The Vomela Companies (St. Paul, Minnesota), one of the largest printers in the United States with over 20 locations across North America, has just created the single largest printed graphic in the company’s history for global science brand 3M. Vomela was tasked with wrapping 3M’s highly visible headquarters in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/Saint Paul) as part of the company’s multi-year corporate advertising campaign, aptly referred to as ‘Wonder.’ Vomela and 3M have worked together for years, and like many Vomela projects, this one is printed on 3M materials.
This project presented a huge opportunity, as well as some unique challenges. With a swing stage typically used for window cleanings, three shifts of 3M-certified installers worked around the clock to complete the job in just four days! In addition:
- The 20,000 square feet of vinyl graphic needed to withstand the summer heat and Minnesota’s icy winter temperatures during its nearly one-year required lifespan on the building.
- The graphic required 100 hours of printing time on an HP Latex 3600 printer, plus laminating, cutting, boxing and shipping the finished product.
- To create a seamless colour fade on a variety of surfaces, Vomela colour-matched with sections of the building to create a continuous gradation that eventually disappears into the building.
- Vomela wrapped windows with perforated films to allow for natural light to still get through and to allow unobstructed views from the inside of the building.
- Vomela collaborated with 3M’s material experts to determine the best substrates and laminates for the job.
