Formetco’s 1-year labor and 10-year parts warranty is just the beginning—our products and relationships are built to last well beyond.
At Formetco, we’ve always believed that when a customer chooses us, they become family. That’s not a slogan—it’s the culture we live by. Few partnerships embody that more clearly than the relationship between Claude Dicks of Allison Outdoor and Britt McConnell of Formetco.
What started with Allison Outdoor’s very first digital billboard wasn’t just the beginning of a new product—it was the start of a lifelong partnership. Over the years, that single installation has grown into a network of digital billboards across Allison Outdoor’s footprint, built on trust, open communication, and a friendship that feels more like family than business.
The First Step Into Digital
By the time Claude joined Allison Outdoor in 2009, the company already had a long history with Formetco. “I knew Formetco was a name you could trust,” Claude recalls. “Our leadership had bought a ton of materials from them over the years, so the relationship was already there.”
When it came time to take the leap into digital, Allison Outdoor put its faith in Formetco. Britt remembers that first installation vividly: “Claude came down with his grandfather and Gary Ayers for a tour, and you could feel how much it meant to them. It wasn’t only about putting in their first digital sign, it was about the future of their company. His grandfather’s pride really stood out, and Claude’s belief in our technology set the tone for everything that’s followed.”
Claude adds, “We presold that first digital in a single day, all on annual contracts. The demand was there immediately. Once the board went up, people called constantly trying to get on for shorter time frames. That first board opened us up to clients who needed flexibility, whether a day, a week, or a month.”
Outlasting Expectations
That first board in Murphy, NC was installed in 2012, backed by Formetco’s 1-year labor and 10-year parts warranty. What Allison Outdoor didn’t know then was just how much longer it would deliver.
The face remained in service for more than 12 years before finally being replaced this spring—outlasting its warranty and proving the long-term value of Formetco technology.
Claude reflects: “That original board served us well for over 12 years. Replacing it was as simple as a call to Britt and his team. They had everything ready, and the process was seamless.”
For Britt, the replacement was a milestone moment: “Watching that first digital come down and helping put the new one up wasn’t just an upgrade—it was the continuation of a story we started together.”
Building Trust Through Support
For both teams, what happened after that first install cemented the partnership. “I consider both Britt and Tyler Wilson friends,” Claude says. “They go out of their way to support our company. The service center is responsive, and we know without a doubt that if there’s ever an issue, digital or hardware, Formetco stands behind their product. Fortunately, we haven’t had to go down that road.”
That culture of support is exactly what Britt highlights: “With Claude and the Allison Outdoor team, it’s truly gone beyond business. We’ve gotten to know each other’s families. We’ve had conversations that had nothing to do with billboards, whether on the golf course or just catching up. That’s what makes it special. It started with an installation, but it’s grown into a genuine friendship.”
Reliability That Fuels Growth
Durability isn’t just about longevity—it’s about trust. When products consistently outlast their warranties, they give customers the confidence to grow.
Today, Allison Outdoor operates 45 digital faces—42 of them Formetco. Claude points out that this reliability has been critical: “We’ve owned other digitals we picked up in acquisitions, and some of those didn’t last more than five years before they needed replacing. When that happened, we called Formetco. With them, we know the product will last, and that trust makes growing a lot easier.”
For Britt, watching that growth firsthand has been deeply rewarding: “It’s been an honor to be part of Allison Outdoor’s journey from that first board to the extensive network they operate today. Seeing their bold moves, their expansion, and being there to support their vision—it’s been more than a partnership. It’s been a front-row seat to their story.”
A Family Partnership With Staying Power
Both Formetco and Allison Outdoor are family-owned and operated companies with more than 60 years of history. That shared foundation of care, commitment, and long-term vision has created a relationship that extends well beyond business.
Claude sums it up: “We’ve lasted by treating customers and employees the right way. Half of our 17 employees have been with us for over 15 years. Formetco has that same culture—long-term employees, constant innovation, and a focus on doing things the right way. That’s why I’m excited about what’s ahead. Formetco will be front and center helping us achieve it.”
Britt shares that excitement: “What excites me most is continuing to build on the foundation we’ve created. With partners like Claude, it’s about sharing ideas, pushing boundaries, and growing together. I look forward to being there every step of the way, not just as a supplier, but as a trusted partner and friend.”
Beyond the Warranty
From the very first installation that outlasted its warranty, to a network that continues to grow year after year, the Formetco–Allison Outdoor partnership proves that when products are built to endure and relationships are built on trust, the results speak for themselves.
In an industry where technology changes and warranties eventually expire, the real measure of success is lasting performance—and lasting partnerships. With Formetco, customers know they’re getting both.
✨ Stay tuned for the Allison Outdoor + Formetco Interview coming soon!
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