Evolving skill sets
The art of sign fabrication is responsible for many of the signage applications that we see in the world around us. For this reason, it is crucial that those sign-makers carrying out this type of work are operating in a forward-thinking manner in order to ensure they can meet the demands of the modern market.
Here, SignLink speaks with a number of major suppliers from this area of the industry to get the inside track on the latest developments in sign fabrication, as well as those that operate in this market to find out how they are adapting for the modern markets and the changing requirements of customers.
Expertise and resources
One company well placed to offer advice and guidance on sign fabrication is William Smith Group 1832. Kyle Giles, marketing executive of the business, says sign fabrication is exactly what its title suggests, the fabrication of signage products, and as such applies to a wide range of sign types.
“All signage products start off as a designed concept, more often than not they’re very bespoke and unique to the client,” Giles says, adding: “They comprise of many different raw materials which are converted to make the finished product.
“There isn’t a set list of components that make up a sign, however, common material and component types include aluminium sheeting, steel posts, acrylics, LEDs, foamex, powder coatings, and screws and bolts. All of these come in various shapes, sizes, and colours.”
When it comes to operating in this market, Giles says there are a number of considerations that sign-makers should keep in mind, namely expertise, resources, and customers, all of which are interlinked with one another and contribute to the overall quality and service provided.
In terms of resource, Giles says having the appropriate equipment will make a significant difference to the quality of the product and efficiency of the processes.
Some of the key sign-making equipment William Smith has on-site that is used day in, day out includes a 5m powder coat spray booth, several CNC routers with tool changing and image mapping capabilities, 100T press brake, guillotines, cross-draught extraction system, and a fully dedicated welding shop.
Looking at expertise, Giles says it is important to have team members throughout every department that are knowledgeable and have the right skill sets to manufacture the products.
Finally, with customers, Giles says understanding their requirements and being capable of providing advice and guidance where needed is of paramount importance, adding that the aim is to make the experience as smooth and as positive as possible for the client.
Glancing to the year ahead and how companies can succeed in the sign fabrication sector, Giles issues a warning over wider factors that are impacting the market, namely how it will likely be dictated by the economy.
O Factoid: Smith Trade Signage is the manufacturing division of William Smith Group 1832 O
“As we all know these are challenging times for the UK, and therefore it depends how the effects trickle through markets, and specifically our industry,” Giles says, adding: “Fingers crossed any impact is minimal or non-existent. The sign industry has reacted positively in the past when experiencing economic downturn.
“Apart from that I don’t see much change. A lot of the products available are mainstays of the industry. Of course, people try to push boundaries with the creation of bigger and bolder signs, but the characteristics and components largely remain the same.”
Part of William Smith Group 1832, Smith Trade Signage supplies the signs and graphics industry with a range of product types
Part of William Smith Group 1832, Smith Trade Signage is the manufacturing division of the business and supplies the signs and graphics with a range of product types.
The product portfolio consists of all the standard and traditional signage types that companies within the industry are familiar with.
These include built-up letters, tray signage, railed sign panels, bespoke signage, post and panel systems, CE market traffic signage, and chapter 8 chevron kits.
Deep understanding
Also deeply involved in this market is Applelec, whose head of signage, Michael Crotch, says when it comes to bespoke signage manufacturing, no one sign is the same and each sign is designed and engineered in unique ways based on artwork and design from clients, and in cases like this, sign fabrication quality is key.
“With a variety of key considerations to make, it can be a complex process with which the fabricator engages a wide variety of manufacturing techniques and materials to help bring a design to life,” Crotch says.
“Key to this process is gathering a deep understanding of what the customer wants to achieve, where the sign will be going and how it will be used, which will guide the design and manufacturing considerations.
"This is a carefully managed process, engaging a range of skills and experience to ensure the sign is both functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meets the customer’s brief.”
When it comes to offering this type of service, Crotch says price, quality, and lead time are the main concerns that Applelec’s trade customers have, with sustainability and energy efficiency slowly gathering more momentum.
Crotch explains that the signage industry has always been fast paced and traditionally Applelec finds that consumer demands on sign companies require them to provide fast, competitive quotes with keen lead times.
“This has always been a challenge, due to the complex nature of signage fabrication and the many key considerations needed, including fixing options, illumination solutions, finishes, reliability, environment, safety, visibility, running cost, etc; which can all impact the design of your signage fabrication,” Crotch says.
Looking to what the industry can expect from sign fabrication in 2023, Crotch says that the market will largely be dependent on whether the UK enters a recession.
With businesses already feeling the pinch from the energy crisis, Crotch says many companies will be determining the importance of their signage needs and how much of a priority this is against a backdrop of rising business costs.
Applelec says there are several exciting developments that will support its trade clients moving into 2023
“Here at Applelec, we predict that this will see an increased focus on energy efficiency and reliability within the illuminated signage market, a factor that has the potential to reduce running costs up to as much as 30% with the right LED solution, Crotch says.
Here at Applelec, we predict an increased focus on energy efficiency and reliability within the illuminated signage market”
“Being able to educate and offer these types of savings to your customers, could make the difference between them deciding whether or not to purchase signage and with increased demand for environmentally friendly designs, especially from big global brands, sustainability and energy efficiency could be the key to remaining relevant in the current market.”
As to how Applelec can support new and existing customers in the sign fabrication sector, Crotch says that there are several exciting developments to support its trade clients moving into 2023.
As the exclusive distributor for SloanLED, Crotch says Applelec is able to offer a full range of highly energy efficient LED systems that can reduce running costs without compromising on brightness or reliability, backed up with strong warranties.
With a nod to the environment and sustainability, Crotch points to Applelec’s in-house research and development capabilities and the Applelec ECO Pledge. He says this has already produced the industry’s first, environmentally friendly light panel, the highly energy efficient ECO lightbox plus a range of eco-friendly built-up letters, with more ECO products in the pipeline.
“We have been busy engaging our supply chain to source more environmentally friendly materials and components and we now offer the option to eco-engineer your signage designs, with environmentally friendly materials, to your bespoke project requirements,” Crotch says.
Last year also saw the development of Applelec’s Projects Division, which Crotch says has allowed Applelec to offer dedicated, end-to-end support for complex signage projects, as well as the newly formed Lighting Distribution team that can offer expert advice on its range of energy-efficient LEDs.
“Alongside this we are supporting our trade signage customers with a new and unique online quoting system, providing fast and flexible pricing to help our customers stay ahead of their competition,” Crotch says.
“These new and exciting developments highlight Applelec’s dedication to customer support, offering a unique set of skills and services alongside our innovative product ranges that you can’t find anywhere else. But don’t take our word for it, we welcome anyone that is interested, to come for a factory tour, to gain a better understanding of how Applelec can support your signage business in 2023 and beyond.”
Thinking green
The industry-wide focus on sustainability and operating in a greener manner can also be seen within the sign fabrication sector. Incidentally, Applelec recently picked up a Made in Britain - Impact Award 2022 and was also shortlisted for a second honour in recognition of its Applelec ECO pledge sustainability initiative.
This pledge, Applelec says, represents its commitment to improve the sustainability of the business and the products if supplies across four focus areas: nature, climate, waste, and manufacturing.
This pledge has led Applelec to plant 253 trees through its tree planting scheme and its partnership with JUST ONE Tree, while during the past year, it also became WEEE regulated and partnered with other environment-conscious suppliers.
In terms of product development, Applelec says one of its biggest achievements was the design and manufacture of various planet-friendly signage and lighting products, including Green Applelec LED Light Sheet, the industry’s first, fully environmentally friendly light panel, and its environmentally friendly signage range that includes the ECO Lightbox and ECO built-up letters.
Applelec recently rolled out its energy efficient ECO lightbox plus a range of eco-friendly built-up letters
“Moving forward, sustainability needs to continue to be at the forefront of what we want to achieve as a business,” comments Steve Watts, signage sales team manager at Applelec.
While sign fabrication has been part of day-to-day life in the industry for many years, the need to evolve this part of your business with the changing requirements of the modern market is evident.
Whether this is ensuring you have the right sort of kit to deliver exactly what the customer wants, or utilising greener materials to produce more planet-friendly signage, there are plenty of opportunities for development in this sector.
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