Companies merge to create ‘signage powerhouse’
Two Manchester signage companies have merged, but will maintain their respective identities for the foreseeable future.
Hyde-based digital signage ADXBA and Stretford bespoke architectural signage company Astra Signs have joined forces that they say will provide both traditional and digital signage solutions for the country.
They will ultimately operate under one brand, but will maintain their existing identities and premises for the foreseeable future.
Astra Signs has a track record in bespoke architectural and traditional signage, supplying signage across the UK and Europe for clients such as Arnold Clark, Manchester Metrolink, Skechers and Bruntwood. Most staff have been with the company for more than 20 years.
ADXBA provides digital signage solutions to digital out of home (DOOH) advertisers, transports hubs, and stadia.
Following a successful diversification programme, ADXBA has enjoyed a period of unprecedented growth in the past 18 months. Recent projects include working with BT for its next generation Street Hubs and with Manchester Airport on its £1bn transformation of Terminal 2.
The combined business will retain all current staff and will be led by ADXBA’s managing director, Jim Kerr.
Astra’s MD, David Derbyshire, will explore other interests,, but the company will retain the family business legacy through his brother, Joe, who will continue in his role as operations director, as well as his son and nephew who work at the company.
David will also retain close links with the signage industry through his involvement with the International Sign Association UK and British Standards.
David Derbyshire said: “We’ve had opportunities like this before, but we’ve never found the right fit, so I’m very pleased that Jim is able to push this forward.
“Merging with ADXBA will provide Astra Signs with a national footprint, digital signage expertise and a strong technology base – giving the business a unique position in the industry. I am certain that the two businesses will do great things together.”
Jim Kerr said: “We worked with Astra Signs on the Manchester Airport Transformation project and I was struck by their attention to detail and quality of their products.
“As well as benefiting from each other’s skills and services, this move will allow both companies to increase efficiencies through scale and to add real value to our combined customer base whilst innovating through technology.
“We’re all very excited for our future as a combined business and we’d like to thank David for his commitment to Astra Signs for the past 40 years.”
