A small weekly community newspaper, The Zeeland Record has launched an entirely new line of business to make up for sagging advertising revenues -- car wraps that shine with bright neon-like lights powered by the vehicles' batteries.
One of the first in the nation to use the patent pending technology, the newspaper has formed ZR Graphics to design and install the electrically lit car wraps, which essentially are vinyl coverings stretched over vehicles that turn them into rolling billboards. For instance, businesses with delivery vehicles on the road wrapped in vinyl can spread their commercial messages wherever they travel.
Developed by Luma Brite Technologies L.L.C. in Florida, the technology can be used illuminate fleet graphics, signs, billboards, signage and many other applications as well.
"It's just very exciting," says Adam Thompson, lead designer of ZR Graphics. "There's no one else in Michigan doing this. We tell people to consider it a mobile billboard. A customer's imagination is the only limit of what can be done.
"At night, it's just amazing," Thompson continues. "People who know it and know marketing are impressed with the technology. It's definitely going to increase our business, but to what extent, we're not sure."
ZR Graphic's first customer? A Zeeland Record truck, of course, that was transformed into a showcase with deluxe reflective lighted panels. It's next customer is a monster truck for Perrin Motor Sports in Coopersville.
Cost can range from $500 for a single logo to $5,000 for the deluxe full wrap with reflective coating, says Thompson. The wraps should last 2-3 years before requiring maintenance, he adds.
Source: Adam Thompson, ZR Graphics
Sharon Hanks is the innovation and jobs news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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