Friday, 08 Feb 2013 14:20 GMT

Sign Plus finish 'largest Scottish wrap' ever

Fife-based firm Sign Plus has finished what it believes to be Scotland's 'Largest Building Wrap', promoting the £1.6 bn Forth Replacement Crossing.

Commissioned by the contractors on the project, Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC), the 37m wide by 11m high installation - printed on a Mimaki device - covers the gable end of the main project office on-site.  The office complex consists of 126 modular office units on 3 floors.  

“The supplier of the materials believe it is the biggest in Scotland. Certainly, they haven't heard of anyone doing something bigger,” says Sign Plus key account manager, Rick Bruce.

Bruce says the hardest part of the process was the artwork.

He adds: "FCBC’s in-house photographer took hi-resolution images that were then sent to the designers to have the bridge superimposed onto.  The important thing was the accurate positioning of the new bridge on the photograph and to make sure that the end result looked realistic.”

Another consideration was the media, as the finished article would be subjected to at least 5 years of harsh Scottish coastal weather.

We are absolutely delighted with the end result and have nothing but praise for the team from Sign Plus for the way they overcame the technical issues involved with printing and erecting something of this size on our building

Bruce explains: “We knew any material that we used in the past wouldn't have been suitable, or would be  too expensive.“William Smith told us about its Arlon DPF Series just introduced from the US.

We got some samples sent through and placed them outside for a few months. The quality remained good, so we felt confident enough to use it for the job.”

David Watt, FCBC communications manager, commented:  “We are absolutely delighted with the end result and have nothing but praise for the team from Sign Plus for the way they overcame the technical issues involved with printing and erecting something of this size on our building.” 

Bruce also explained how a proactive attitude saw the firm pick up contracts to provide internal directional signage, site safety and exhibition signage.

He says: “The minute we heard about the new bridge, we were banging on the door. We were already working with Morrison Construction, one of the four partner companies in FCBC, who were happy to recommend Sign Plus.”