Westrac Showcase – Exhibition Signage

The Resources and Technology showcase 2019 (RTS2019) was held on November 27 & 28 at the Perth Convention Centre. As an introduction to the show, Westrac set up a magnificent display on Elizabeth Quay, showcasing some of their top of the line machinery. The star of the show was without a doubt the CAT 785D mining truck. It sits at 250 tonnes, and at the height of 5.67m, this beast dwarfs its surroundings, which is an achievement in itself as it sits beside the Panther float with a D9 dozer attached to the back.

To introduce these beasts, our client wanted some display signboards set up. The lead time for these signs was extremely short, so who better to come to in their hour of need, than their old friends at Signs WA Joondalup? Over the years, we have worked together to successfully develop and deliver projects small and large, and we have always demonstrated good understanding of our client’s needs. This time was no different. With only two days to finish the signage and a lot of hurdles to overcome, we put our heads together as a team to think of the best solution to the project.

There was a lot to consider with these signs, not only did they have to look spectacular in the beautiful surroundings of Elizabeth Quay, they also had to stand out beside the magnificent machinery being showcased. Not an easy feat when up against a beast like the CAD 785D.

For the framework, we settled on customisable aluminium frame bars at the size of 55x55mm. The Aluminium framework sports a groove of 15mm for the sign panel to easily slot in place once the framework is assembled, making it the perfect solution for our predicament. But it wasn’t just convenience which made us choose this solution. We wanted the signs to look their best, and the framework sports a sleek look which complements the displayed vehicles, and to tie it in even better, we settled on the black to match the yellow and black of the vehicles on display, making it all come together in a visually cohesive way. Not only is the signage framework visually pleasing, but this solution is also heavy-duty enough to hold our 2400x1200mm ACP panels in place for the duration of the show.

Once the framework was all finished, we were presented with another problem, how to install them on site, safely. The location is at Elizabeth Quay on the coast, and we all know how the weather gods can play tricks on us, meaning we had to take every precaution to make sure our signs stayed up without incident for the show.

One of our biggest hurdles to overcome was to figure out how to make them free-standing and safe at the same time, whilst not sacrificing the appeal of the signs. We knew that simply slotting our framework over a set of star pickets was not going to be enough, and safety is always a big concern of ours, especially in a busy tourist spot like Elizabeth Quay. Again, our team put their heads together and created custom feet for our signs so we could bolt them directly to the Jarrah bases on site with coach bolts.

And just to be extra sure those ACP panels were not going anywhere, we decided to fix them to the framework with silicon. This also helped ensure that each panel was set in place, and there would be no rattling from that Fremantle Doctor wind so prevalent throughout Perth in the afternoons. In addition, we built the signs so they could be disassembled and packed away for easy storage, transportation, and reassembly at a later date. At Signs WA Joondalup, we believe it is the little details that set a sign apart from the rest. It is those little extra cares put into the sign work that makes it remarkable.

For this particular job, our team knocked it out of the park. We came together, under immense time pressure, and produced a set of stunning signs which tied perfectly in with the machines on display.

Not only do they look great next to the mining beasts, but all parts of the signs are secured and safe for all the families and individuals who are interesting in seeing the awe-inspiring scope of machinery used in the Pilbarra. Here at Signs WA Joondalup, we hope the information on the boards will inspire little minds to what is possible with the right set of tools, and leave an impression not long forgotten along with the magnificent mining vehicles on display.

The display was a great lead in to the RTS 2019 show, and families from all over gathered around the machines in droves to gape in awe at their sheer size. Here at Signs WA Joondalup, we were excited to be a part of it, lending a helping hand to our long time customer, and doing our bid to making Perth a great and interesting city to be a part of.