DEMAND for new social distancing signs has been so high staff have worked through the night to complete orders at a Mickleton-based company.
Five weeks ago Lightning Signs, which is based at Mickleton Service Station, developed vinyl safety signage discs. They can help businesses and organisations ensure people keep their distance in the pandemic.
Initial sets were donated to Co-op stores in Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle and Cockfield and since then have been flying out of the door.
Karen Bowers, from the business, said: “We had to work through the night about two weeks into it when one of the printers broke and we had so many orders we had to do shifts just to keep up with demand.”
She said orders are up by about 400 per cent and an additional staff member has been brought on board so production is not slowed.
She said: “We have sent the signs all over the country and Ireland. Some went down to Gatwick, but I don’t think
they ordered enough to put them through all of the airport.”
Signs have also been posted a large food retailers and takeaways signalling a shift for businesses to reopen.
David Hutchinson, from Lightning Signs, said: “We have been so busy and it’s not slowing down. We’ve actually got loads more orders coming in for schools – lots of them.
“Royal Mail comes to us now to collect the parcels. We completely filled a van this week there were that many orders going out.”
Self-adhesive decorative bedroom artwork has also been in demand.
Mr Hutchinson said: “There is going to be a lot of newly decorated bedrooms everywhere when this is all over.”
The self-adhesive safety discs come in packs of six and cost £17.95. They can be ordered online through Amazon or eBay. Customers can also contact Lightning Signs on 01833 640331 to discuss requirements.
