Acquisition enables exciting period of expansion for Telford digital display specialist
The June acquisition of Telford-based audiovisual and digital signage specialist Skratch by L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ: FSTR) is viewed by the team leading Skratch as an exciting enabler for future growth and expansion into new markets, via the supply of leading-edge digital technologies.
Skratch has been delivering several specialist services, including digital signage for retail, as well as bespoke digital out-of-home (OOH) experiences since 2013. Prior to its acquisition, L.B. Foster had worked with Skratch on digital solutions for the retail sector, including the first digital signage application using British Sign Language interpreters in ASDA superstores.
Ian Beeley is Head of Digital Display at Skratch. He says: “L.B. Foster is the perfect partner to take what we do at Skratch to the next level. It provides us with electrical installation and Principal Contractor expertise, as well as service and maintenance capability. And as part of a global business, we will be better placed to unlock opportunities that are currently out of our reach.”
Skratch has established a unique market position, offering a single-point supply solution model for clients with the entire process – from concept to project delivery and maintenance – delivered in-house. In 2018, the company launched an innovative CMS system that enabled a simple user interface, administration control, and full functionality for non-conventional display formats, such as stretch displays and LED. Continued investment in the software includes operational updates, additional functionality, and increased input options for gesture control, touch display, and audience analytic integration.
In 2020, and the onset of the global COVID19 pandemic, Skratch expanded its operations to facilitate large-scale deployments of solutions previously only supplied for low-volume or proof-of-concept scenarios. Ian Beeley explains: “COVID was a gamechanger for the business. We responded quickly to the changing needs of our customers, particularly those operating in the retail sector, delivering COVID messaging and in-store advertising via their Content Management System.”
Built on brilliance
The team at Skratch, many of whom have grown their roles within the business through hard work and promotions, are at the core of the company’s success. Thirteen engineers currently operate from Skratch’s Midlands-based main office covering the whole of the UK. The company operates a fleet of modern, emission-compliant vehicles and logistics are managed internally by a dedicated team ensuring efficient scheduling and project management flow.
Skratch has been described as a ‘disruptor of retail’ for its forward-thinking use of technology to expand the advertising potential of digital signage within the retail environment. It has been instrumental in developing and testing innovative technology and solutions before they became widely available to other system integrators. Skratch is proud to be an Official Alliance Partner in the Philips Global Partner Alliance as well as a member of the Intel ‘Open Retail Initiative’.
In its position as a priority supply chain partner, Skratch has been capable of remaining active throughout industry-wide difficulties regarding stock shortages and global shipping challenges meaning Skratch is now one of the UK’s leading companies for integrating, installing, supporting, and maintaining visual solutions with an extensive portfolio of household-name clients. Its services include design, prototyping and proof of concept, hardware and software, logistics and warehousing, installation, maintenance, Content Management (CMS), and managed monitoring. Ian Beeley articulates: ”Developing a single-point digital signage solution which provides streamlined solution delivery that reduces complexity for the end user with a focus on being sustainable. Sustainability has become a key objective for the business, through utilising the latest digital hardware which minimizes power consumption as well as supporting our clients in reducing their waste produced through print media options.”
Ian Beeley concludes: “Our extraordinary retail customer base includes major high street brands, such as ASICS, Everlast, Puma, Tesco, Cineworld, ASDA, JTI and Frasers Group. As a part of the L.B. Foster Company, our team is energised to push what we do even further, testing our capabilities to the limit to deliver innovation and excellence in the retail and digital signage space.”
John Kasel, President and Chief Executive Officer of L.B. Foster Company commented, “This acquisition fits neatly into the growth strategy L.B. Foster announced in 2021. The accomplished team at Skratch delivers new learning, expertise, and experience that complements existing L.B. Foster growth businesses, and enable access to wider target markets in the UK and Europe.”
Skratch employs 34 people at its Telford offices, which will continue to operate as normal as part of L.B. Foster Company. L.B. Foster employs over 250 people in the UK and over 1,500 worldwide.
Visit www.lbfoster.com for more information.
