Century Signs, a Vancouver, B.C.-based sign company, has a rich history dating back to 1974. It has evolved over the decades as an awning company, embracing innovation and expanding its offerings to become a leader in the Western Canadian signage market. However, signage isn’t all it does; it focuses on three major product lines.

From illuminated storefront signs to large-format printing and complex fabrication, Century Signs offers a range of in-house products and services. Sign Media Canada spoke with Khuram Shahzad, the company’s marketing specialist, who discussed the company’s unique approach, recent projects, and future plans.

Sign Media Canada (SMC): What is the history of the shop?

Founded in 1974, Century Signs began as a humble awning company called Ancient Mariner Industries. Gary Taylor, the current owner, acquired the business and operated it from a small shop outside downtown Vancouver, B.C. Initially, the company specialized solely in selling and producing high-quality awnings.

By 1979, after mastering the art of cutting and sewing awnings, the company expanded its expertise to include industrial fabrics, producing juvenile products, life jackets, and safety gear. This diversification marked the beginning of a new chapter.

In the mid-1980s, as technology advanced, the company embraced innovation by integrating backlighting and graphics into its awning products. This shift paved the way for the introduction of illuminated storefront signs, solidifying its reputation as a leader in Vancouver’s signage market. Recognizing the need for a name that better reflected its evolving product range, Taylor rebranded the company as Century Signs & Awnings in 1994. Inspired by the tagline “Quality Signs & Awnings for the 21st Century,” the name signalled the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve. During this period, the business relocated to Surrey, B.C.

In the latter half of the 2000s, Century Signs expanded further by opening a second location in Squamish, B.C., fuelled by the signage demand from the 2010 Winter Olympics. This move established the company as a key signage supplier in the Sea-to-Sky region of B.C.

One of the most significant transformations came in 2021 when Century Signs celebrated nearly 50 years in the industry with a complete brand overhaul. The new logo and colours reflect a modern identity while honouring its rich legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.

Today, Century Signs stands as a trusted name in signage, combining decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach to meet the needs of businesses across Western Canada.

SMC: What makes your company unique?

Century Signs is one of the few companies in Vancouver offering a comprehensive range of in-house products and services within the signage industry. While many competitors specialize in either fabrication, awnings, or printing, Century Signs excels in all three. Leveraging more than five decades of stitching expertise, the company also provides industrial fabric products.

This ability to produce and supply diverse products under one roof gives Century Signs a distinct advantage. Unlike competitors who rely on outsourcing, Century Signs manages every aspect of the process in-house. From design and fabrication to installation, the company’s dedicated teams ensure project execution. Their in-house designers and installers are adept at acquiring necessary permits and adhering to legal requirements, further simplifying the process for clients.

This streamlined approach keeps costs competitive and guarantees complete control over quality. As outlined in the company’s mission statement, Century Signs aims to “deliver high-quality signage with unparalleled ease for customers.” This commitment to simplicity and excellence truly sets the company apart.

SMC: How large is the facility?

The company operates across two facilities with a combined workspace of more than 929 m² (10,000 sf) and a team of 25-30 full-time employees. The Surrey office specializes in fabrication and stitching, while the Squamish location focuses on large-format printing and finishing. This division of labour ensures efficiency and expertise across all production stages. Additionally, goods are transported internally between the two offices, maintaining complete control over logistics and ensuring timely delivery.

SMC: What type of signage does your shop install?

While we can produce many unique signs, our primary products are fabricated signs (channel letters, lightboxes, 3D letters, pylon signs, and so on), awnings (both fixed and retractable), and wide-format printing (wall murals, window graphics, vehicle decals, banners, etc.). These are the three big pillars of the signage industry. Almost 90 per cent of our projects involve one or a combination of these products.

SMC: What type of projects have you been working on recently?

This past year, the company played a pivotal role in retail, completing comprehensive signage packages for notable clients. One standout project was the Meiga Superstore, which debuted its first location in British Columbia in 2024. The team designed and delivered various signage solutions to enhance the store’s brand visibility and customer experience. In November 2024, Fresh St. Market opened its newest location in North Vancouver, with Century Signs providing all the signage and graphic elements for the store.

Beyond the local market, Century Signs has extended its expertise across borders, contributing to retail spaces in various U.S. airports. These projects demonstrate the company’s ability to adapt and deliver high-quality signage solutions tailored to international clients’ unique needs.

SMC: How much of the sign installation process is handled in-house?

Although Century Signs strives to keep the entire process in-house, the diversity of its product range and occasional tight deadlines may require outsourcing minor elements. This typically includes tasks such as laser cutting substrates or powder coating signs, which trusted business partners handle. However, everything else—from initial design to final installation—is managed internally, ensuring complete control over quality and consistency.

SMC: What tools/equipment do you use to complete your projects?

Our extensive range of products and services is supported by a suite of tools and equipment across the facilities. While listing every piece of machinery would be exhaustive, the following highlights some of the broader equipment categories integral to producing the company’s top three product types:

Fabrication shop: Equipped with a computer-numerical control (CNC) router, a welding station, a metal cutter, a paint booth, and an electronics station for installing LEDs and finishing signs.

Stitching shop: This facility features industrial sewing and hemming machines, a grommet puncher, and a 9.14-m (30-ft) workstation designed to handle the finishing of all fabric products.

Printing shop: This houses three Mimaki printers dedicated to vinyl printing, perfect for wall murals, window graphics, and banners.

Century Signs also maintains a fleet of vehicles for installation and delivery services. This includes two bucket trucks (one per location) for installing high-reach storefront signs and awnings, a large van and flatbed trailer for transporting oversized signs or pylon signs, and smaller vehicles such as a van and a pickup truck for delivering smaller signage or for carrying out vinyl installations.

SMC: What does your planning process involve?

When a lead comes in, it is assigned to a specialist on our sales team, who schedules a consultation over the phone or in person to discuss the project details. The project scope is logged into our customer relationship management (CRM) system, where our estimator calculates the cost and prepares a proposal. Once the client approves the proposal, the workflow varies depending on the project type.

For most projects, the next step involves our design team. They create a PDF proof for projects that go directly to production or detailed drawings if a sign permit is required.

After the PDF proof or permit is approved, the process moves seamlessly through production, assembly, quality control, and installation. We hold weekly meetings to keep everything on track and address potential issues. Every Tuesday, we review the status of all projects in production, and every Thursday, we finalize the schedule for installations in the upcoming week.

This streamlined process ensures we deliver high-quality products on time while keeping our clients’ experience straightforward. It reflects our commitment to providing exceptional signage with simplicity and efficiency.

SMC: How is technology changing your business?

While not revolutionary, technological advancements are making signage production more efficient and products more durable and visually striking. For instance, new printers now deliver high-resolution designs with vibrant colours and weather-resistant inks, eliminating the need for additional finishing, such as lamination. Lightweight composites and environmentally friendly materials are also gaining traction, offering clients cost-efficient solutions that match or exceed the durability of traditional alternatives.

Century Signs is investing in these technologies to align with client demands for greener, more sustainable options. On the installation side, the company is adopting prefabricated, modular components to simplify on-site assembly. Additionally, innovative apps for surveying, measuring, and designing allow for precise visualization of signage in real-world environments, significantly reducing adjustments during installation.

SMC: What is the key to staying successful in this industry?

Century Signs attributes its success to two key factors: a focus on customer relationships and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.

Externally, building strong, long-term relationships with clients is essential. Unlike other fields where repeat business is frequent, signage projects are typically one-time investments, with replacements or updates occurring years apart. By prioritizing exceptional customer service and fostering trust, Century Signs ensures clients return when needed and also recommend its services to others.

Internally, the company’s dedication to perfecting its craft has been paramount. Whether in fabrication, printing, or stitching, having the right tools, equipment, and expertise is vital. Maintaining efficiency without compromising quality is a delicate balance in an economic landscape where production costs are rising while selling prices remain competitive. Century Signs continually refines its processes to achieve this equilibrium, allowing the company to stand out while delivering exceptional value to its clients.

SMC: What are the future plans for your business?

Using its new branding and enhanced social presence, Century Signs aims to reach new audiences across Western Canada and the United States. One specific target is the construction industry, where the company sees significant potential to expand its market share. Additionally, plans are underway to explore opening a new location outside the Greater Vancouver region, catering to the fast-growing cities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and beyond.

Internally, the company is prioritizing employee engagement and satisfaction. A core value of Century Signs is fostering a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. Through team-building activities, health and wellness paid days off, and professional training opportunities, the company strives to create a workplace culture of growth, professionalism, and creativity.