The team at Labelneeds opted for adding the APC automation package to the new nine colour MPS press
A new high spec flexo press from MPS has recently been installed at Labelneeds in Cardiff, concluding a £1 million capital investment programme aimed at facilitating continued growth whilst providing an advanced level of capability for future expansion into new market sectors.
Established in Cardiff in 1983, Labelneeds Limited specialises in the manufacture of self-adhesive labels and packaging film as well as the supply, installation and support of barcode labelling solutions. It supplies labels to the cosmetics, toiletries, food, drink and hardware industries, working with brands and retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Mothercare, Aldi and Lidl.
The company has now taken delivery of a new a nine colour EF 430 flexo press fitted with sleeve technology and the APC automation package. The press is also equipped with UV drying, special laminating applications, delam/relam and die-cutting. It will be further complemented by the addition of a second rail-based unwind, providing the capability for dual web, full width, single pass peel and read label construction, further enhancing the company’s position in the peel and read market sector. This is also a first on any MPS press in the UK.
Managing director and business owner Chris Maslen commented, ‘Having analysed our recent expansion in existing market sectors, and those in which we are increasingly becoming involved, it was obvious that this level of investment was a necessity to both continue our strong partnership with existing customers and provision for new ventures.’
The company has also invested in a bespoke management information system (including real time data capture and customer site managed stock control), the ColorProof proofing solution from GMG and GTT anilox rollers from Apex International. Mr Maslen continued, ‘I feel the new MPS EF press positions the business for continued expansion and growth in to new market areas, whilst building upon the core values of exceptional customer service levels from our highly skilled and motivated team here at Labelneeds.’
Nick Tyrer, sales director MPS UK
The multi-substrate servo-driven press has a print width of 430 mm and runs at speeds up to 200 m/min. It features MPS’ Crisp.Dot technology, which employs a rubber-coated counter-pressure roller that exerts more equal pressure resulting in minimal dot gain, and a quick-change die station for reduced changeover time. The optional APC (Automated Print Control) system automatically adjusts the print settings to offer reduced waste in set up for both new and repeat jobs, while the new iStrip matrix rewinding allows the press to die-cut and strip matrix at very high speeds, even with challenging label shapes and/or difficult substrates.
The sale and installation was led by sales director Nick Tyrer of MPS UK, who provided assistance and advice throughout the whole decision-making process.
Situated on the west side of Cardiff, the extended plant also accommodates a number of finishing equipment and other printing presses. The company also supplies blank or plain labels for thermal transfer printers, and is partnered with South Wales-based ALTech UK, a supplier of labelling machinery. It has accreditation to BRC Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials (Low Risk) and ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System.
