Our Heritage
Founded in 1910 by Alfred Gladman and Samuel Norman, the Company first commenced trading as die sinkers utilising Samuel Norman’s skills in art and design. The Company progressed into producing stampings for other companies within the Jewellery Quarter and also some finished badges.
Following Samuel Normans death in 1919, Laura and Grace Gladman helped Alfred to run the business and they continued running it on Alfred’s death in 1932.
The Company expanded its badge making and produced a vast range of commemorative items with town crests for most of the popular holiday resorts being a major part of the production. The business expanded and by the time the Second World War broke out it was producing cap badges for the Armed Forces. During the war years badge production grew and ran alongside production of parts for aircraft and naval ships. At its peak over 300,000 badges were being produced for the government each year.
Following the move by the government to move to Aluminium or ‘stay brite’ badges, Military badges ceased to be produced and the Company concentrated on badges for various organisations and events as well as medal and regalia production. In 2004 the Company was purchased by WM Holdings (UK) plc to become the production arm of the group which incorporates Worcestershire Medal Service Ltd. Under the new Directors, the Company moved into the production of State insignia and medals for governments around the world.
Today the company has relationships with several countries and have produced honours for the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Canada, Jordan, Tonga, Bhutan, St Lucia and Grenada. Amongst its UK awards the Company today produces the Insignia of The Royal Red Cross 1st and 2nd Class (RRC) and (ARRC), the Order of the British Empire 4th and 5th Class (OBE) and (MBE) and proudly the Company designed and produces the Elizabeth Cross.