As the transportation needs of the nation’s largest cities continues to expand, their public works projects get bigger and bigger.  Over the years, CNP Signs & Graphics has shown itself able to take on these large-scale projects [ie. signage for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International (SAN)].  Today we are positioned for even bigger projects.

Large projects such as LAX and LA Metro (Blue Line) oftentimes require their subcontractors (including sign companies) to have specifically trained and certified work forces.  For instance, LAX required background checks to allow installers to work in CBP sensitive areas.  The LA Metro project required extensive training for working on/around live trains.  Having workers who have gone through this process and are familiar is a big advantage as the learning curve is not quite as steep.

While there are a few large scale sign companies in the US, there aren’t many here in California.  CNP Signs & Graphics has a highly-skilled work force large enough to handle the scope of signage the largest public works projects often demand.  Smaller companies simply don’t have the production capabilities to quickly and effectively produce the sheer volume of signs in the time allotted.  Of course, manpower isn’t the only factor.  Our experience in the industry is first and foremost.  Having been in business since 1939 (and owned by the same family), we’ve been building signs for over 70 years now.

In the past, CNP has been awarded a lot of the custom projects from local design firms.   These were comprised, for the most part, of smaller projects (businesses, parks, smaller public spaces like hospitals, etc.).  However, over the past 15 years as we’ve completed much larger projects, we’ve started garnering attention from the elite contractors.  National firms (such as McCarthy, Kiewit/Sundt and Walsh/Austin) now seek out companies with special skill, capabilities and experience such as CNP to complete their project signage.

Our successful completion of very large projects, like LAX International, has prompted large construction companies to invite CNP to participate in even more public works bidding processes.  Combining our large scale, public works projects with our smaller scale, design firm driven experience, CNP is ready for the future of public works projects.

Near the beginning of famous Route 66 in San Bernardino in California is In-N-Out Burger #26. Because of the history of the road and the company, when it was time for new signs at this location, the hamburger company famous for their double-doubles and fresh cut fries went back to their beginnings for inspiration.

When In-N-Out started back in 1948 their signs were neon and read “In-N-Out No Delay”. Today with the help of 70-year-old sign company CNP Signs & Graphics, In-N-Out #26 is decked out in signage befitting the golden age of the automobile out there on Route 66.

In order to achieve the authentic look of early In-N-Out signage, CNP designers went to their corporate headquarters in Baldwin Park where early examples of their signs and pictures of their locations are displayed. Armed with hundreds of pictures of the old illuminated signs, the CNP art department settled on a modified marquee sign (a triangular sign that shows two faces off the side of the building) as their centerpiece.

Keeping the original concept of the In-N-Out signs, the new sign has kept not only the early lettering design but also the exposed green neon lettering that reads “No Delay”. Three other signs were also developed incorporating design elements from the early company signs. However, when the designs called for exposed bulbs (think Las Vegas strip in the 60s) a new product was substituted. The design displays the older style brilliance and sparkling light, but the lights themselves are LEDs that dazzle while using less energy and lasting far longer than the old incandescent bulbs ever could.

In-N-Out executives took the design of restaurant #26 down on Route 66 a step further by carrying the vintage theme to the awnings and wall signs as well as the primary signage. The results are consistently retro, but also recognizable as part of the current design theme of signs across all properties. Because of the company’s love for nostalgia, there may be more vintage signs in their future.

So keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. And if you find yourself on Route 66 you might want to keep your eyes open for those neon signs twinkling in the twilight. Pull on in for a hamburger served with “No Delay”.

This year the New Year’s Eve ball that will descend over Times Square in New York City will be the biggest ever.  It will also be the greenest.  

Using Philips Luxeon Rebel LED modules (32, 256 of them), the ball is capable of producing more than 16 million colors and a dazzling display of patterns.   All this while operating with 20% less energy consuption. 

The ball weighs over 11,000 lbs. and is built around an aluminum frame that carefully cradles the 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles that are bolted over the LEDs.  While at CNP Signs & Graphics we might questions the use of crystal for long-term durability, for one night, it’s probably going to be just fine.

To see more about the history of the New Year’s ball, click here.

To see more pictures of this year’s ball, click here.

For more about LEDs and outdoor signage, contact your friendly and knowledgeable CNP representative.

Happy New Year!