We recently installed a Custom LED-Illuminated channel letter sign and lighted pylon road sign with pan frames for the Mike Kelly Automotive Group in Butler. The signs are on display at the future pre-owned car sales center that is being constructed on Route 8. The pre-owned car sales center will be the newest addition to the Mike Kelly Automotive family. Seeking to communicate its well-respected brand, the 
company turned to Spark to create a modern look for its newest location.
Working with the Mike Kelly Automotive Group on other projects in the past, we were familiar with the brand. It was that knowledge, the trust we had earned from the automotive group, and our vast experience that led us to be awarded the Pre-Owned facility project.
To start the project, we had an initial meeting with the lead construction company to cover all aspects of the project so that we understood their expectations for the job. We, in turn, communicated our overall process and how we planned to accomplish the project on time and on budget.
The construction firm shared architectural renderings of the building that was to be refurbished to become the Mike Kelly Automotive Pre-Owned Car Sales Center. The renderings included sign drawings that incorporated the use of the Mike Kelly Auto logo and the words “PRE-OWNED”. As part of our design process, we discussed the exact specifications for the two signs and then communicated with our partner vendors who aided in the sign manufacturing process. We developed an effective 
concept and then provided proofs to the construction firm with exact dimensions, PMS colors, component parts, and other pertinent information.
After the sign proofs were approved, we communicated with our partner vendors to ensure they had the proper instructions, dimensions, and background prior to fabricating the signs.
The illuminated channel letters included a 6’ tall ‘Clover Leaf”, along with individual letters spelling “Mike Kelly” and the words “PRE-OWNED”. All of these shapes and letters were formed into aluminum ‘cans’, each 5” deep. The total size of the sign was six feet tall and fourteen feet – two inches wide (6’ x 14’-2”). LEDs were fitted within each can, and green and white acrylic faces were added.
We utilized a bucket truck to install the illuminated channel letters. After positioning a paper pattern on the exterior of the building wall, we drilled holes and then placed each individual channel ‘can’ on the building. We then connected the electrical wiring from the inside of the building and tested the LEDs inside each letter. With each letter working correctly, we closed the letters by securing the acrylic faces on top of each.
For the lighted pylon road sign, there was a fair amount of ‘on-site’ preparation work because we were using two existing pylon poles and one of the cabinets from the original sign structure. The previous company that had built the pylon sign included 4 separate cabinets. Keeping to the architectural plans, we removed three of the smaller cabinets and kept the largest cabinet. We then scraped and painted the poles ahead of installing pan frames in the remaining large cabinet. Once the pan frames were attached, we mounted the cabinet to the top of the pylon poles using an Elliott lift.
The lead project manager from the construction company was pleased with our collaboration on the project. Laura Schwartz of Arris Construction remarked, “Spark Signs & Graphics was great to work with. Very thorough, prompt, and communicated well, every step of the way.” In addition, Mike Lee, the General Manager of the Mike Kelly Automotive Group added, “The Spark team did a great job on putting a proposal together and delivering a fantastic final product!”
If you are looking for a sign company that has experience in significant outdoor building signs and importantly – want the project to be managed smoothly – consider Spark Signs & Graphics. We specialize in outdoor and indoor signs of all types, vehicle wraps and trade show and event displays. Call us at 724-510-0677, check us out at www.sparksigns.com, or visit our showroom in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.
Written by: Sparks Signs & Graphics – Pittsburgh, PA