Astra Group secures six-figure signage contract

Signage solutions provider, Astra Group, has secured a contract to deliver the signage for Arnold Clark’s network of ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs.

The reported six-figure brief will include delivering signage for over 500 chargers at 100+ EV hubs across the UK, all part of the Arnold Clark Charge network.

The contract is part of Arnold Clark’s wider plans to create a nationwide network of ultra-rapid EV charge points. The vehicle retailer, currently Europe's largest independent, family run car company with over 200 car dealerships in Scotland and England, has reportedly invested £23m to date into the scheme.

Work to design, manufacture, and install of the signage is already underway, with the work having started in 2024. The target completion date is Spring/Summer of 2025.

Among the products Astra Group has already produced to date are 102 dual-purpose canopies, designed to provide users with weather protection while also displaying information on how to activate the EV chargers.

Astra have also erected a series of 6m branded totems at the entrances of Arnold Clark dealerships, as well as over 150 signposts, for use in promoting the business’s latest products including bookable charging slots. 

The contract is the latest in a series of collaborations between the two companies. Astra Group are already responsible for designing and installing all signage at the automotive dealer’s innovation centres in Glasgow and Stafford.  This includes illuminated exterior signage, interior signage, graphics, and totems as part of a dual exterior wayfinding and marketing signage brief. 

Speaking on the announcement, chief executive officer of Astra Group, Jim Kerr, says: “As electric vehicles become increasingly common on UK roads, our charging infrastructure needs to develop and grow to meet rising demand.

“Arnold Clark Charge is a brilliant initiative that is already contributing significantly to driving forward the EV car industry whilst meeting immediate requirements. We’re proud to play a part in bringing Arnold Clark’s vision to life with a suite of striking structural signage products fitting with the progressive automotive company’s ambitions.”     

Neil Lawson, senior project manager at Arnold Clark, adds: “As a preferred and trusted full-service provider of traditional and digital signage, Astra Group was an obvious choice of partner for this project. 

“Delivering on a rollout of this scale and complexity is no easy feat. The team’s ability to adapt to changes in circumstances throughout the process of delivering high-volume, large-scale structural signage requires expert organisation and an unwavering resolve.  Astra Group has demonstrated this throughout, working with our civil engineers to ensure a safe and seamless finish to each EV charging hub.”

Astra’s other recent projects include working with the Co-op Live arena, the UK’s largest entertainment arena. Astra was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing all exterior, neon graphic, infinity mirror, and large-format LED Displays at the venue.

The contract was recognised at the 2024 UK Graphic Awards, winning Silver in the Hospitality and Leisure category.