Sign Manufacturing

Sign Manufacturing

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry make signs used primarily to convey information and display advertising messages. Major companies include Brady Corporation, Daktronics, and Visual Graphic Systems (all based in the US), as well as Marahrens Group (Germany) and Shingokizai (Japan). The industry also includes the large electronic display divisions of major electronics manufacturers such as Panasonic (Japan) and Samsung (South Korea). Producers of paper and paperboard signs are not included in the industry.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand for signs is driven by government spending on transit infrastructure, new nonresidential construction, and advertising spending. The profitability of individual companies depends on quality of workmanship and materials, customer service, and price. Large companies have advantages in purchasing power for raw materials, and they can more easily serve national accounts. Small companies can compete effectively through offering more personalized service. The US industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 30% of industry revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Typical products include roadway and traffic information signs; on-premises signs used by businesses (building-mounted, freestanding, and interior signs); off-premises billboards and other advertising signs; and signs that convey safety or other information in public areas, workplaces, or other facilities.