Australia’s Simtech has led the way when it comes to the development of LED signage and displays across the Asia-Pacific region – and it has no plans to slow down any time soon.
Picture any gaming floor across the Asia-Pacific region and the mind quickly wanders to the Aristocrats, Light & Wonders and IGTs of the world. Yet there is one company more than any other responsible for literally lighting up the industry: Australian LED signage developer Simtech.
First imagined as a digital printing firm in Brisbane, Queensland in the 1980s, Simtech has since led an evolution of visual technology that has transformed how we view everything from hotels to shopping destinations, arenas and of course, casinos.
Still headquartered in Queensland but with offices in Macau and Las Vegas plus staff in other Asian jurisdictions, Simtech’s products can be seen in near every major gaming destination around the APAC region – from the mass casino floors of Macau to the expansive pubs and clubs industry that dominates in Australia.
Jack Curtis.
“Quality signage and displays are essential, for several reasons,” says Jack Curtis, Simtech’s Vice President, Sales & Strategy.
“Firstly, they enhance visibility, readability and durability, ensuring that messages are effectively conveyed. Secondly, they offer energy efficiency, reducing operational costs in the long run. Thirdly, quality signage allows for dynamic content and effective branding, maximizing impact and engagement.”
Simtech’s signage is renowned for creating a lasting visual impact on the gaming floor, and whether you know it or not, chances are you’ve admired the company’s displays in one place or another. Among its larger installations are the impressive “Players Stadium” at Manila’s Solaire Resort Entertainment City, the “Dragon Stadium” at Galaxy Macau, and the “Dragon Zone” at The Venetian Macao, among thousands more.
According to Curtis, innovation is key when it comes to LED displays, with Simtech having introduced new concepts to the industry via the use of LED globes, transparent LED, custom designs and unique animations.
“We boast a cutting-edge team purely dedicated to designing and inventing new LED technologies so we can ensure the ambitious visual needs of every client are met, no matter how left-field they may be,” he says.
“Unique requests have forever been in Simtech’s ballpark. The impressive diversity in our projects has been the result of continuous innovation and ambition, and we’re ready to push the boundaries of media delivery for customers’ experiential dreams.”
To achieve its goals, Simtech employs two distinctive market strategies to drive its exporting activities in the casino industry. The first of these involves working directly with casino properties, collaborating closely with them to design and implement LED displays that enhance specific areas within the venue.
The second revolves around strategic partnerships with gaming manufacturers themselves. By partnering with these companies, Simtech’s custom casino LED displays are distributed alongside their slot machine or table game products, providing more comprehensive exposure throughout the global gaming market.
It is via such collaborative ventures that Simtech now boasts two separate factories – one near its traditional home base of Brisbane and a newer 22,000-square foot facility in Las Vegas where 24 staff members provide everything from metal fabrication, assembly, machine automation and installation, to management and administrative duties.
As Curtis explains, all Simtech products are fully developed and manufactured in-house, with the Brisbane facility serving the Australian, New Zealand and Asian regions, and the Las Vegas facility serving North America and Europe.
“LED signage represents a significant investment, and choosing the right product is crucial,” he says. “Inferior signage can lead to frequent replacements, additional costs and wasted investments. On the other hand, quality signage ensures longevity, robust construction and superior performance, resulting in cost savings and a strong return on investment.
“Ultimately, quality signage and displays make a lasting impression, communicate messages effectively and maximize the value of the investment.”
The best, however, is yet to come.
“Simtech’s vision for the future is one of continued growth, innovation and expansion,” Curtis says. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in LED technology and are actively exploring futuristic LED products that will revolutionise the industry.
“By harnessing emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), Simtech aims to create immersive and captivating LED displays that will redefine visual experiences in various sectors.
“The company’s vision will shape the industry, captivate audiences worldwide, and reinforce Simtech’s position as a leading provider of cutting-edge LED technology.”