Prismo South Africa Earns Level 2 B-BBEE Certification

A Step Towards Progress That Matters

B-BBEE is a national framework that works to redress the inequalities of South Africa’s past by encouraging greater participation in the economy by black South Africans. Companies are assessed on areas such as management diversity, skills development, procurement from black-owned enterprises, and socio-economic contributions. Attaining Level 2 status places Prismo South Africa among the leading performers in these areas.

Building Opportunities for Our People

 Since becoming an independent business last year, we have focused on creating opportunities that empower both our employees and our partners. Our team, the majority of whom are women, reflects our belief in building a workplace that is diverse and inclusive.

Leadership has also grown stronger with the recent appointment of Cynthia Nxumalo to our executive team. Cynthia brings valuable local knowledge and expertise, working alongside co-owners James Moore and Andy Jourdain to guide Prismo South Africa as a company that delivers for its customers and makes a difference to the people around it.

James Moore, Co-owner of Prismo South Africa, said: “Achieving Level 2 B-BBEE certification is a milestone we are proud of, but more importantly, it reflects the direction we are taking as a business. We want to create opportunities, strengthen local partnerships, and ensure our success is shared with the communities we serve.”

Investing in Skills and Partnerships

 Our goal is to create lasting value through every decision. Training and upskilling initiatives give our team the tools and confidence to succeed in their roles, while partnerships with black-owned businesses strengthen our supply network and extend the impact of our work. By investing in people and suppliers, we are helping to build a more resilient and collaborative industry.

Looking Ahead

Level 2 B-BBEE certification is an important milestone, but it also motivates us to go further. We remain committed to supporting safer roads, stronger partnerships, and brighter futures for all those connected to our business.

Every step we take and every mark we make is part of a bigger picture where inclusion and opportunity set the path forward.

Prismo makes its mark with bold new brand identity

A new era for prismo

This transformation signals a new chapter for Prismo, now an independent company following a management buyout by James Moore and Andy Jourdain in December 2023.

“When we took over the reins nine months ago, the first thing we did was bring back the Prismo name,” says James, Co-owner of Prismo. “The name carries weight around the world—it stands for decades of trust, quality, and reliability. But here in the UK, it means even more. Many of our customers, and even our competitors, began their careers at Prismo. It has a legacy in our industry, and that gives us a responsibility to get it right. So we got to work, listening closely to our customers and our people, to understand what they need from us moving forward.”

Reconnecting with our core values

The new visual identity was developed in partnership with London-based agency Fabrik brands. The rebranding is not just a new look but a recommitment to the core values that have defined Prismo for nearly a century: Quality, Expertise, Support, and Trust.

“Our customers have been clear—they look to us for quality and expertise,” says Sharon, Marketing Director at Prismo. “The new brand identity reflects these values. We’re staying true to our roots while evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

 

Infographic of Prismo brand values with simple icons

A logo that reflects quality and progress

The updated Prismo logo keeps the iconic red oval, a shape recognised globally as a mark of quality, but the new design is more dynamic, symbolising movement and progression. With the tagline, “The mark of enduring quality,” the logo speaks both to the durability of Prismo’s products and the long-standing trust the brand has built with its customers.

“Our customers know that when they see the red lozenge, they’re getting a product that delivers where it counts—on the ground,” Sharon explains. “The updated design reflects both our heritage and our forward-looking approach.”

 

Prismo and Vernisol logos on brand-coloured backgrounds with graphic lines

A unified look for a global brand

The rebranding also extends to Prismo’s operations in Italy under the Vernisol brand. Vernisol has adopted the same lozenge design as Prismo but in its signature orange colour, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across different regions while respecting local legacies. This shared branding under the Prismo Global umbrella highlights a combined approach to collaboration and excellence across all markets, without losing sight of what makes each brand unique.

We’re closer than ever in how we present ourselves, while still respecting what makes each of us distinct,” Sharon adds. “Vernisol’s signature orange remains central to its local identity in Italy, just as Prismo’s red logo does worldwide. It’s about bringing together our combined strengths, knowledge, and products to better serve our customers.

Brand markings highlight versitility

Alongside the new logos, Prismo has introduced fresh visual elements known as “brand markings.” These graphic elements represent the diverse environments where Prismo’s products are used—whether it’s highways, cycle lanes, airports, or playgrounds. The markings underscore Prismo’s adaptability and innovative spirit, reinforcing the brand’s focus on safety and quality in every application.

 

Pull up banners with Prismo logo and mark of enduring quality messagePrismo gate sign with logo and manufacturer supplier wording

Looking ahead: digital innovation

As part of its ongoing investment in the brand, Prismo is set to launch a new fully integrated website by early 2025. This new platform will offer an enhanced user experience, making it easier for customers to find the products and support they need.

“We’re excited about what’s coming,” says James. “Our independence has given us the freedom to shape our own path. We’re not just updating our look; we’re enhancing how we connect with our customers, how we serve them, and how we innovate in our industry. This is just the beginning of a new chapter for Prismo, and we’re ready to make our mark.”

Prismo-has-rebranded-with-a-new-look

Prismo announces management buyout

A new era of independence

The company is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of road markings and traffic safety solutions with a wide range of high-performance products, from hot-applied and preformed thermoplastics to innovative traffic paint, road studs, high friction surfacing, bridge expansion joints, crack sealants, MMA, epoxy, and indoor flooring paints.

Decades of innovation and leadership

The MBO heralds a new era in the company’s long and illustrious history which stretches back to 1935. It will see the business return to its origins as it rebrands to Prismo. Renowned for its innovative approach to road safety, Prismo has been at the forefront of road marking products for over 88 years, and was the first to bring many new technologies and solutions to the market. Prismo has built a global reputation for outstanding quality, service, and innovation, and it is these pillars that still underpin the company today

Returning to the Prismo name

The MBO also sees the company move to wholly independent ownership and the freedom that this brings. Commenting on his vision for the business, James Moore said: “This is a key turning point in the company’s history. The move to independent ownership will give us the freedom to implement our exciting strategy for growth and to drive the business forward. It will also allow us to provide a more personalised service to our customers and to deliver enhanced customer value.” James continued: “The return to the Prismo brand is also a pivotal move. Its long-standing success serves as a reminder to the market of our long history, our technical capabilities and our unmatched expertise within global traffic safety solutions.”

Reinforcing a global manufacturing footprint

The buyout includes the company’s flagship manufacturing plant in Chorley, UK, the largest and most sophisticated thermoplastic production facility in Europe, and additional plants in Italy operating under the esteemed Vernisol brand. Alongside these, the company maintains a strategic presence in South Africa, furthering its commitment to a global approach in traffic safety solutions. The Italian facilities, known for their high-quality waterborne and solvent-based paints, as well as MMAs, reinforce Prismo’s position as a world-leading manufacturer of sustainable traffic safety solutions.

Vernisol by Prismo: strengthening European operations

Vernisol, a respected name in the Italian market for over 42 years, will continue to operate as Vernisol by Prismo. “Our Italian operations, under the Vernisol brand, represent a vital part of our global strategy,” says Andy Jourdain. “We are excited to introduce Vernisol’s innovative products to a broader European audience, leveraging our combined expertise to enhance road safety standards worldwide.”

Commitment to British manufacturing and sustainable growth

The management team is enthusiastic about the future, emphasising the continued production of quality, sustainable products. “We are proud British manufacturers, dedicated to advancing British manufacturing and maintaining our status as a major exporter,” says Andy Jourdain. “Our focus remains on delivering products engineered for maximum road safety, backed by 130 years of combined expertise.”

Focused on continuity and customer confidence

As the company moves into this next phase, it is keen to reassure its suppliers and customers that it is business as usual. James Moore said: “Our team is fully focused on ensuring a smooth transition, maintaining the high service and quality standards our customers expect. We’re excited about the future and the opportunities this new chapter brings for our staff, suppliers and customers alike.”