The brief was to come up with a modern, clean form of signage to replace the old light-boxes that were currently in place. We decided that the most practical and cost-effective method would be to use a simple white painted aluminium sign tray, to highlight the blue Sulzer logo. Vinyl graphics would be applied, to facilitate cleaning and maintenance, and where illumination was required we would incorporate a matching white troughlight.
As the factories varied in size, we decided to offer three options, each one increasing in size by 50%. For the initial product meeting we provided a scale model complete with corporate logo, whilst keeping the chunky 100mm return to emphasise the industrial look of the sign. The sample went down a storm, with everyone agreeing that it fitted the bill perfectly.
The next step was to organise a Nationwide survey, complete with digital images and detailed measurements. We also instructed our access partners to undertake their own survey in order to provide exactly the right type of machine to reach the location of the signs.
On sites as far apart as Aberdeen and Southampton, our fitters were sometimes working at height in temperatures of minus 8 degrees, with the cherry-pickers stretched to their limits. Co-ordinating a project of this scale is a huge undertaking, from ordering materials, to scheduling the work, and liaising with both the fitters and site management. Most importantly, we had to ensure that the additional workload did not affect the lead-times for our regular clients.
As the Sulzer factories are 24 hour engineering sites, health & safety was a primary consideration. Detailed risk assessments and method statements were sent in advance to each depot, with one manager commenting that our H & S paperwork was the best he’d ever seen.
The whole project was completed over a matter of months, and encompassed directional, corporate reception, health & safety, and vehicle signage. The most satisfying part of the whole job was when the Sulzer MD took the time to call and thank me, and to say that he hoped I was enjoying the new Ferrari………..(As if).
