A History Shaped by Values

Inventing an Industry

1923 - 1936

• Jonathan Cass Simson (Stimsonite) patents an array of full cube-corner reflectors for use in automobiles and signs

• The first prismatic sign was installed, incorporating glass prismatic elements into the wood sign

• Ford incorporates Stimsonite prismatic tail light lenses into Model A

• Use of retroreflective materials on highway signs recognized in 1st edition of U.S. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

1950 - 1995

• "Button" retroreflective units become widely used on highway signs

• Avery Dennison makes first-engineer-grade beaded sheeting

• Stimsonite 4200 - first omnidirectional prismatic material for permanent traffic signage

• Stimsonite 6200 (now T-6500) Series HIP Type III/IV 

1999 - 2010

• Avery Dennison and Stimsonite merge, combining glass-bead and prismatic technologies

• T-7500 MVP (long site distances) and T-9500 OmniView (wide angle) 

• Avery Dennison OmniCube T-11500 - l full-cube prismatic sheeting

2012 - 2017

• OL-2000 soft transparent easy-weed overlay film

• Introduction of the TrafficJet Print System - true specification-compliant and industry-leading warranted digital traffic sign printing introduced to the traffic industry

• Avery Dennison launches VisiFlex prismatic vinyl sheeting for the production of emergency vehicle graphics

2018 - 2023

• OL-1000 Anti-graffiti film provides longer durability for TrafficJet printed signs

• Launched the dual roll UV digital printer, TrafficJet Pro, to speed production and eliminate the need for screen printing

• OL-1200 Anti-dew film launched to provide both UV and dew protection for traffic signs