A Rackheath company specialising in signs and graphics has taken new premises after a period of growth that has seen it double its workforce.

CIM Signs and Graphics has acquired another unit next to its base on Mackintosh Road which will bolster its vehicle graphics services, giving it greater capacity to continue its expansion.

The company has grown significantly since it received a £34,000 grant from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership's Growing Business Fund in 2014.

Since then the company has grown from nine people to 18, with turnover rising by 82% to stand at £975,000 in its latest results.

Mark Baker, managing director of CIM, said: 'It's a very exciting time at CIM. Business continues to grow, enabling us to further invest in new facilities, machinery and staff.

'We're passionate about what we do and the success of the company is down to the dedication of the entire team here, who all work together to create stunning signs, liveries and print with great customer service.'

The extra unit will allow CIM to work on fitting new livery and graphics on up to six vehicles at one time, expanding its facilities by 30%. The company provided graphics and wraps for 500 vehicles last year, and the new premises are climate and temperature-controlled to allow installers to apply them in a dust-free environment.

It has also freed up space for the company to invest in new printing equipment, including a Rollsroller flatbed applicator machine for the production of large-format laminating, making the production of materials such as signs, exhibition panels and point-of-sale displays up to 80% faster.

Two further printers and a laminator have also been bought to meet the demand for bespoke wallpaper and wall covering – products gaining in popularity among customers.

CIM Signs and Graphics was founded in 2000 and its customer base includes QD Group, Mattressman, Batemans, Broadland Housing, Gasway, Mayday, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and The Alarm Company.

The LEP Growing Business Fund offers grants up to £500,000 to businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk looking to grow and create jobs.