Sunrise illuminated LED signage welcomes passengers to Zurich

A masterly achievement at a dizzy height

As the company name already says, the telecommunications company Sunrise is constantly opening up new horizons. The company commissioned Frontwork with the manufacture and installation of an eye-catching illuminated façade signage for Zurich-Opfikon. The installation of two 6 x 1.60 metre high Sunrise LED logos high above the city of Zurich on a property located in the approach and take-off route of Zurich Airport made an impact even before the installation.

It goes without saying that this energy-saving showpiece for orientation was subject to approval. The aim of the new LED illuminated signage? To serve as an orientation guide and a visual identifier for Sunrise.

But how is the highly visible installation of such an enormous illuminated LED sign carried out?

The best thing to do is imagine that James Bond is on a mission: six o’clock in the morning. A decision is pending. Several people are waiting on site for the “Go!” to attach the big Sunrise logo with a mobile crane (with a jib length of 50 metres). The risk is high – the weather can change at any time. A close eye must be kept on the anemometer for the crane and on the weather forecast in any case.

Things always become extremely nerve-racking

if there is a change in the weather or the wind is too strong. This is precisely the reason why the installation was initially cancelled in our case. Safety comes first. The consequence? Another major coordination effort – not exactly cheap.

The next hurdle for our Frontwork agents?

An underground car park together with an adjacent rail track below the installation location. A controlled lightning strike for short-circuit protection from the catenary to the crane is organised on account of the proximity to the track. Monitored by a SBB safety officer, the working day finally starts: in the process, you can watch how the giant crane hoists the gantry up to the roof. The only way to mount the illuminated logo efficiently, safely and quickly. Needless to say, everything is fastened to the supporting structure of the perforated metal façade and everything is back-ventilated. Another four small logos complete the underlying ceramic façade.

Our customers, Sunrise and the general contractor Halter, were so pleased with our brilliant operation that we were also allowed to execute the illuminated signs in the indoor areas and carry out all the other signwriting work for them.

Otherwise: An illuminated LED sign as façade signage which is even visible from an aircraft and aids orientation?
In this case, we at Frontwork would like to be 007 – because, what was the title of the James Bond film? A “Thunderball” is not enough.