A signage company, which has worked with the likes of Manchester Airport, Skechers and Hilton Garden Hotels, has been handed a major contract for the city's new fleet of Metrolink trams.
Trafford Park-based Astra Signs has been appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to print and install livery for the new trams.
The win follows a competitive tender and the delivery of previous branding work for TfGM as well as a recent £2.5m wayfinding project for Manchester Airport.
The contract sees the business fit out interior and exterior surfaces on 25 trams with Metrolink branding, using a bespoke colour-matched vinyl certified for the transport industry.
As part of the brief, Astra Signs is also installing safety reminders to encourage commuters to act responsibly when travelling on the UK’s largest tram network.
A TfGM spokesperson said: "Livery installation on a tram fleet requires specialist expertise and it’s clear that Astra Signs has exceptional knowledge of the transport sector.
"As a local company, the team share our passion for Metrolink and the vital role it plays in keeping the city moving.
"We’re looking forward to working together over the next couple of months, as the livery installation is rolled out across the fleet."
Founder and managing director of Astra Signs, David Derbyshire, added: "Manchester’s Metrolink is one of the best light rail systems in the world, and as a business with roots in the city, it’s a pleasure to be working alongside TfGM and Metrolink on this project.
"We’re pleased to have delivered Wayfinding Stop signage across the Network in partnership with TfGM over recent years and are thrilled to be back on board with the tram livery."
Work is already underway, with vinyl installed on five new trams in the Metrolink fleet and branding of a further 20 new trams taking place in the coming months.
