Modular Sign Systems: Building for Success

Perhaps one of the most common types of signs offered to the market, modular sign systems are well suited to all manner of environments, such is their extremely high level of flexibility. From visiting your local hospital to walking the corridors of offices, the chances are that you will encounter some form of modular sign system on your travels.

There is plenty of demand for this type of work, however, with this comes plenty of competition from other sign-makers also seeking to take advantage of the amount of work on offer. So, what can you do to stand out from the crowd and capture the most valuable contracts?

SignLink speaks with several manufacturers and suppliers that have interests in this market to find out about their latest products developed to support those working in the modular sign systems, with an eye on how these solutions can support business growth.

A Changing Market

Up first is Nova Aluminium, which specialises in providing high-quality aluminium systems for signage. Sign sales manager Lisa Sperring says while the market is busy and popular with sign-makers, there is room for growth, with the sector changing all the time. As such, those seeking to succeed and grow need to ensure that they have the right equipment in place to create eye-catching applications.

“Our recent investment in a CNC router proves this and has enabled us to provide customers with more options, not just when it comes to wayfinding, but in all of the systems we supply,” Sperring says.

“Alongside this we have also moved into the post and rail market with a recent investment of a blind riveting machine. This means panels can now be cut to any shape and have the channel seamlessly and mechanically fitted to the rear of the composite or aluminium, powder coated in-house and delivered directly to the customer on our own vehicles; we are well placed to meet the lead times our customers demand.”.

Leading on from this, Sperring offers an insight into where the market as a whole could be heading. Speaking with optimism, Sperring is expecting the sector to move “onwards and upwards”, with no limit to the imagination associated with this signage.

“We are always striving to come up with something new and innovative to stay ahead of the market,” Sperring comments, continuing: “Our in-house design team are always up for a challenge so happy to work with our customers to bring their design ideas to life. We understand aluminium and how it works, its strengths and its weaknesses, so will continue to use it as the market changes and adapts.”

We are always striving to come up with something new and innovative to stay ahead of the market

So, what solutions are proving popular with Nova Aluminium customers? Sperring says its ‘Pole and Plank’ offering has always been one of the company’s most popular systems and continues to be today. She speaks about its versatility to suit almost any wayfinding application, which in turn makes it the ideal choice for a single sign on a trading estate, or for a full suite of wayfinding signage in a hospital or university.

“Demand is constant, the variable factor is the design, it’s very rare that customers want a couple of round posts with a panel between, it’s much more common to have a small monolith sign with the panel
the same depth as the posts, a V-shaped sign, or something a little different,” Sperring says.

As for other products and services, Sperring says it is not just modular sign systems that are used for wayfinding. She explains that fabric lightboxes are sleek and easy to change and update, with Nova Aluminium supplying a range of systems to accept printed skins with a silicone edge.

The most recent addition here is a strong 50mm double-sided section specifically designed for hanging. With the facility for internal supports, Sperring says it can be made to almost any size.

“The traditional lightbox should not be dismissed for illuminated wayfinding too,” Sperring explains, adding: “Our NovaSlim screw-free option is perfect for low-level signage that needs to look less industrial than the high street equivalent.”

Going In-house

Also weighing in here is Vivid Laminating Technologies, which supplies various solutions to customers working in this market. Primarily, Vivid cites its VeloBlade Nexus as being the most popular product for modular sign system work, with Lewis Evans, director at Vivid, saying investment in this solution will help sign-makers bring work such as modular signs in-house.

“What we have noticed in recent times is the increasing number of sign-making and related businesses bringing both finishing and printing processes in-house,” Evans says, adding: “This enables businesses to explore and enter new markets, providing more services to their customers and generating more revenue from this more diversified offering.

“At Vivid, we certainly believe that there is significant room for growth and expansion in this sector, as evidenced by the increase in Nexus sales in recent times. By providing customers with systems that enable them to create custom designs, businesses are able to safeguard and expand their market presence.”

Focusing on the VeloBlade Nexus, this is a range of wide-format digital die-cutting systems that operate with substrates up to 25mm in thickness such as Dibond, MDF, fabrics, and acrylic. The range comprises three models in the 1815, 2516 and 3016 models, each of which offers a selection of features to users.

First, the 1815 boasts a bed measuring 1,600 x 1,800mm, which Vivid says opens up a world of creative possibilities for you and your business. Next, the 2516 has a larger bed area of 1,200 x 1,600mm, with the same cutting depth abilities as its sister machine. The final model in this collection is the 3016, the largest of the three machines with a cutting area measuring 3,280mm x 1,600mm.

Aside from 25mm thickness cutting capability, the three machines also share several other features. These include an automatic cut depth setting, making the operator’s life easier, while each model comes supplied with built-in ZipCore Software, which, according to Vivid, is feature-rich and gives users complete control over their system.

Factoid: Vivid offers three models across its VeloBlade Nexus range - the 1815, 2516 and 3016

In addition, users can opt to retrofit the Veloblade Flow Runner to each machine within the VeloBlade Nexus. This automatic feeding system has a stacking capability of up to 100kg and removes the need for staff to load the system manually, saving users both time and money.

“It is important to note that we acknowledge the market is trending towards an increase in soft signage and materials, as well as a rise in the demand for larger printing sizes to accommodate a variety of new designs,” Evans says, adding: “Purchasing a Nexus system can significantly enhance your business by improving finishing processes, saving time, and increasing profit margins for each job.”

Maximum Efficiency

For those seeking an alternate route to market, working with a trade partner that has both knowledge and experience of working with modular sign systems could be the way to go. One such business that can support this approach is Very Displays, which provides a wide range of signage services and solutions to the trade.

Commenting on the current state of the modular signs market, Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager at Very, says that demand for these solutions remains high among Very’s customer base, with no immediate signs of a decline in popularity.

“We’ve observed an increased demand for portable, easy-to-assemble systems that are practical for setup,” Corcoran explains, continuing: “In today’s world, people seek maximum effciency. Most of our clients who purchase modular solutions regularly attend events and desire simple, easily constructed solutions that maintain a stylish, impactful finish.

“Currently, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions are also having a significant influence on the market. People desire reusable, durable solutions that require less frequent replacement, not only from an environmental perspective but also from a cost standpoint.”

So, are there still opportunities for growth and expansion for sign-makers in what is already a busy sector? Corcoran believes so, saying that there will always, “without doubt”, be scope for success in the market.

“The options are only expanding, making it an ideal opportunity for sign-makers to explore different modular event systems and partner with a silent trade supplier that can provide them comprehensive solutions,” Corcoran explains.

This brings Corcoran on to explain some of the latest and most popular solutions available to customers from Very. The company currently offers two modular display systems in the form of Tube Fabric Displays and Premium PVC LED Lightboxes, both in a selection of widths.

“Each provides a high-impact, stylish solution that can immediately enhance a business and make a statement at a trade event,” Corcoran says.

Starting with the Fabric Tube range, comprising a host of modular tube fabric displays, offering a variety of stretch fabric walls and additional accessories. With these solutions, Very says, users can create the size and shape that best suits their customers’ own needs. Furthermore, all fabric graphics are reusable and suitable for washing, with walls supplied in widths from 1m to 6m.

As for its LED Lightbox offering, these modular solutions are similar to the Fabric Tube walls, however, can offer a very different effect to the finished product, as Corcoran explains: “Our Lightboxes are great solutions for those looking to create a high-impact display that attracts the maximum attention. With captivating back-lit graphics and a modern profile, you really will light up the room with this one! They are available in widths from 85cm to 3m wide.”

With this, Corcoran considers what the future may hold for modular sign systems and how sign-makers can take advantage of expected, ongoing growth. She says: “In the foreseeable future, we anticipate a steady growth in this demand as more and more customers explore the benefits of cost-effective, portable, multi-use systems.

“Our customers are increasingly interested in solutions that offer them the best value for their money while also providing mobility and versatility. We have no doubt that modular display solutions will continue to be an attractive option for consumers looking to maximise their investment.”

With seemingly plenty of scope for growth and expansion, it appears that a move into the modular sign systems market – if you are not already active in the sector – could be seen as something as a no-brainer.

However, as is the case with moving into any new area of work, you should only do so if you are certain of demand among existing customers and have the right skill set to carry out this work. Partnering with trusted suppliers and manufacturers, or linking up with experienced trade partners, will set you on the right path.