About Us

About Us

Our Story

It begins in 1969 when Luke Van der Melen opened his one-man sign shop in Norwood, Ontario.


Luke learned the craft of sign writing in his native Belgium, and brought that old world craftmanship to Canada when he emigrated in the late 1950s. He quickly landed a job with a Hamilton sign company, where he expanded his repertoire of sign making skills. Eventually, Luke decided to move his family to Norwood and start his own company.


Eventually, his sons, first Ron and then Michael, joined the family enterprise. They moved the business to Peterborough and then in 2006, moved to a new larger facility in Millbrook as business grew. But all things lead home, and in 2022, The Media Works returned to their brand new fabrication shop location in Norwood.


Today, Michael Van der Melen and his professional staff are proud to continue the tradition of craftmanship, attention to detail and customer service that Luke established so many years ago.

It begins in 1969 when Luke Van der Melen opened his one-man sign shop in Norwood, Ontario.

Luke learned the craft of sign writing in his native Belgium, and brought that old world craftmanship to Canada when he emigrated in the late 1950s. He quickly landed a job with a Hamilton sign company, where he expanded his repertoire of sign making skills. Eventually, Luke decided to move his family to Norwood and start his own company.

Eventually, his sons, first Ron and then Michael, joined the family enterprise. They moved the business to Peterborough and then in 2006, to the current location in Millbrook.

Today, Michael Van der Melen and his professional staff are proud to continue the tradition of craftmanship, attention to detail and customer service that Luke established so many years ago.

For years, ‘The Sign Shop’ operated out of the garage next to the family home. But the business grew quickly, thanks to Luke’s careful work and dedicated service to his customers.

"Thinking about design is hard, but not thinking about it can be disastrous."


~ Ralph Caplan ~

Our Team

MICHAEL VAN DER MELEN
Owner / Operator
JORDAN BREWARD

Production Specialist

PAMELA VAN DER MELEN
Accounting
Drew Taylor

Drew Taylor

Lead Installer & Service Technician

Connor Cowan

Connor Cowan

Junior Installer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are we bonded and insured?

    Insurance certificates are available upon request. Current crane, areal and safety certificates. We are WMIS insured.

  • Do we provide detailed quotes?

    Each project is taken seriously and a comprehensive quote is provided based upon a solution for all design parameters, sign permit constraints, and budget.

  • Is our work guaranteed?

    One (1) year parts and labour are standard. Our manufacturer warranties are as follows: LED modules and power supplies - 7 years, 3M vinyl film products (shop applied) - 7 to 9 years, Matthews (MPC) automotive grade paint system (shop applied) - 5 years, In-shop applied MPC paint with Matthews clear-coat - 7 years and Full-colour digital prints with clear laminate - 5 years.

  • Can we retrofit older signage?

    We can take your old signage and make it shine like new! Pylons, wall signage, fascia signage and awnings are all possible for LED retrofits or repairs. 

View Our Gallery Of Projects
Have a look at some of our recent work.