San Diego based label producer Label King believes the savings it is achieving with Vetaphone corona treaters on its flexo presses and finishing line are giving it additional production capacity.
Robert Parker, CEO and owner of the company, said, ‘We save around $10,000 a year on varnish on our Mark Andy P5 press by having Vetaphone corona and it has given us a very short ROI on our Rotoflex DF3 line because it effectively adds an extra print station.’
The 21-year-old business started life as a trade thermal label supplier, and 60% of its work remains for the trade. It first used corona treatment when it invested in Domino digital inkjet in 2021.
Production manager David Sommay explained, ‘From the experience we had with Vetaphone on the Domino, it was a simple decision to specify the same on the Rotoflex that we installed last year, and for consistency’s sake we have now standardized our Mark Andy P5 press with Vetaphone corona. We like their ease of use and maintenance and the fact that they have excellent parts and service support in the US. Around 70% of our substrate is now BOPP film, so surface treatment is important – but even on paper stocks, it makes a difference, and we have no need to buy expensive pre-coated paper now.’
Label King’s Mark Andy P5 flexo line is a 13-inch web press with eight-colour capability, and the Rotoflex DF3 finishing line has two flexo print stations.
Mr Parker believes the business is well placed to capitalise on growth opportunities in the Southern California label market and is aiming for a $9 million turnover this year. ‘We are well equipped with the latest technology, have a highly skilled workforce, and have real-time production flexibility that allows us to accommodate last minute orders and job changes.’
