Thermmark Ltd visit

Left to right, the image shows: Cllr Nick Mannion, Neville Robson – Founder and Director and Cllr Michael Gorman

Located in Congleton, Thermmark Ltd is a leading manufacturer, supplier and installer of thermoplastic playground markings, road markings and specialist surface marking solutions. Founded in 2013, the company has grown from a Cheshire-based business into an award-winning manufacturer serving customers across the UK and exporting to more than 30 international markets.

Supporting Learning Through Play

Thermmark helps schools, nurseries, local authorities and community spaces transform outdoor environments into engaging, educational and active places, designing and manufacturing durable, colourful markings that support learning, physical activity, safety and wellbeing while providing long-lasting value for customers.

Its range includes:

• Educational games and learning graphics
• Number grids and multiplication tables
• Hopscotch and playground games
• Maps and geography-themed markings
• Sports court markings
• Active play trails
• Bespoke school branding and designs

The company's thermoplastic products are highly durable, slip-resistant, UV resistant and designed to withstand intensive use in school environments.

Innovation and Growth

During the visit, discussions focused on the company's continued growth ambitions and investment in innovation. Thermmark is expanding its range of educational and activity-based products whilst continuing to invest in manufacturing technology and product development. Innovation remains central to the company's long-term strategy, enabling it to respond to changing customer needs and develop bespoke solutions for schools, local authorities and community organisations.

Building Success Through Teamwork

One of Thermmark's greatest strengths is its people. Since the company was founded in 2013, its growth and success have been built on a strong team culture where every individual plays an important role in delivering for customers and supporting the wider business. From design and manufacturing through to installation, sales, administration and customer support, employees work together to ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards.

The company recognises that building a successful business is a collective effort and places great importance on teamwork, collaboration and shared responsibility. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, support one another and take pride in the role they play in helping the business grow.

Building an International Presence

Leaders also heard about the company's growing international footprint. Alongside its extensive UK customer base, Thermmark has developed a network of installation and distribution partners across Europe and other international markets. This expansion is helping to create new opportunities for growth while reinforcing Cheshire East's reputation as a home for innovative and ambitious businesses.

Diversifying into New Markets

While best known for playground markings, the wider Thermmark business also delivers products and services across a range of sectors, including road markings, electric vehicle charging bay markings, public realm projects and commercial floor graphics. This diversification is helping to drive future growth and create new opportunities beyond the education sector.

Alongside its playground markings business, Thermmark supplies a range of rubber safety matting and ground reinforcement products used across education, leisure, commercial and public sector settings.

Its rubber grass mats are commonly installed in playgrounds, grass walkways and accessible pathways, and can be found at locations including Hyde Park in London, Trentham Gardens in Stoke on Trent, during events at Tatton Park and at hundreds of golf clubs nationwide. The company also supplies and installs grass reinforcement mesh, manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), helping create durable grassed parking and access areas while protecting natural landscapes.

Complementing this offer are products with a wide colour range including cellular pavers, geocells, geotextiles, gym flooring, equestrian matting and anti-slip surfaces, further demonstrating Thermmark's ability to serve a diverse range of customers and markets.

New Delivering Social Value and Creating Opportunities

Left to right, the image shows: Cllr Michael Gorman, Jagvir Dhillon, Harrison Elkington and Cllr Nick Mannion

Alongside its commercial success, Thermmark demonstrates a strong commitment to social value, investing in people and creating opportunities that support local communities. The company works closely with local colleges and education providers to help develop the skills needed for future careers in manufacturing, design, installation and business support, providing students with valuable insight into the world of work.

Thermmark also offers work placements, work experience opportunities and employment pathways for local people seeking to enter or return to the workforce. These opportunities help individuals gain practical skills, build confidence and develop experience that can improve their long-term employment prospects.

A particular focus of the company's social value activity is its partnerships with Springfield School, Cheshire College and Cheshire East Council, helping young people, including those with learning difficulties and additional needs. Through tailored placements and supported working environments, Thermmark helps individuals develop workplace skills, independence and confidence while gaining meaningful experience in a real business setting.

This commitment to inclusive employment supports wider ambitions at both local and national level to reduce barriers to work, improve social mobility and increase opportunities for people who can often face additional challenges in accessing employment. By creating routes into work for a diverse range of individuals, Thermmark is helping to build a stronger local workforce while making a positive contribution to the Cheshire East economy and community.

Supporting Cheshire East's Economy

Businesses such as Thermmark Ltd, play an important role in Cheshire East's economy by creating skilled jobs, investing in manufacturing capability and exporting products beyond the region. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing growing manufacturers and explore how the Council can continue to support business growth, investment and innovation across the borough.

National celebrated successes

Thermmark's commitment to innovation, quality and customer service has earned the company recognition at both regional and national level. Recent accolades include Best Road Markings Supplier 2026, Best Thermoplastic Road Marking Supplier 2025 (UK) and Export Growth Business of the Year 2023 (North West England), highlighting both the company's manufacturing excellence and growing international reach.

These awards reinforce Thermmark's reputation as an innovative local business successfully exporting products worldwide while creating skilled employment within Cheshire East.

About Made in Cheshire East

Made in Cheshire East celebrates the borough's diverse and successful business community, providing opportunities for local businesses and Council leaders to engage directly on growth, investment and economic development. Through visits such as this, the programme helps showcase the innovation and ambition that continues to drive Cheshire East's economy forward.

To learn more about Thermmark Ltd, please visit: Thermmark Ltd - Thermoplastic Playground Markings