Philadelphia, PA., July 25th, 2023 – Ten years ago, a group of Philadelphia mechanical engineers set out on a mission to revolutionize the world of interactive installations, refusing to accept that the "black mirror"of digital screens was the only way forward. Today, Oat Foundry, the brainchild of these creative pioneers, stands at the pinnacle of analog signage technology. As they embark on their second decade, the growing company is not only celebrating past achievements but also showing off some design and manufacturing prowess with the All-Metal Split Flap display: a homage to both the durability of their commitment and the agility of their innovation process.
Founded in 2013 by a group of Philadelphia engineers, Oat Foundry has spent the last decade transforming the industry landscape with its innovative designs and pioneering technology. Having shipped their flagship products, Split Flap and Picture Flap, to Fortune 500 companies like Google, Microsoft, and Nike, and to a diverse array of venues ranging from hotels to stadiums, bars, restaurants, dispensaries, and to artists in the United States, UK, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, and Azerbaijan, to name a few.
Oat Foundry's creations hang permanently in the offices of tech giants and the halls of world-renowned museums alike. "Our work has spanned continents, industries, and even mediums. But what really matters is the impact we have on individuals," reflects CEO Mark Kuhn. In testament to this impact, one delighted customer likened the sound of their classic Split Flap to "a comforting rainfall - familiar, yet incredibly unique."
Their installations can also be found in prestigious permanent collections, including the Whitney Museum and the Chicago Institute of Contemporary Art. "Over 10 years, we have grown to be the world's foremost supplier of Analog Signage technology. We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past ten years and are excited about the innovative projects on our horizon," said Kuhn.
The newly announced all-metal Split Flap display embodies Oat Foundry's commitment to pushing the limits of technology through its research, development, and dedication to innovation. The full-metal Split Flap is similar to its analog inspiration, but crafted entirely from aircraft-grade aluminum - a nod to the traditional 10 year marriage gift. "From the CNC-milled wheels to the beautifully brushed cabinet, we even laser etched 6,400 individual flaps to make this project happen," says Oat Foundry Director of R&D Luc Tenthorey. One big difference? The sound. "Everyone loves the classic Split Flap sound, the *clack *clack *clack reminiscent of airports, train stations, or even something peaceful like a rain stick," says Kuhn. "We had fun trying something completely different and well... you will have to hear it yourself." There is a video currently posted on their site.
Beyond merely creating impressive products, Oat Foundry stands out for its ethos: a belief that digital cheapens a space, that quality should always be prioritized, and that while the work may be hidden, the magic should be on full display. This has guided the company's success and allowed them to push the boundaries of engineering design. The company holds multiple patents for its designs and writes its own software, demonstrating an unrivaled level of skill and ingenuity in its field.
As they celebrate a decade of remarkable innovation and growth, Oat Foundry's vision remains clear: "In thinking like a scientist, building high quality always and all ways, and hiding the work, but showing the magic - our best work is ahead of us."
In a world of fleeting digital messages, Oat Foundry believes in the longevity of physical interactions. Their products, carefully engineered and built to last, remind us that technology isn't just about progression; it's also about preservation. One customer, Matt Wadsworth from Life Connection of Ohio, the non-profit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation in northwest and west central Ohio, had this to say, "Digital cheapens the space. It doesn't feel personal. It doesn't connect the way it should connect. Our Split Flap helps us connect with our hero families and motivate our staff beyond what a TV could ever attempt to accomplish."
Here's to another decade of Oat Foundry's pioneering work in electromechanical design. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation has set the standard for the industry, and with the introduction of the all-metal Split Flap, the future certainly looks bright.
