Three years after Welch Sign in Scarborough acquired Bailey Sign in Westbrook, the two firms are relaunching under the unified brand name NorthMark Sign.
“By bringing together Welch Sign’s and Bailey Sign’s complementary expertise under one roof, we’ve created a stronger, more capable partner for our customers,” said Erik Joncas, partner at NorthMark Sign.
The company offers a full spectrum of signage, including interior wayfinding, branding elements, large-scale exterior signs and architectural graphics.
“This unification allows us to deliver more efficient project management and consistent quality across every job as we continue scaling our operations,” Joncas said.
‘Complementary strengths’
Welch Sign was established in 1855, beginning as a blacksmith shop.
Bailey Sign, founded in 1975, built a reputation for exterior and illuminated outdoor signage.
Welch acquired Bailey in November 2023. Bailey’s president, Bruce Bailey, retired at the time of the acquisition.
At the time, Welch was operating a manufacturing facility at 7 Lincoln Ave. in Scarborough and Bailey operated one at 9 Thomas Drive in Westbrook.
“The acquisition was a natural fit, combining complementary strengths,” Joncas told Mainebiz.
Over the past two-plus years, still operating under their respective names, the two companies gradually integrated their teams — around 30 from Welch and 20 from Bailey — along with their processes and operations, while continuing to run both manufacturing facilities.
Transition
As the teams became aligned, it was decided to move the Bailey team to Welch’s Scarborough headquarters, which is mainly a manufacturing and fabrication plant and also houses administrative, sales and design offices.
Internal building modifications were made to accommodate the Bailey crew. The NorthMark name reflects the company’s geographic location and its product.
“Our product allows you to put your mark on a building,” said Joncas.
All employees and client portfolios from both Welch and Bailey have transitioned to NorthMark Sign. The leadership teams from both companies are now integrated into NorthMark in senior operational, sales and production roles.
The majority of the company’s work is concentrated in northern New England, with additional clients across dozens of states and an office in Richmond, Va. The Richmond office opened about seven years ago, provides sales and project management, has three employees and generates 15% of the company’s revenue.
‘Next chapter’
“This rebrand represents the next chapter for these two historic companies,” said Joncas. “With more than 150 years of combined experience now operating under one roof, NorthMark Sign offers expanded capabilities, greater operational efficiency and a broader range of interior and exterior signage solutions.”
More hiring in Maine is expected.
“We have been growing and we intend to continue that trajectory,” said Joncas.
