When you look up...

Significantly better…
When I was first contemplating working for Metalcraft Industries, I had asked what the company made.  I was advised of its 20 years as a supplier for the sign industry.
This led me to looking at how signs are made and displayed…
Our mainstay is sign brackets. They come in a variety of styles and are often an added accompaniment to the sign.
It has been a lot of fun to seek out our sign brackets in my travels, on vacations or even just out and about town. What I have found is that I am not the only employee here at Metalcraft who does this.
Co-workers have shared their images of our brackets that they have also found during their off hours from work.
I thought I would share some of them here and show off a bit.

The first picture was a recent vacation find in PA. One of our powder coat people spotted them and sent me the image. It shows a nice line-up of both our Deluxe Scroll Bracket, as well as the Reverse Scroll Bracket. Both styles are complimentary to the large signage.



The second picture was from my visit to MN.  My brother was on the lookout and pointed to these two as we were headed out for an adventure.  He quickly pulled over for me and I stood in the middle of the road trying to get a good angle while dump trucks and semis whizzed past me.  The tattoo shop is using our Super Deluxe Scroll Bracket and the other is our Signature Deluxe Scroll Bracket.
Both are right beside each other. Word of mouth is a lot of what our business is based upon and I would venture to guess these two discussed their purchases with each other at some point.

 The third picture is from a recent visit out West by the owner of our company.  The excitement of finding our work in Yosemite National Park was enjoyed by all of us when he returned and shared the pictures.

Many of the images in our catalog were taken over on the East coast - here in Florida. St. Augustine offers historic streets and artistic venues that showcase our items throughout the town.
Here are just two of the many signs we found mounted with our brackets.

Next time you are venturing out, maybe you will look up and recognize our work.
They certainly are not a rare find. I can assure you...Metalcraft is everywhere.  Enjoy!

Political stakes...

Normally I would not discuss politics in a public post or blog, but there are some items I think you should know about regarding the upcoming elections.
Over the coming year there will be many opportunities for folks to show their interest and express their political orientation.
Metalcraft Industries offers a variety of ways to support them.
As a manufacturer of sign supplies we have a variety of unique display solutions, the number one value for your dollar that comes to mind is a great product called the TWISTAKE.
The TWISTAKE is a lightweight yet sturdy design that is suited for easy installs.

The TWISTAKE arrives in pack of 25 units , there is no assembly, it arrives ready for the addition of a COROPLAST sign.
(COROPLAST is a corrugated-plastic material it is an industry standard for sign making, , it can be easily printed upon with your message and holds up well to the elements).
To install, simply apply pressure to the two step down points of the TWISTAKE wire to secure it in the ground, no hammering or extra tools are required.

The TWISTAKE has been a favorite for the small business advertiser, (think lawn care, landscaping or window tinting), we think it is a dependable and likely a good candidate for your political messaging as well.
More information is available on our website page, click here to check out this great product you can add to your sign stake assortment. http://metalcraftindustries.net/twistake-sign-stake-25-pack-twistake-25-pack-for-corrugated-signs/

Just looking through some company pics this week, getting ready to update our logo to Celebrating 21 years…

Most days we are completing orders and building inventory of our sign frames and brackets.

The production plant often has unique and interesting jobs running, we powder coat many items each day and the range can be anywhere from outdoor furniture to aluminum sculptures…this was a recent request...it was powder coated green after this picture was taken and then it was shipped up north for finishing touches and install for the holidays..

I will see if I can get a picture of the completed project in place to add to this note.

HOT OFF THE PRESS...

With the completion of transitioning to a new website that is mobile friendly and includes added interactive tools to build your sign display, we moved on to our next project…creating a print catalog. You can find the results here on our website, look under the “Contact Us” heading on the navigation bar for the “Metalcraft Industries Catalog” in the drop-down menu. You will find a digital copy of our printed catalog available for your review. 

https://indd.adobe.com/view/2559d019-9079-4847-a93...

If you would like a print copy, select the “Request a Catalog” option and complete the form to provide us with an address and the number of copies you are requesting we send out to you.

http://metalcraftindustries.net/request-a-catalog/

We are glad to have been able to update our images and information for you, if you do not find what it is you are after, on the same drop-down menu you will find a form for requesting a quote. 

http://metalcraftindustries.net/request-a-quote/

There is some required information we will need provided in the "Details:" section of the form. If you see an item that looks like what you are after, send it along with your quote request, we often refer to images and drawings, but will need dimensions specified to assist.

Turn around...

At Metalcraft we pride ourselves in personal service , quick turn-around and quality items shipped safely to you for your sign project. 

 Our ability to get your order into production often depends on your actions in the beginning of the order process.

Our sales orders are sent to you via email for your review and approval to confirm the components are exactly what you requested.
Please note that with some large quantities of standard items or customized parts, a down payment or deposit may be requested.
Upon your approval of the order, and if requested, receipt of your deposit, we will begin to manufacture the items and fulfill the quantity requested in a timely manner.
We are able to ship popular sizes regularly according to the following approximate lead times…
Aluminum blanks ship next day.
Sign brackets ship next day.
Real Estate Frames ship next day.
Banner Brackets ship next day.
Printed Aluminum blanks usually ship within a week of your art file pre-press approval.
Customized sign brackets ship 1-2 weeks upon receipt of down payment.
Large quantities of frames, brackets, or other street components are 2-3 weeks from receipt of down payment.
Custom items from specified drawings are based upon technical requirements and can take longer.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you. We ask that you understand that often the items are not on a shelf, and may be manufactured to order.

ADD HARDWARE TO YOUR ORDER…

When a customer orders components for their project we will often review it and wonder if they have thought about hardware.

Metalcraft Industries offers a selection of hardware for installing the sign brackets to a post or pole, as well as the links or chain to hang the sign from the bracket.

There are a number of things we often do not know when you are purchasing items from us:

What type of surface are you mounting the bracket to?

Is it concrete, brick, wood?

What are the environment conditions?

Is it an area that experiences high winds, sub-zero temperatures?

These are the types of questions a contractor or engineer can review with you to determine the type of hardware you may need for your install.

But when it comes to mounting a bracket to a pole we have fabricated, or hanging a sign on a bracket we have manufactured…that is where you can find the hardware on our website.

We will be glad to assist you.

http://metalcraftindustries.net/hardware-accessories/

FINDING YOUR WAY? FOLLOW THE SIGNS.

All transportation and redevelopment projects, as well as new community developments, require some signage.

It’s a matter of whether that signage will be the minimum required – an afterthought, or will be comprehensively planned to compliment the rest of the project and the project’s marketing and livability goals.

If you look, you will notice that much existing signage in existing districts and neighborhoods is incomplete, and poorly maintained – as well as having inappropriate and unauthorized additions.

Encouraging, easing, and enhancing communities with informative directional solutions can be a very productive investment and clearly a part of creating a sense of place.

Like the other parts of new developments and redevelopment projects, park enhancements, road improvements, and parking facilities, a comprehensive wayfinding program combined with road clutter reduction, can enhance the experience of the community and its sense of place for residents and visitors alike.

It can increase tourism and enhance retail revenues – contributing to economic vitality, quality of life, and community pride.

Improved circulation and shortened searches for destinations and parking can reduce accidents, trip lengths, fuel consumption, and pollution.

As with other capital improvements, wayfinding systems can be designed to reinforce the “brand” of the community or district.

A wayfinding plan researches and analyzes boundaries, routes, decision points, and destinations, as well as signs and sign content required.

A guideline of components are listed here with links to our website.

Sign Types

• Gateway, boundary, and locator
• Guide, trail blazer, and directional
• Directory, interpretive mapping, and informational
• Regulatory, warning, and street name
• Banners and Transit

Sign Elements

• Post/Pole – single or multiple, usually round, might be square or other shape, such as smooth or fluted; possibly frangible as a crash breakaway feature.
• Pole BASE – decorative element that might match or compliment street light poles or other street furniture, such as benches or litter receptacles.
• Sign Panel – box frame, panel, or built-up, contains sign legend, graphic, and/or pictograph
• Finial – decorative top cap of the post/pole or accessory rods
• Fittings – connections and fastenings

Considerations when choosing materials

• Family of Signs General Specifications
• Sign Unit Design Details
• Structure Types and Specifications
• Sign Type Use Within Program
• Pricing Alternatives
• Permitting Requirements (State,County,City)
• Installation Requirements
• Maintenance, replacement, expansion

Planning a Wayfinding System

• Research customer goals
• Study boundaries, jurisdictions, routes, decision points, destinations, and existing signage
• Develop database and mapping for sign locations, sign legends, sign and legend sizes
• Design, engineer, develop specifications for signs and other street furniture
• Prioritize and budget

http://metalcraftindustries.net/wayfinding-solutions/

http://metalcraftindustries.net/decorative-poles-finials-and-bases/

http://metalcraftindustries.net/post-panel-systems/

http://metalcraftindustries.net/street-signs-building-safety-signs-3/

Metalcraft Industries has a portfolio of successfully completed projects, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together with you on your upcoming development of community wayfinding.