Sign manufacturing day provides students with a better understanding of what education is needed or will advance them in the field of signmaking.
SMC: What equipment do you currently use to complete your sign projects?
SA: At the moment, we have two computer numerical control (CNC) MultiCam routers, one HP-FB 500 Scitex flatbed printer with ultraviolet (UV) curable inks, a Roland VersaCAMM VP-540 digital printer, two 1524-mm (60-in.) wide Royal Sovereign laminators, welding and fabrication equipment, as well as a Summa plotter. We also own a photopolymer processor and hot stamping machine for AODA signage and a 3.6- x 7.3-m (12- x 24-ft) spray booth, which serves as a Matthews’ paint mix station. Our in-house machinery eliminates the need for an intermediary, which saves time and lowers prices to satisfy our client’s needs and deliver quality signs on time.
Also, our installation equipment, which consists of six pickup trucks, a boom truck, and a 4.5-m (15-ft) long trailer, ensures the final product meets our customer’s satisfaction.
SMC: What does your planning and design process involve?
SA: We are a goal-oriented company with an emphasis on efficiency, quality, and professionalism. Our staff and resources are of the utmost quality. We operate with a family approach, capturing the strengths of all those involved, to implement an open line of communication between our clients as well as project members. This ensures all needs are met within the parameters outlined in the proposal. Establishing timelines for communication, production, and installation allows us to meet our customer’s requirements with ease.
SMC: How is technology changing your business? What is the key to staying successful in this industry?
SA: Nearly three decades ago, all signs at Spectra were handpainted by signmakers. Today, everything is created with the help of printers. The sign business has evolved tremendously over the past few years.
The key to staying successful is to keep pace with the times. Because our industry moves so fast, it is important to stay on top of the latest products and equipment on the market, so we can best serve our clients. Having the ability to design graphics, create signage in various forms using our in-house machines and expertise, as well as install this signage once it is completed allows us to stay ahead in the game.
