Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions - National Rebrand (Phase 1)

Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions is a mechanical solutions provider with 21 facilities across the U.S. and Mexico and was formed with the acquisition of 11 manufacturing and machining companies. Cadrex was looking to update these acquisitions as well as remove previous branding from their buildings. We partnered with the Cadrex team to provide survey, design, fabrication and installation of new signs. During our initial meeting we discussed their goals and expectations, timing and site contacts. Because of the number of facilities this was split into 2 phases, based on priority.

Surveys and city code research began with phase 1 locations, which included:

• Dresser, WI
• Chippewa Falls, WI
• Romeoville, IL
• Bloomingdale, IL
• Westminster, CO
• Agawam, MA
• Ossian, IN

Surveys included photos and dimensions of existing signage as well as documenting new potential sign opportunities. They also verified existing freestanding sign structures to determine if there were able to be reused or if new structures would be required. While the surveys took place, city codes were being researched for each location. The city codes were used for sizing and placement of all exterior signs and if any additional signage would be allowed. After the surveys were completed conceptual drawings showing exact dimensions, materials and placement were put together and presented to the Cadrex team for review. Once designs were finalized, city permits were secured and the signs were placed into production. 

Phase 1 Locations

Dresser, WI

The Dresser location consisted of a new LED illuminated wall mount sign, a new monument sign, updated building numbers and door vinyl at the main entrance. We also removed two existing wall signs and the old monument sign.

• • The wall sign cabinet was painted Cadrex blue with polycarbonate faces and translucent vinyl film. 
  • A new LED illuminated monument sign with manual changeable reader board was installed in place of the previous sign. The reader board included a vandal cover to prevent unauthorized access to the letters.
  • We updated building numbers to clearly identify each of the four buildings. Previous numbers were too small and hard to read.
  • New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Chippewa Falls, WI

The Chippewa Falls location was another multi-building facility. This time with only two buildings. We installed a new LED face illuminated raceway mount letter set, a new id cabinet on the existing monument sign, new directional signs, shipping and receiving signs, digitally printed window graphics and door vinyl.

• The new LED face illuminated letter set was installed on the main building to bring more visibility from the main road.
• A new id cabinet was installed to retrofit the existing monument sign. The existing cabinet was not in good shape and needed to be removed, but the existing structure was able to be reused.
• More prominent freestanding directional signs were needed to help guide deliveries and visitors between the two buildings. 
• Updated shipping and receiving signs were installed at the dock doors to provide guidance to delivery drivers and let them know they've arrived.
• New digitally printed door vinyl graphics were installed at the main entrance vestibule. These were printed on a perforated vinyl film to prevent a total blockage of visibility from the glass.
• New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Romeoville, IL

Romeoville was a smaller scope of work. We refaced an existing monument sign and installed new entrance door vinyl.

• We fabricated new painted aluminum overlay panels with vinyl graphics to fit on an existing freestanding monument structure.
• New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Bloomingdale, IL

Bloomingdale was another smaller scope of work. There were no existing signs to remove, but they were looking identify their building and give it some presence from the street. We installed a new LED face illuminated raceway mount letter set and new entrance door vinyl.

• The new LED face illuminated letter set included a raceway to house the electrical, which is painted to match the building. The letter logo faces are translucent digital prints that illuminate a light blue color. But because the letters are a dark blue, we digitally printed perforated vinyl to match the blue during the day but at night the letters illuminate white. 
• New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Westminster, CO

The Westminster facility is located in a building which had an existing sign plan in place. The wall sign was required to be on a panel background and have raised lettering. The monument sign was already in place and only needed to be refaced. Branding updates were also needed for the dock signs, parking signs and door vinyl.

• The wall sign was unique because of the architecture of the building. There were large projecting 'ribs' on the building which provided a limited area to install a panel style wall sign. Because the wall sign extended past the 'ribs' on the building we fabricated a framework behind each side of the panel to provide extra support. The frame was concealed behind the panel which gives the illusion that the sign is floating off the wall. The logo was also fabricated out of flat cut aluminum and painted to match the Cadrex brand colors.
• We fabricated and installed a new overlay panel for the monument sign. The graphics were applied digital prints.
• Docks signs were updated with the new branding and numbering for delivery trucks to identify. 
• New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Agawam, MA

Agawam was another multi-building facility, this time with three separate buildings. We removed an existing letter set and installed a new LED face illuminated letter set. A new directional sign package was installed around the facility to lead visitors and deliveries to the correct destinations. Updated and branded address and dock plaques were installed on the backs of the buildings by the shipping and receiving areas. 

• A new LED face illuminated letter set was installed on the main building of the campus. This new sign took the place of an existing letter set which was removed. 
• A new freestanding directional sign package was installed around the perimeter of the campus at all the major decision points to lead and direct visitors and delivery drivers. 
• Since a majority of their traffic was delivery trucks, updated address plaques and dock numbers were installed to clearly label and identify each of the buildings.
• New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Ossian, IN

The Ossian facility included a non-illuminated wall sign at the main entrance, a new freestanding directional sign and updated door vinyl graphics.

• We fabricated an aluminum backer with a flat cut aluminum logo for the new wall sign. The logo and letters were painted to match the Cadrex brand colors. There was an existing wall sign which was also removed at the same time.
• A new freestanding directional sign was installed at the entrance drive of the facility to direct delivery drivers to the correct location.
• New door vinyl was installed at the main entrance to clearly identify the door for visitors to the facility.

Successful Outcome

Given the scale of this project, effective coordination and timely communication were important. We maintained constant contact with our Cadrex partners throughout the rebranding process, from conducting surveys to obtaining permits and commencing the installation of new signage. Ensuring that each facility was informed of the ongoing developments around their premises was also crucial for a smooth transition.