The major theme for the wall sign, which would adorn the entrance of Applanix’s office, was to feature dynamic images of the company’s products. Photos courtesy George Vasilache, Signarama Richmond Hill
By George Vasilache
Navigation systems manufacturer Applanix Corporation, celebrating its 20th anniversary of joining its parent company Trimble, wanted to embrace a fresh look that reflects its full integration into the Trimble global brand identity. The company’s Positioning and Orientation Systems (POS) product line—which will continue to be sold under the Applanix name—is used globally for applications such as aerial survey and mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information system (GIS) data acquisition.
Applanix now sports the Trimble logo and colour scheme. To mark this transition, the company wanted a new addition to its main office in Richmond Hill: a custom-designed wall sign embodying its commitment to excellence and innovation.
The new custom-designed wall sign represents the company’s commitment to innovation.
The theme
The vision for the new wall sign began to take shape in early February 2024 when Andrew Stott, director of marketing communications at Trimble Applanix, reached out to Signarama Richmond Hill for this indoor signage solution. Meeting Stott on-site, the Signarama team inspected the wall where the sign would be installed. He wanted the team to develop a design idea tailored to the size and shape of the wall, but he didn’t have a specific design in mind.
Since Stott wanted the sign to stand out, our team began crafting several design mock-ups, drawing on Stott’s feedback to ensure the final product would meet the company’s expectations and budget. Once we received Stott’s approval, we moved forward with the printing and sign-making process. We were excited to bring this project to life.
The major theme for the wall sign, which would adorn the entrance of Applanix’s office, was to feature dynamic images of the company’s products. The design elements included a tagline in 3D laser-cut white acrylic, “Trust your position, Anywhere in the Air, on Water, or Land.” The words “Air”, “Water”, and “Land” were printed in different colours to match the brand’s colours. The total sign area was 6.09 m x 3.6 m (20 ft x 12 ft).
The technique
The company also wanted the sign to look large and cohesive without visible screws. So, the team used 3M printed vinyl with a matte finish over laminate, applied on top of the laser-cut acrylic components of the main sign. This added sophistication to the project. To enhance visual impact and create a dynamic presentation, the pictorial part of the sign was divided into 10 separate panels. This approach not only showcased the design elements effectively but also gave the sign a modern look.
The fabrication process was meticulous. The team worked with 6.35-mm (0.25-in.) white acrylic for both the laser-cut elements and printed graphics. The production was divided into three stages: One, laser cutting the white acrylic for the tagline and preparing it for mounting on the wall; two, applying the different colours of the brand; and three, creating and installing the 10-panel image. Each piece was crafted and assembled in-house, ensuring top-notch quality and consistency.
One of the project’s main challenges was installing the panels. Co-owner of Signarama Richmond Hill and out-of-the-box thinker, Maricela, known for her creative problem-solving skills, developed an innovative solution using pin-mounted clear spacers and acrylic adhesive. This approach ensured a flawless installation and a satisfying final product.
The tools
The installation process—undertaken on April 10, 2024—was handled by me and an assistant. Given the sign’s location along a stairway, three ladders were used to ensure precise placement. The process involved adhering the 3D letters, drilling holes, and installing the panels with pin mounts. Despite the complexity, the installation was completed in about five hours.
As Applanix continues to innovate in mobile mapping and surveying, the new wall sign will visually represent the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation, welcoming visitors and clients with a clear display of their core values and achievements.
George Vasilache is the manager and owner of Signarama Richmond Hill, which he runs alongside his wife and co-owner, Maricela Vasilache.
