Sign workshop in Czech Republic: acrylic thermoforming for illuminated faces and displays

A signage workshop in Brno, Czech Republic, was producing exclusively channel letters in aluminum and stainless steel. Business was fine, but seasonality hit hard: in winter months orders dropped, and the team had nothing to do. They were looking for a way to diversify without leaving the domain they knew.

The challenge

Their clients increasingly requested 3D illuminated faces (letters with pronounced volume, three-dimensional logos), POS displays for stores, and window display elements. Until then, they outsourced thermoforming to a supplier in another country, which meant long lead times and doubled costs. They wanted to bring production in-house but did not know which machine to choose.

The solution

They acquired the MEC-017 multifunctional hydraulic thermoforming machine. The equipment forms acrylic, PETG, and ABS up to 1200 mm width, both by vacuum and by pressure. They can make anything from domed illuminated faces (for letters and logos) to complex shapes for stands and displays.

The result

In the first year, revenue grew by 55%. They opened three new markets: POS displays for retail chains, window display elements for fashion brands, and thermoformed covers for a local medical equipment manufacturer. Seasonality practically disappeared because display orders come in steadily throughout the year. The existing team took over machine operation without difficulty, and lead time for illuminated faces dropped from 2 weeks (with outsourcing) to 2 days.