advanced traffic control hardware and software manufacturer Naztec to form what is being claimed to be the pre-eminent technology-based company in the traffic management sector. The merged companies will work under the Trafficware name from the recently completed Naztec Technology Center, a 90,000 square-foot purpose-built facility in Sugar Land, Texas.
  • April 27, 2023
    Jason Morrison, Daktronics: 'We test our products to complete failure'
    Jason Morrison, Daktronics ITS, parking & public transport market manager, explains how ITS products can mitigate the effects of climate change – and why they must be tested in the harshest conditions