Every department worked closely together to build the sign and execute the first phase of the plan perfectly.
On the day of the install (June 12, 2020), there were high winds and the wide-load had to travel 45 km (28 miles) to the site. As long as the sign was properly positioned, the wind would blow it downward and help keep it secured in place. Once the sign was out the door, the team hooked the cranes to four points and lifted it so it could be laid down flat on its face on the trailer. The temporary wheels where then removed so the sign could be transported.
Upon reaching the DSV plant there were a couple of sharp turns and a gate that had to be navigated. To make these manoeuvres, a boom truck was used to pick up the back-end of the trailer to swing it over about 3.04 m (10 ft) to avoid damaging the concrete curves of the driveway. This was planned in advance of the install, and everything went according to plan.
Finally, the sign arrived at the installation location. The winds were still high, and the team had to be extra careful unpacking the load to avoid scratching or damaging the sign face. To do so, it was picked up flat off the trailer and placed carefully on the ground.
To place it upright, the rigging was adjusted to two points to lift it vertically. Seeing the sign being lifted to its full height was exciting to watch. Gregory Signs & Engraving Ltd., had never completed a project this big, this heavy, and this continuous.
There was one final challenge to overcome. Where the sign was being installed there was an overhang that left the installation crew about 0.762 m (2.5 ft) of clearance. Further, the height of the canopy created huge limitations that made the installation process complicated. Normally, a sign is lifted up and dropped into place. In this case, it had to be tilted to let the base plates on the structure fall into place on four posts on the foundation. This left no room for error. Even the smallest deviation would result in a disastrous outcome. That said, everything lined up perfectly.
Building the foundation for the 1814.4-kg (4000-lb), 3.96- x 12.8-m (13- x 42-ft) one-piece DSV sign.
Never stop learning
Even as seasoned professionals in the sign industry, the company strives to continually learn and evolve. As many of the sign shop’s products are custom made, each project is unique in its design and challenges, which offer team members unlimited opportunities to develop new skills and gain more experience.
This sign was no exception, and the company thanks DSV for putting its trust in their team. The success of this project validated the sign shop’s confidence, knowledge, and capacity to build very large custom fabricated ground signs. It also highlighted the company’s employees who, driven by a strong desire to be a part of a winning team, spent hours collaborating, planning, and at times challenging their own abilities. As Gregory Signs & Engraving Ltd., looks to its strategy for 2021 and beyond, the company is confident with enough knowledge, time, and desire, it can achieve anything.
Sharon Friedmann is a freelance writer who uses her journalism background to inform, educate, and cultivate readers in an engaging manner. At Gregory Signs & Engraving Ltd., which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021, companies of all sizes find the advertising expertise and talent they need to help differentiate their business in today’s competitive market. For more information, visit www.gregorysigns.com.
