Abbott Label: A Legacy of Innovation and Service in Partnership with Mark Andy
By: Mark Andy
Chesterfield, MO, November 13, 2024 – As large, multinational label groups continue to acquire small and midsize players, supplier partnerships are becoming increasingly vital. These partnerships require press platform technology that is both flexible and scalable, ready to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape. Companies that recognize this must not only value innovation but also invest in deep, long-term relationships with equipment manufacturers to secure legacy expertise and future-focused solutions.
Few companies in North America understand this market dynamic better than Abbott Label. With a family history spanning nearly five decades, the company has grown to become a significant force in the label industry, driven by a service-first culture and a commitment to quality. At the heart of their success lies a long-standing partnership with Mark Andy, which has spanned generations and resulted in the continuous acquisition of state-of-the-art press technology.
A Family Legacy, A Service-Driven Model
Founded in 2001 by John Abbott, Abbott Label builds on the legacy established by his father, Jerry Abbott, who started Metro Label in 1978. From its inception, Abbott Label’s mission has been clear: deliver superior customer service paired with cutting-edge technology. “We’ve always made service the cornerstone of our business,” John Abbott explains. “From day one, it’s been about ensuring we can provide quick turnaround, top-tier support, and quality products at competitive prices. Everything we do comes back to service – it’s why our customers trust us, and it’s what sets us apart in this industry.”
Abbott Label operates five manufacturing plants across the United States, employing nearly 300 people, all trained with a focus on customer care. “Our people are our most important asset,” John continues. “We invest heavily in training, benefits, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. When you take care of your people, they take care of your customers, and that’s been the key to our success.”
This focus on service extends beyond the customers Abbott Label serves directly. The company is a trade-only label converter, supporting distributors, brokers, and packaging companies, which allows them to maintain a broad network of partnerships across North America.
“Our motto is simple: if you don’t win, we don’t win,” John adds. “We rely on strong relationships with our suppliers and partners, and Mark Andy has been one of the most reliable throughout the years.”
Investing in the Future with Mark Andy
Abbott Label’s partnership with Mark Andy has been instrumental in their growth. “We’ve always been a Mark Andy house,” John reflects. “Their presses are built here in the U.S., which gives us easy access to parts and maintenance when needed. In this business, downtime isn’t an option, and having that level of support has been a game-changer for us.”
The company’s most recent acquisitions this year, a Mark Andy Pro Series press for their California facility and an Evolution Series E5 for their RFID converting plant in Tennessee, are prime examples of how Abbott Label continues to invest in technology to stay ahead of industry trends. These presses bring optimal efficiencies, faster turnaround times, and are able to hold tightest registration tolerances, allowing Abbott to meet increasing demand for high-quality, intricate label designs.
“The Pro Series press really stood out to us because of its advanced registration and speed,” John explains. “We needed something that could handle more complex, high-quality work without slowing us down. The E5 in Tennessee does the same – both presses have allowed us to improve our production capacity while maintaining the level of quality we’re known for.”
Hayden Wier, Director of Marketing, adds: “We’ve always focused on being flexible and responsive to our clients’ needs, and having the right equipment is essential to that. The Pro Series and E5 presses allow us to take on more diverse projects, especially ones that require high precision, like four-color process jobs or detailed artwork. We’re able to run at higher speeds without compromising quality, which ultimately helps us serve our customers better.”
Building for the Next Generation
As Abbott Label looks to the future, the company is expanding its capabilities while maintaining its focus on customer care. Recent investments in automation and advanced technology are designed to enhance operational efficiency and continue providing the exceptional service that has become their hallmark.
“Our relationship with Mark Andy isn’t just about the equipment,” John states. “It’s about working together to make sure we both succeed. They’ve been a key part of our journey, and I’m confident they’ll be part of our future as we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving market.”
Abbott Label’s legacy is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to both its people and its partners. With their continued investment in innovation and their strong partnership with Mark Andy, the company is poised to remain a leader in the label industry for years to come.
About Mark Andy Inc.
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.