Signs: Who makes them?

Question

Who makes our highway and street signs? Anything from stop signs to mile markers to exit signs and everything in between.

Answer 1

Actually, I am a signmaker. I work for a company that's manufactures street signs. We make basically any signs you would see on a public or private road, as well as those which are found at a business, and sometimes residences. Soon we will have digital capabilities to manufacture "artist-grade" signs, much like those you see on newer billboards, 18-wheelers, race cares, and whatever else you can think of.
The backing is a vinyl adhesive applied to an aluminum blank (they are no longer heat-activated, except in out-of-date manufacturing companies). The lettering, etc is either "plotted and posted," or it is silk-screened, then vandal coating is applied (also through the roll applicator like the initial vinyl sheeting).
Hope this helps answer your question.

Answer 2

It depends. While federal laws and regulations establish standards for highway markings, the individual states are responsible for posting and maintaining highway signs within their borders. Most state Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies have their own sign shops who make up highway signs for use within their states. Some may use prison shops, the same way that some prisons make license plates for cars. I'm sure there are some locations who also contract out some sign production to privately owned shops too.

Just as a matter of interest... Most highway signs today are not painted. They are made of sheet vinyl, glued to aluminum backings with heat activated adhesives.

Answer 3

There is a company in Logan, Ohio called Osbourne Associates that makes road signs. Ususally the ones they make are the big green interstate/freeway signs for exits.

Answer 4

Sign Making companys

Answer 5

The lowerest bidder.The state asks for bids.So the sign company that has the lowest bid gets the contract.However the state DOT has a sign room that makes some signs

Answer 6

Here is one for Pa:

R. P. Crawford Co., Inc.
3901 Washington Rd., Suite 103, P.O. Box 1442
Mcmurray, PA 15317
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.rpcrawford.com

Here are others:
http://www.thomasnet.com/western-pennsylvania/traffic-signs-75480608-1.html

Hope this helps.
...jj

Answer 7

Its like any business. Most outdoor advertising companies provide such services and bid on the manufaturing of signage on behalf of the Department of Transportation for the given state. Its a huge business and they have to go according to the specifications laid out by the DoT in terms of dimesions and height as well as illumination for night drivers to see them.

Most of the signage is made of fiberglass.

Answer 8

Here in TX, they are made in the District Office Sign Shops and sent out to the area offices.

Answer 9

There is a company called Vulcan Signs, that makes the basic shapes, then they ship it to the final company to imprint what they need on the sign.

Answer 10

Some signs like stop signs they buy. Others that have to make or special order