EBSCO Sign Group Shines with TriStar

A fully integrated LED, or light-emitting diode, sign called TriStar is the latest product from the EBSCO Sign Group (ESG) to shine brightly for customers and ESG alike. Manufactured by Wayne Industries and sold by Stewart Signs, TriStar bridges a gap between signs with changeable acrylic letters and more expensive LED signs. Chris Trower, general manager of Wayne Industries, explained, “We set out to bridge that gap with a sign that was very easy to install and use, and [the Tristar] does exactly what we wanted.”

TriStar signs, which typically sell in the $10,000 to $12,000 range, are perfect for customers who want LED text, but who don’t need all the functionality offered by signs retailing for $20,000 or more. “TriStar is a very high-quality sign with basic LED capabilities,” said Pam Schaetzel, general manager of Stewart Signs.

Customers program the TriStar with a remote control, much as they might create a text message on a phone. Named for its tri-colored text — red, green and amber —TriStar needs no dedicated computer or special software.

Schaetzel said another possibility under consideration is the ability to split the sign face and LED section. In addition, a retrofit option will be available this month that will essentially allow customers with changeable letter signs to add an integrated LED panel to their existing sign.

The retrofit has received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval, and a patent is pending on TriStar itself. “We’ve been wanting something like this literally for years. We’re excited it has come to fruition.” Schaetzel said. 

The EBSCO Sign Group (ESG) was developed in 2009 under the leadership of Bryson Stephens. ESG is an umbrella for Stewart Signs, Wayne Industries and Outdoor Signs America. StewartSigns.com and OutdoorSignsAmerica.com have been the two primary retail Websites for ESG.