Kent-based charity and social enterprise Royal British Legion Industries has invested more than ￡250,000 in new kit to boost its sign printing business. The investment comes as the Department for Transport launches a new initiative to improve gateway signage for tourist destinations.

RBLI's new Mutoh Zephyr and Zünd flat-bed plotter means the charity is one of just four sign-makers in the UK capable of producing the signs to the new specifications, which will see full-colour photos digitally printed onto Rennicks Nikkalite Ultralite retroreflective sheeting. It is hoped the improved signs will boost tourism throughout the UK.

"Investing in the new technology is a quantum leap forward for RBLI's social enterprise business," says commercial manager, Robert James. "Not only does this investment mean we can produce the new Tourist Gateway signs, it also enables us to further improve quality and shorten the length of time it takes to make our existing range of signs – reducing the cost to the organisation overall."

Through its social enterprise, RBLI provides training, jobs, housing and welfare support for the Armed Forces community and disabled and vulnerable people, and adds that it already produces signs for the road and rail industry.