Manufacturing and installing a 17.3-metre media screen structure on the N1 corridor
When visibility matters, structure matters more.
Grandi Manufacturing recently completed the manufacture and installation of a large-format digital media screen mounted to the side of our Cape Town facility, positioned in prime view of inbound traffic along the N1 motorway.
With an overall structural height of 17 331.60 mm and a display face measuring 15 360 mm x 3 840 mm, this was not a conventional signage project. It was a structural engineering and installation challenge executed at scale.
Structural fabrication
The primary frame was fabricated from mild steel and hot-dip galvanised for long-term corrosion resistance. The structure measures 4 150 mm wide and incorporates reinforced frame sections designed to carry the weight of 16 modular LED screen panels.
Key structural considerations included:
- Wind loading calculations for motorway exposure
- Integration with the existing building frame
- Reinforced gussets for structural rigidity
- Added lifting plates to support crane installation
- Individual angle frames welded to frame sections to support maintenance grating
The galvanised finish ensures durability in Cape Town’s coastal climate while maintaining structural integrity over time.
Precision across a 17.3-metre vertical span required tight fabrication tolerances and controlled welding procedures to prevent distortion.
LED media screen integration
The display consists of 16 modular outdoor LED screen panels arranged in vertical configuration, each 960 mm in height.
The system uses modular SMD LED cabinets designed for:
- High-brightness daylight visibility
- Outdoor weather resistance
- Rear service access
- Modular replacement capability
Each cabinet was aligned and secured to ensure seamless visual continuity across the display surface. Power and data cabling were integrated and routed with consideration for serviceability and long-term reliability.
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Integrated maintenance platform
Beneath the screen, galvanised grating platforms were fabricated and installed to provide safe rear access for servicing. These were supported by individual welded angle sections integrated directly into the primary frame.
This ensures future maintenance can be conducted safely without repeated crane mobilisation.
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Crane-led installation
Installation required coordinated lifting operations using a mobile crane system within a busy commercial area.
The lift sequence involved:
- Rigging and controlled hoisting of structural sections
- Rooftop crew coordination
- Real-time alignment verification
- Secure anchoring to the building structure
The scale of the structure and its positioning along the N1 corridor demanded disciplined sequencing and experienced oversight.
Grandi Manufacturing specialises in complex installation projects involving heavy steel assemblies, crane lifts and constrained urban access environments.
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A digital landmark
The completed media screen now occupies one of the most visible advertising positions along the inbound N1 corridor.
From steel fabrication and galvanising to LED integration and final installation, the project was delivered end-to-end by Grandi Manufacturing.
It is engineered visibility — built on structural expertise.
