About Signs, Sign Companies, and the Sign Industry

Today's sign manufacturing industry has evolved into a $13 billion dollar industry and is comprised of many distinct business groups, some smaller and less prestigious, and some, very large.

 

There are over seven unique sign manufacturers and service companies which make up every aspect of the sign industry. Here is a list of the various businesses within the sign industry: custom sign companies, vehicle wrap industry (design, print and installation), digital signage industry (indoor and outdoor video display), environmental signage (design and manufacturing), video display electronic message centers (emcs) for sports arenas and metropolitan streetscapes, the greater billboard industry (now trending in emcs), and the trade and exhibit industry. Yes, the business landscape of signage is vast. Yet, even though signage touches every aspect of society, there is still a perception with the public mind that having signs made is an easy endeavor. Nothing could be further from the truth.

 

Besides working with a customer, creating a sign design based on a customer needs, to make a sign, sign material must be ordered. A sign project requires cutting, sanding, preparing, painting and vinyl application. There is a tremendous amount of work involved with sign manufacturing. Besides this, the entire sign industry relies on a number of independent manufacturers to provide a large selection of signs for the complexity of business needs today. A typical sign company works in conjunction with many wholesale support companies to successfully fulfill certain sign orders.

 

To get a clearer picture of this subject, take a car manufacturer like Toyota Motor Sales. Toyota buys its tires from Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin, and a few other tire companies. Toyota also buys shocks for its vehicles from Bilstein, Monroe, and a few other shock manufacturers. All of these automobile parts are found on new Toyota vehicles. Toyota does not make these parts, they buy them at wholesale from independent parts manufacturers. For a majority of sign companies, it is standard business practice to purchase certain pre-manufactured items from specialty wholesale manufacturers. Nike shoe corporation uses specialty wholesale manufacturers. Nike obtains shoe components from outside companies. Nike does not make every component of a shoe it produces. Every business in every industry in the world does business this way. It is no different in the sign industry.

 

Not every sign company can afford to build cast metal letters. Therefore, several foundries exist to meet this market need. Signs such as cast metal letters and cast metal plaques are made in a foundry. A foundry is a huge factory with a lot of intricate machinery that produces casting. Foundries are one type of specialty sign manufacturer found within the larger sign industry.

 

Here is a comprehensive list of manufacturers which sign companies work with: cast metal foundries, extrusion manufacturers, glass sign manufacturers, ADA compliance manufacturers, custom specialty manufacturers, directory manufacturers, digital printing suppliers, sign suppliers, substrate suppliers, independent installation companies, permit runners, sign brokers, national corporations, and independent sign designers. However, not every sign is outsourced. Most signs are customized for specific business needs, made entirely in a local sign company. A majority of fabricated signs are made to custom specifications provided by a customer.

 

The process looks something like this: a sign company meets with a customer and designs a concept provided by a customer. This process continues through several revisions before a design is finalized and approved by the customer. The sign is then place into production, checked, prepared, custom cut, hand assembled, vinyl material is applied, and paint is sprayed on, either standard color or custom colors selected by the customer. Finally, the sign is scheduled and placed in line with other signs in a chain to be installed at the customers location. Signs help people find their way. Signs identify businesses. Signs advertise a name. Signs don't sleep. A business without a sign is a sign of no business.

 

The process of choosing the right sign is not as easy as most people believe. The choices are many. Choosing signage does not have to be complicated.

 

At Flynn Signs, we reduce the complexity of signage and provide options and allow you to make an informed decision.

 

Signs are perfectly suited to fulfill the multi-purpose role for which they are made. Every day life is clearly marked with many signs: interior signs, exterior signs, digital printed signs, sign directories, ADA signs, donor walls, custom signs, billboards, digital signs, electronic message centers, post and panel, dimensional letters, electric signs, and so many others.

 

Call Flynn Signs and Graphics at 1-800-458-2784. Our professional sign staff will help you find the perfect sign for your company and organization.
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