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 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.”