Signbox has completed a highly complex and technically demanding project to manufacture and install a substantial-sized corporate logo to the north elevation of Northern Trust’s European headquarters in Canary Wharf, London.
This intricate project involved installing a detailed symbol and individually fabricated stainless steel letters which make up Northern Trust’s logo. The logo, now visible on the Dockland’s skyline, was positioned across the top of the company’s offices with the inherent safety implications of such a large, exposed sign, at a 62 metre height.
Mark Bartlett, managing director of Signbox comments, “Signbox was the principle contractor for this extremely complex project. What made the project so technically demanding is that there proved to be very limited scope to secure the sign to the top of the building. The engineering and design of the supporting structure integrated with both architectural elements and plant at roof level. Planning was meticulous with safety of course absolutely paramount at every stage of the project. And the logo is not passive – it is illuminated by twin circuits of LEDs, which are controlled by photocells and a timer, all adding to the complexity of this assignment.”
The installation of the structural steelwork commenced over the New Year break. However, a combination of health & safety restrictions and the need to minimise disruption to personnel working in Canary Wharf, resulted in work only taking place at weekends. The project coincided with the severe weather conditions experienced during the winter of 2009/10, exacerbated by the height and open environment that the Signbox installation team were working at. The project was, however, completed on schedule.
Signbox worked very closely with Blackburn & Co. LLP, who were appointed by Northern Trust as the project manager. Chris Blackburn of Blackburn & Co LLP explains, “Signbox took on a difficult project during adverse weather conditions yet excelled, on every criteria. From the contractors on-site to the senior management, the Signbox team were approachable, professional and a pleasure to work with.”
Martin Clarke, Vice President of Northern Trust’s Global Services Group comments, “From inception to completion, Signbox’s attention to detail was unrelenting. This gave us the confidence that we had chosen the right contractor to deal with such an extremely complex and highly visible project. Coupled with their responsiveness and openness, this made the whole project highly satisfactory.”
“All at Northern Trust would like to thank the Signbox team for making this project a great success.”
