25 Years of Road Marking Innovation: The QMS Story So Far

We are officially 15 days into our 25-year countdown, and looking back through the archives has been a massive reminder of just how far we’ve come. When you are out on the roads every day focusing on the next milestone, the next project, or the next deadline, it is easy to forget the sheer amount of history under your tyres.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve been digging up old photos, revisiting old contract files, and reflecting on the innovations that completely changed how QMS operates. It’s been a hell of a journey, from a two-man start-up in Newton Abbot to where we stand today.

In case you missed any of the updates on our socials, here is a quick look at what we have covered so far.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Watching Greg look back on the last 25 years, one thing stands out above all else. Success here was more than winning contracts, although it helps; it was always about the people.

It’s the team who backed a new business in the early days, the crews who stayed through the tough years, and the operatives who came to QMS knowing absolutely nothing about line marking, only to show incredible determination and build phenomenal careers here.

There is no doubt that there has been plenty of disruption along the way. We’ve battled brutal winter weather, clients going into administration, and a whole global pandemic. QMS never survived by standing still or settling for “the norm,” we did it by pushing boundaries. This is the real story behind 25 years of QMS, straight from our Managing Director, Greg Clark.

Watch Greg’s reflection video here:

HyperLine™

We kicked things off by looking back at how HyperLine™ was developed, passing the milestone of six million metres installed over 20 years with zero performance failures. To us, that track record is a lot deeper than a statistic. It is a direct promise to every driver navigating a dark highway at night, ensuring everyone has a safe route home.

Watch the video below to hear Ralph and Greg Clark share the heart behind our very first innovation:

HyperGrip™

We also revisited the birth of HyperGrip™, which is a story of true industry collaboration. We saw that traditional high-friction surfacing relied on toxic epoxies with slow cure times, or rigid resins that cracked under structural stress. We spent years developing a flexible alternative, and since being certified by the BBA in June 2015, our system still holds a flawless non-failure track record.

Hit play to see how we turned a massive industry frustration into our flagship BBA-approved system:

Internal Line Marking

It is funny how the smallest decisions can shape everything that follows, which is exactly how our internal sector came about. Hear it straight from Greg and Ralph as they talk through the journey from our very first internal markings job to the UV-curing internal line marking system that has become a cornerstone of what QMS delivers today.

Watch the internal markings journey here:

With just 10 days until our official birthday, the countdown is heating up. If you aren’t already following along, make sure to head over to our social media channels so you don’t miss the final stretch.