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.

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, November 18, 2024 – Phoenix-based Label & Printing Solutions, the US arm of Etiquetas e Impresiones de México, and a long-term user of Mark Andy flexo technology has invested in a 20” 11-color Performance Series P7 press to handle its pressure sensitive label work.

Established in 1997 to supply labels to a fruit juice manufacturer in Hermosillo, Mexico, the company has used a variety of Mark Andy flexo presses over the years, from 830, to Scout and 2200 models up to Performance Series P5 and P7. Currently, the company has nine Mark Andy presses in daily use, eight in Mexico and the latest 11-color P7 in Phoenix. 

Ricardo Stone, who co-founded the company and acts as General Manager, explained the business philosophy: “We have always looked to pioneer new products and new methods of production.  We were the first Mark Andy user to adopt LED-UV back in 2013 on one of their P5 presses. With ambient temperatures on the production floor in the Sonoran desert region of Mexico often more than 120F (50C), any reduction in heat generation was welcome – and the fact that LED is more energy efficient and therefore cheaper overall was an added benefit.”

In the early 2000s, Ricardo Stone turned to filmic materials with the addition of chill drums on his then-new presses. Today, around 20% of his label output is film, but 35% of his total business is packaging produced with PET and BOPP, and it’s this side that is growing fastest. “We laminate PE and BOPP in-house to produce pouches.  In Mexico, we do it offline but have perfected a technique here with solventless adhesives to laminate online on the Mark Andy P7 – it’s tricky and requires accurate control of a counter-rotating anilox, but it works well and allows us to start and stop without having to clean-up the machine.”

Asked why he continues to invest in narrow web technology rather than looking at what wide web CI has to offer, he said that production flexibility is the key. “We’re not interested in mega-run work – typically, our customers ask for 10,000 to 15,000 pouches, not 1 million, and narrow- to midweb makes the most sense for this type of work. Chasing volume does not fit well with our ethos of service and quality – price alone means a race to the bottom, and since we’re seeing a 12% year-on-year growth, I’d say we’ve got it right!”  With the development the company continues to do with extended gamut work, it’s hard to argue this point. 

The 43,000sq/ft (4,000 sqm) plant in Phoenix, which Stone is looking to extend by another 8,600 sq/ft (800 sqm), employs 12 on single shift operation at present, with another 70 people employed at the plant in Mexico. “We’d like to add a second shift here but recruiting good skilled staff is becoming ever more difficult,” he said, echoing the words of many in the industry and hinting perhaps at the need to embrace more automation. 

The Phoenix plant mostly serves food and beverage customers in the south and western states of the US like Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and California, where annual sales top $10m.  With his three daughters actively involved in the business, Ricardo Stone is building a strong family legacy based on innovation and the use of the latest technology.

Speaking for Mark Andy, Sales Manager LATAM John Vigna commented: “It’s always an honor to support a longstanding customer like Ricardo, especially with his pioneering spirit that allows him to make such creative use of Mark Andy technology to grow his business.  I’m looking forward to introducing him to the raft of new developments that we exhibited at the recent Labelexpo in Chicago, which I’m sure can feature in his future plans.”

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.

By: Highcon and HYBRID Software

Gent, Belgium and Yavne, Israel 19. November 2024 – Highcon and HYBRID Software announce a partnership to elevate the digital die cutting workflow for packaging and display converters by integrating Hybrid’s renowned PACKZ software, offering full PDF support, into Highcon’s Digital Die Cutting Workflow Package (DWP). This partnership aims to deliver more streamlined processes, increased precision, and enhanced workflow integration, empowering operators across production sites.

At the core of this collaboration is a custom-designed version of the PACKZ Engine for Highcon, introducing a fully integrated PDF workflow tailored for the digital die-cutting process. By advancing artwork handling, high-quality previews, and automated XML export capabilities, this collaboration enables packaging converters to seamlessly integrate Highcon’s digital solutions into their workflows, simplifying setup while accelerating production timelines.

“Our partnership with Highcon is all about empowering the packaging industry,” said Bert Van der Perre, Chief Commercial Officer, Hybrid Software. “Finishing is a vital step in packaging production, and this collaboration streamlines the process, delivering greater efficiency and precision for our customers.”

“With Highcon’s digital die-cutting systems deployed worldwide, this collaboration with Hybrid Software enables production teams to achieve faster setups and top-quality output,” said Haim Veig, VP Product, Highcon. “Together, we’re optimizing production workflows for digital die cutting.”

About Highcon

Highcon develops, markets, sells, and supports a portfolio of digital cutting and creasing systems that cover a wide range of formats, substrates, and applications. The Highcon technology is transforming the industry, by providing cost effective solutions to the increasing manufacturing inefficiencies facing folding carton and corrugated carton manufacturers as the result of the emerging market trends of e-commerce, shorter time to market, lower job sizes and a drive to sustainability. Such requirements cannot be accommodated by the expensive and slow conventional die-making and setup process. The Highcon digital technology bridges the gap between agile production and design flexibility delivering improved responsiveness, JIT production, short runs, customization of structure and design, and the ability to perform a wide range of applications in-house. Highcon products are installed at customer sites around the world, including some multi-national companies, effectively supporting the needs of global and local brands. Highcon is publicly traded in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (HICN) and its leading investors are Landa Ventures owned by Benny Landa and JVP led by Erel Margalit. For more details: www.highcon.net, or contact:

About Hybrid Software 

With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, HYBRID Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ PDF editor, iC3D visualization software, and print quality solutions offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, enterprise cloud solutions, scalable technology with low cost of ownership, and direct integration with leading MIS solutions and output devices. These products are used by thousands of customers worldwide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing. Hybrid Software is a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG).

www.hybridsoftware.com

By: Xaar

Cambridge, 20^th November 2024 – Xaar’s 2002 printhead is at the heart of System Ceramics’ new Creaseven digital printing machine, which was unveiled this week at the Latech Open House in Indonesia.

Founded in 1970, System Ceramics is a leader in ceramics industry technology, and the launch of the Creaseven meets the rising demand for innovative ceramic tile printing. The collaboration between System Ceramics, Xaar, and Indonesian tile producer Roman Ceramics was key to bringing this advanced machine to market.

The Creaseven on display features 60 Xaar 2002 GS12 printheads across four print bars, delivering superior flexibility, reliability and print quality across up to eight different fluids. This innovative machine also offers users greater flexibility with its expandable architecture accommodating up to 120 printheads across eight print bars, supplying up to 16 different fluids. This scalability enables ceramic tile manufacturers to expand capabilities as production needs evolve – from basic decoration to complex, multi-fluid applications incorporating special effects and glazes.

With its dual-channel architecture, the Xaar 2002 can jet one or two different fluids simultaneously. By using two colors in one printhead at 360dpi alignment is minimised and the number of bars reduced, while individual waveforms ensure optimal fluid performance. Alternatively, by using the same color ink or fluid in both channels, higher-resolution prints of up to 720 dpi can be achieved, perfect for more intricate ceramic designs.

Through using individual waveforms to run different fluids, Xaar’s technologies can maximize ceramic tile printing creativity. Both high laydown and standard laydown can be used, providing unmatched freedom in ceramic tile effects and all in a single pass. Xaar’s software also streamlines printhead setup for OEMs and enhances print uniformity and quality, meeting the increased demand for flat tone tiles, and avoiding potential color banding issues.

Reliability is ensured thanks to Xaar’s TF Technology, providing optimal ink recirculation for precise jetting of a range of fluids. In addition, Sure Flow enables users to clear and prevent nozzle blockages without the need to remove the printhead, maximizing operational print time for optimum productivity in ceramic printing whilst lowering the cost of ownership.

AcuChp technology ensures consistent color uniformity and print quality across the width of the printhead for each ceramic tile. In addition, printhead installation and set-up times are reduced, improving efficiencies for users.  

Roman Ceramics conducted extensive testing of the machine at its Indonesian facility. This feedback enabled System Ceramics to fine-tune the Creaseven to meet the specific needs of the ceramic tile market.

“The collaboration with Roman and Xaar has resulted in a game-changing machine for ceramic tile printing,” said Stefano Severi, General Manager of System China. “With Xaar’s 2002 printhead, we’ve achieved superior quality, productivity, and reliability.”

The Creaseven debuted at System Ceramics’ Latech Open House, where Xaar COO Graham Tweedale presented on Xaar’s role in shaping the future of ceramic tile printing.

“We’re thrilled that the Xaar 2002 printhead has been central to this innovation in ceramic tile printing,” said Graham Tweedale. “The Creaseven machine showcases what’s possible when industry leaders such as System Ceramics, Roman and Xaar collaborate.”

About Xaar
Xaar is an inkjet innovator, providing printheads and technologies for OEM and UDI customers worldwide.

By helping customers lay down precise volumes of inks and fluids with absolute pin-point accuracy, time after time, Xaar’s inkjet printheads and technologies meet the needs of numerous markets. Covering graphics, labelling, direct-to-shape, packaging, textiles, coatings, product decoration, ceramic tile and glass decoration, décor, and outer case coding applications – as well as printing with specialist functional fluids for 3D and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Collaboration is at the very core of its business. Xaar works as a trusted partner from sites in Europe and China, providing expert insights and technical support every step of the way.

With over 30 years’ experience, around 200 patents registered or pending, and major ongoing R&D investment, Xaar’s digital printhead and precision jetting technologies create infinite opportunities for today’s sustainable manufacturing innovation.

By: Business Card Service, Inc.

Kennesaw, Ga. November 20, 2024 – Business Card Service, Inc. (BCSI), a leader in ecommerce for the print industry, is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. The family-owned trade printer, located in Burnsville, MN, is known for its industry-leading integration with clients’ online ordering systems. To improve production reliability and print quality, BCSI installed two Versafire digital presses from HEIDELBERG in the past two years. Since installation, the machines have cut turnaround times in half while reducing operational and service costs.

Decreasing Turn Times for Specialty Printing

BCSI pioneered electronic order transmission in 1983, long before the rise of the internet. Today, its orders are seamlessly received through clients’ websites and fully automated into the company’s production system. “Our customers love us because we make their jobs easier by eliminating a lot of the administrative time spent handling orders,” said Emily Myers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 

While historically known for manufacturing business cards, the company has expanded its portfolio over the years – now producing a range of marketing collateral including folded brochures, saddle stitch booklets, note cards, and holiday cards. It has even recently added the ability for specialty print effects – like lamination, spot gloss, foil, and painted edges – for many of its products. 

With 80% of its work produced digitally, BCSI needed a more advanced solution for its specialty printing needs, leading to the installation of a five-color Versafire EV in 2022. Previously using a wet-toner device, the Versafire’s dry toner formula is ideal for BCSI’s “sleeking” process—a digital finishing technique that adds special effects or foil to prints. While the Versafire’s five-color capabilities allow for inline spot gloss effects, the clear toner can alternatively serve as a mask in the four-step sleeking process, enabling BCSI to apply foil offline with precision.

 “The Versafire handles sleeking extremely well compared to other digital presses we used in the past,” said Josh Platt, Process Improvement Manager. The Versafire’s excellent registration – both sheet-to-sheet and front-to-back – has further streamlined the process, cutting turnaround times in half for specialty print jobs. 

Further decreasing turnaround times is the Versafire’s superior vacuum feed trays with optimized sheet control for lateral pile stabilization during feeding. BCSI, who produces everything from specialty jobs to traditional four-page marketing brochures, uses a wide variety of materials from 50# text to 130# cover. The Versafire feeds various thicknesses of paper with consistent reliability, outperforming other digital presses. According to Platt, “If someone asks, ‘Can you print on this material?’ I tell them the Versafire doesn’t care what it is – it’s just going to feed it!”

Checking All the Boxes

Impressed by the performance of its first Versafire, BCSI installed a second machine—the Versafire LP—earlier this year to replace aging digital equipment. When selecting a new press, Tom Marchessault, CEO, noted, “The Versafire checked all the boxes for us—ease of use, lower operating and service costs, and improved uptime.” Another key factor was the press’s ability to handle materials without the need to pre-treat them. This gives the company access to a broader range of materials, improving both availability and cost-efficiency. Since installation, the BCSI team has observed the Versafire produces denser solids and more vibrant colors, especially on coated stocks, compared to its other digital presses.

In addition to its impressive print quality, the Versafire’s ease of use has been a major advantage for BCSI. Marchessault explained that his team was able to operate the press independently just hours after training and became “experts” within a week. He added, “From a practical standpoint, we can pull employees from any department in the company and teach them to operate the machine in a short amount of time.” Maintenance is also straightforward as the Versafire actively sends alerts directly to service technicians should parts or toner need to be replaced. Often, a technician, along with replacement parts, are on site the same day. 

“The preventative service is second to none,” said Craig Marchessault, CFO for BCSI. “Over the course of two years, we haven’t been down for more than a day between both machines. That’s a huge savings for us.”

BCSI has seen additional savings thanks to efficiency boosting features with Plockmatic booklet maker and Prinect Digital Front End (DFE). The Plockmatic, integrated with the Versafire LP, can produce saddle stitched books of up to 200 pages. Since it’s fully inline, it often matches the speed of BCSI’s offset presses in production, enabling the company to provide turnaround times as little as one day for booklets. 

Utilizing Prinect DFE, BCSI can predefine templates and set up hot folders, enabling artwork to be automatically configured for customer proofs. Dropping a 40-page PDF into a hot folder, the prepress team can generate “customer friendly” proofs for approval within minutes — a process that previously demanded considerable time and resources.

“The Versafire has really exceeded our expectations on all fronts,” said T. Marchessault. “HEIDELBERG has delivered on every promise made during the initial sales pitch, continuing the strong track record we’ve had with them over the years.”

About BCSI

BCSI has focused solely on corporate identity products since 1954. It is dedicated to strict quality control, top-notch service, competitive pricing, and streamlined order processing. BCSI’s customer-focused employees continually improve quality, processes, and service resulting in industry-leading accuracy of 99.8 percent.

A trade-only corporate identity solutions supplier, BCSI does not have a direct sales force. Its new business is obtained strictly through strategic partnerships, and the company prides itself on simplifying the corporate identity products for its clients. BCSI’s mission is to achieve total customer satisfaction by listening to customers, anticipating their needs, and exceeding their expectations.

By: SOMA

Lanskroun, Czech Republic, November 22, 2024— SOMA (www.soma-eng.com), producer of flexographic printing presses, plate mounters, laminators and slitter rewinders, is expanding their relationship with H2 Flexo Services (www.H2FlexoServices.com) as its U.S. parts warehouse and back-up customer support center. In the past, H2 Flexo has been overseeing some of the administrative duties for SOMA in North America, including shipments within the US, managing its parts warehouse for flexo presses. Responsibilities have recently been expanded to assure that its customers, and visitors to the Flexo Xperience Center, are receiving the attention they deserve. 

As SOMA’s presence in North America has quickly grown, the company has required expanded assistance on a larger scale, which will also entail more back office sales and customer administrative support, along with all of the daily customer support that accompanies this progress. As the FXC has matured as a greater flexo market resource, H2 Flexo will also provide behind the scenes assistance.

Highland, Michigan-based H2 Flexo Services was established in 2017 as an outgrowth of Great Lakes Cylinders, a mainstay for plate cylinders, air mandrels, and sleeve tooling. Led by sisters Karen Mattson (President) and Julie Painter (Vice President), H2 Flexo Services is a service-oriented company that assists companies with parts storage/distribution, customer service and shipping management in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They benefit from more than 40 years of extensive printing and converting industry knowledge and experience.  

“In a short period of time, we have seen—and experienced—SOMA’s impressive growth in the US and Canada. Along with this comes the need for even more support and hard work that we’re happy to provide. H2 will continue to provide responsive assistance to assure customers are up and running with service and parts, particularly during off-European hours,” notes Karen Mattson. “We will also make sure that arrangements are made to assure new companies interested in SOMA are aided quickly, and that the word is continually spread about the FXC. We are thrilled to build on our role with SOMA.”

“SOMA knows that the best way to build a happy customer base is to assure that we are responsive to their needs—and H2 Flexo Services has certainly delivered excellent support for us over these first two years working together. Their trust and friendship—with SOMA and our customers—has been extremely valuable both on a day-to-day and project basis,” explains Garrett Taylor, SOMA Sales Director, North America. “They have made support seamless in the US and Canada, managing our parts warehouse, assuring overnight service for delivery of essential parts, handling administrative duties for us, and often serving as the first line of contact with our customers. It is this ability to provide strong customer service, problem-solve, and make sure ‘things get done’ that we have valued with H2 Flexo, and look forward to many more successful years with them.” 

About SOMA (www.soma-eng.com)

Launched in the early 1990s, SOMA produces an entire range of machines, including flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders, laminators, plate mounters and die cutters. All products are manufactured and assembled entirely in-house enabling the company to oversee all aspects of production and quality control. The company is committed to developing new products with added value and to providing long-term service and maintenance to ensure the longevity of its products.

SOMA serves an international market from its EU based facility in Lanskroun, Czech Republic via sales representatives and a distributor network.

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, December 5, 2024 – Established in 1992 and managed by James Costello and Johnny Woods, Label Tech, now part of the Asteria Group, has built a reputation among its clients for delivering high-quality, innovative self-adhesive label solutions.  Operating from its 20,000 sq/ft headquarters in Santry, close to Dublin’s international airport, the company has used its knowledge and expertise to serve industries as diverse as food & beverage, health & nutrition, pharmaceutical, and transport & logistics.

​​​​“We have always stressed the ‘Tech’ part of our business, enabling us to build strong, collaborative relationships with customers who value support at all stages of a job from creation to delivery, especially on some of the more complex labels we are now manufacturing,” explained James Costello.  These include multi-layer jobs and peel and reveal labels using some of the latest filmic substrates on the market.

To cope with such demanding work, Label Tech began an investment program with Mark Andy that now sees two of the American manufacturer’s Evolution E5 presses installed.  Both are 13” (330mm) 8-color machines equipped with full UV curing.  They have been specified with unwind roll lifts and dual frame rewinds, die stations and sheeting units with a conveyor.  In addition, turn bars, a cold foil facility and laminating unit are mounted on overhead rails, and both have BST inspection cameras fitted.  The E5s are capable of up to 230m/min running speeds.

Significantly, a recent upgrade to LED/UV has brought added value to the Mark Andy presses, as Derek McLoughlin, Flexographic Print Manager explained.  “Where previously we were operating a 4.7kW mercury lamp system at 100%, we now run a 1.7kW LED system at around 70% – you can imagine the energy savings with the ‘instant-on and -off’ as well as longer lamp life.”  The switch involved a change of ink, which although expensive, is more than offset by improved press efficiency.  “It also fits well with sustainability and since we’re growing the film side of the business, the fact that LED/UV is more efficient is a double bonus,” he added.

Asked to summarize the benefit of the company’s Evolution presses, Mr Costello said that job-dependent, he has seen an increase of around 50% in throughput, which has allowed the company to replan its shift pattern and reduce pressure on its busy workforce of 50.  Currently operating a double-day shift five days a week, Label Tech clearly has plenty of capacity for growth and the capability of more embellishment, which FMCG brand owners are demanding to improve the visual appearance of their products and increase shelf-offtake.

An investment in Flint Group’s cloud-based Vivo inking system has also boosted productivity.  “We can be right first time every time now, which is essential for brand consistency, and it has also allowed us to run jobs four-color where they used to be six.  This has increased jobs per shift from four to eight, and that’s a real benefit to the bottom line,” he added.  The next move is matching flexo to the toner-based digital presses in-house, so jobs can be flipped according to run length and press availability.

Commenting on joining the Asteria Group, Mr Costello said: “It was the right move at the right time.  Asteria understands labels, and being a Group member gives us the freedom to exchange knowledge and tackle challenges together – it’s re-energized our operation here and allowed us to change-up a gear.  We believe we already have the best technical team in the Irish label converting market, and now we have access to even more expertise.”

Speaking for Mark Andy, newly appointed Sales Manager Antony Cotton stated: “It’s good to see how Mark Andy technology continues to improve production efficiency long after it has been installed.  It’s indicative of the future-proof design of our presses and stands us out as the market leader in narrow web flexo. I’m delighted that Label Tech continues to enjoy these benefits, and I look forward to growing our business with the Asteria Group.”

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.

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, November 25, 2024 – Leading label and print solutions provider Mark Andy is excited to announce that Connecticut-based Elm Press has chosen the Mark Andy Digital Series iQ as their latest investment to enhance and grow the company’s label production capabilities. This significant purchase marks a strategic move for Elm Press as they continue to grow and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.

Elm Press, a company that began as a commercial print shop, has steadily expanded its presence in the label market over the years. “We started out as a traditional commercial print shop, but we’ve seen our label market grow significantly,” said Vic Losure, President of Elm Press. “The decision to invest in the Digital Series iQ was driven by our need for a more robust and efficient solution to handle our increasing volume and the specific substrate requirements of our clients.”

The recently installed Mark Andy Digital Series iQ further strengthened Elm Press’s production capabilities. The press’s versatility and efficiency will play a crucial role in supporting Elm Press’s long-term goal of expanding its label division. “The Digital Series iQ will allow us to be more competitive with our prime business and handle the growing volume effectively,” Losure added. “It’s an important step in building out our label division and supporting our clients with high-quality, flexible printing solutions.”

One of the key factors that influenced Elm Press’s decision was the proven synergy between their existing Mark Andy equipment and the new Digital Series iQ. “The ability to use our existing 13-inch tooling with the new press and the overall cost-effectiveness made Mark Andy the best choice for us,” Losure explained. “We’ve had a great experience with Mark Andy, and this new addition is a smart fit for our current equipment profile and future growth.”

Elm Press continues to maintain a strong presence in the commercial printing space with their in-house bindery and Heidelberg presses, but their focus is now firmly on expanding their label market presence. “We see a lot of opportunity in the markets we’re already good at,” said Losure. “The new press will help us serve our existing clients better and support new business areas.”

Mark Andy is proud to support Elm Press in this new chapter of their growth. “Elm Press’s investment in the Digital Series iQ underscores their commitment to innovation and quality,” said Steve Schulte, Vice President of Sales at Mark Andy. “We are thrilled to be a part of their journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact this press will have on their business.”

For more information about Mark Andy and the Digital Series iQ, please visit Mark Andy Digital Series iQ.

By: LMA Consulting Group

CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA – November 26, 2024 –  Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD, President of LMA Consulting Group Inc., and a recognized leader in manufacturing and supply chain strategy, calls on manufacturers, distributors and supply chain leaders to take immediate action to restructure their supply chains as geopolitical tensions, tariff threats and global risks escalate. With a potential resurgence of tariffs on imported goods and the growing focus on reshoring and friendshoring, businesses must adopt proactive strategies to ensure long-term resilience and profitability.

“Now is the time for companies to reimagine their supply chains,” says Ms. Anderson. “The risks tied to overreliance on high-risk regions like China, combined with the increasing likelihood of tariff hikes, create an urgent need for reshoring, friend-shoring and vertical integration. Businesses that act now to build resilient, regional supply chains will not only mitigate risk but position themselves for growth in a volatile market.”

The global supply chain landscape has been increasingly fraught with vulnerabilities. From cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure to geopolitical conflicts impacting key trade routes, the challenges for supply chain leaders are growing. Upcoming tariff changes and regulatory shifts are expected to further strain operations, particularly for companies with heavy reliance on foreign manufacturing.

LMA Consulting advises businesses to follow the following strategies to address supply chain vulnerabilities and capitalize on emerging opportunities:

Reshoring and Friendshoring – Moving production closer to home or to regions with strong political and economic ties reduces dependency on high-risk areas. This strategy enhances flexibility and responsiveness while addressing regulatory and geopolitical risks.

Vertical Integration – Controlling more aspects of production internally allows businesses to streamline operations, ensure quality, and reduce exposure to external disruptions.

Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) – Implementing SIOP processes helps businesses proactively address market conditions by aligning demand and supply, mitigating risks and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Advanced Technologies and Innovation – Leveraging automation, artificial intelligence and modern ERP systems boosts operational efficiency and supports growth initiatives.

Ms. Anderson emphasizes that while challenges abound, there are unprecedented opportunities for forward-thinking organizations. “Proactive companies that take bold steps to restructure their supply chains will not only mitigate risks but gain a significant competitive edge and will capture market share,” she explains. LMA Consulting’s recent special report, FutureScape: Crafting Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Today, provides actionable insights for businesses looking to build resilient, innovative supply chains.

About LMA Consulting Group – Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD

Lisa Anderson is the founder and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc., specializing in manufacturing strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation. A recognized supply chain thought leader, Ms. Anderson has been named among the Top 40 B2B Tech Influencers, Top 16 ERP Experts to Follow and Top 10 Women in Supply Chain. Ms. Anderson has been featured in Bloomberg, Inc. Magazine, the LA Times, PBS, and the Wall Street Journal. She is an expert on the SIOP process and has published an ebook. SIOP: Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth. For more information on supply chain strategies, sign up for her Profit Through People® Newsletter or visit LMA Consulting Group.