About PPD

PPD Ltd. (Precision Photofabrication Developments Ltd.) was established in Glasgow in 1977 by Ian and Jean McCartan. The business later moved to Argyll on the west coast of Scotland, where PPD continues to operate today.

The business was subsequently developed and managed by their sons, John and Stuart McCartan, who continued to build PPD’s expertise, customer base and reputation within the chemical etching industry.

Nearly five decades after its foundation, PPD remains an independent, owner-managed business and is now jointly owned and managed by Ann McCartan and Craig Holt. The knowledge and experience built up over nearly five decades continues through the business today, supported by a long-standing and experienced team.

Over the years, PPD has developed from a specialist chemical etching company into a precision metal manufacturer offering Chemical Etching, Laser Cutting and our in-house developed Chemical Etch + Laser process.

We continue to invest in equipment, technology and process development, supporting customers from initial prototypes and bespoke one-off components through to repeat production.