By Thorsten Saathoff: In November 2021, Nilpeter A/S presented a new high-end offset printing press. Nilpeter spent the time of the pandemic to make structures even more customer-efficient and to add the finishing touches to a new, even more productive offset printing press.

The world of labels speaks of digitization and digital processes. Is there still room for offset printing in this new world of processes? Not only the manufacturers of labels and packaging are confronted with this question, when choosing the right production machines, but also the press manufacturers when choosing the right and targeted strategy for their press portfolio. The offset process is one of the high-quality processes, that allows difficult materials to be printed and a wide variety of finishing processes to be integrated.

Nilpeter sees it as a logical decision to consistently invest in the further development of the offset Nilpeter MO-Line, as a high-quality way of handling difficult materials and integrating a wide variety of finishing processes.

The MO-Line has set standards
Offset printing, in combination with other finishing and printing processes, is still dominant in the wine & spirits or health & cosmetics markets. With over 200 installations worldwide, Nilpeter’s MO-Line has set the standard for an excellent quality and productivity over the past 25 years. The MO-platform was presented as the successor to the MO-3300 in 2007 at the LabelExpo show in Brussels and was technically revolutionary and innovative even then, with its sleeve technology and the many possible combinations. The attraction and the added value of the machine made up then, as now, the variety of possible combinations. A good reason for Nilpeter, even in the age of digital printing, to invest in the further development of this printing process, but also to use and integrate the possibilities of digital technology and press controls.

Jakob Landberg, Sales & Marketing Director, Nilpeter A/S, “The new MO-Line FUSION was developed with a high degree of automation and minimizes manual work steps, guarantees faster changeover times and reduced start-up waste. In short, the MO-Line FUSION is the complete solution for printers looking for efficient, productive, and market-leading technology. The MO-Line FUSION has no material limitations compared to purely digital technologies on the market”.

Analogue and digital combined
The new offset line combines the best of the world of analogue printing and digital finishing – i.e. a digital high-gloss coating unit can be integrated. Nilpeter’s new ‘High-Build Varnish’ and ‘High Opacity White’ inkjet units open up extensive design possibilities.

Nilpeter’s digital inline print finishing supports a wide range of substrates such as PP, PE, PET, and foil. It can be positioned anywhere in a press configuration via the rail system.

With the HL-technology, high-quality surface structures can be generated, which simulate expensive substrates, emphasize meaningful designs or offer a special feel. The HL-technology can be combined with matt “flood coat” varnish to create micro-embossing techniques used in paper manufacture, or embossing effects applied digitally to text or image details. For an additional effect, extraordinary foil effects can be achieved in combination with a laminating/foil unwinding.

Integration of modules for finishing
Another good example of the embellishment possibilities is the flatbed embossing and foil embellishing unit, the well-known FP, which was launched in 2012, and which is already installed in more than 150 units around the world. These possible combinations are an advantage of conventional offset presses compared to digital presses. The modularly designed Nilpeter MO-Line FUSION offers options to supplement and combine the standard base with numerous modules. Due to the processes and the speed in digital printing, or also in translational offset printing, the Nilpeter MO-Line FUSION, with up to 200 m/min., offers another advantage here.

The new MO-Line FUSION is prepared for all known Nilpeter value-adding modules for increasing the value of the labels:

• Flatbed system FP-5 for hot foil stamping on rails

• Integration of FA flexo units

• Inkjet units for digital opaque white and ‘high build’ varnish

• Quick-change die-cutting unit for quick job changes

• Semi-rotary or full-rotary die unit

• G-4 gravure unit for metallic inks, covering surfaces and coatings

• Nilscreen system for special effects, braille, and opaque white

• Rail-based cross-over unit for multi-layer labels

The new operating concept
As in the FA-Line, Nilpeter has taken into consideration, that the operator can work the printing press without unnecessary handles. All functions on the press can be controlled via an 11″ touch panel on each printing unit. Nilpeter calls this intuitive concept “Clean Hand Operation”. The ink control is integrated into the operating concept and can be operated in a similarly intuitive manner as job handling. Jobs can be saved logically and repeat jobs can be called up quickly. The entire operating concept is connected to Nilpeter’s Power Link System. It meets the industry standard 4.0 and can be integrated into all common MIS-systems.

The printing unit
The MO-Line FUSION printing unit is the result of continuous, further development of the MO-series and 25 years of experience in web offset printing. As with all Nilpeter printing presses, the side frames are made of one piece – “one block” – and are therefore very stable. This feature is very important for offset printing with the higher number of rollers compared to flexo printing, in order to avoid manufacturing tolerances and ultimately to rule out duplicating. The water/ink balance is controlled and adjusted by an intelligent system, to ensure consistent quality of the production run. The press is prepared for all drying concepts, such as UV, ARC, LED, or IR. Hot air drying for water-based or solvent-based inks is possible.

As a custom-made combination printing press with a variety of analogue and digital inline finishing technologies, the platform is designed for both large and small runs with short changeover times. Something speaks for modern, conventional offset printing. Varied finishing options, high speeds, combination of processes in one run.

Stability, quick setup, and the manufacture of special products without material limitations (high-quality wine labels, multi-layer) in one operation. The MO-Line FUSION implements what it stands for, combining stable processes with modern digital modules and the possibility of integrating a wide variety of process technologies.

Thorsten Saathoff, the engineer and business economist has been in the graphic industry for more than 30 years, and as the Managing Director of Nilpeter GmbH Thorsten Saathoff is responsible for the products from Nilpeter, GM, and Prati in the DACH-region.

Technical data Nilpeter MO-Line FUSION

• Production speed: 6-200 m/min.

• Material thickness: 0.0025-0.25 mm

• Substrate width: 225-450 mm

• Printing width offset, max.: 410 mm

• Printing width flexo, max.: 17”

• Offset printing length, min./max.: 12”-25”

• Flexo printing length, min./max.: 12”-25”

• UV-curing standard: 140 W/cm

• UV-curing LED: Optional

• Hot-air: On request

www.nilpeter.com

In the second of the series ‘Know your Films’, we look at the important matter of ‘Shelf Life’.  Jan Eisby, CSO at surface treatment pioneer Vetaphone A/S, discusses with Nick Coombes the effect of time on a substrate’s retained dyne level and explains the importance of knowing this during the whole production process.

NC: Perhaps the first thing to establish is what you mean by ‘Shelf Life’?

JE: For the purpose of this discussion, I’m referring to the various types of plastic film that are used in today’s package printing sector.  Whether it is for use as a label, a shrink sleeve, a pouch or any other kind of flexible packaging, all filmic substrates are non-absorbent and need to be surface treated to allow ink, lacquer, or adhesive to adhere securely.  This begins with the extrusion process, where the substrate being manufactured is Corona treated to obtain a certain dyne level.  And it is what happens to this dyne level over the following days, weeks, and months before the substrate is used in production that is important – that is what I’m referring to as its ‘Shelf Life’.

NC: Why is the dyne level so important?

JE: For any liquid to adhere securely to a film material, the relative surface energy between the two needs to be adjusted.  Untreated film has very low surface energy, which is measured in dynes, so any liquid applied to it will stay on the surface in small beads.  Corona treating the material to increase its dyne level will allow the liquid to adhere during the printing or converting process.  This will produce packaging of high quality that is commercially saleable and significantly reduce the volume of waste produced.

NC: Is the Dyne level achieved by surface treatment at extrusion sufficient for the whole downstream production process?

JE: No, it is not!  If you look at the stages of production involved, you can appreciate the complexity of the situation.  First the film is extruded, then it is printed, then perhaps has an adhesive applied for lamination and maybe a lacquer coating before it becomes the end-product in its finished form.  There is normally a time delay between each of these processes – sometimes short, sometimes long, but whichever it is, time is no friend to dyne levels, because all materials will suffer dyne decay from the moment they are surface treated.

NC: How do you overcome this problem?

JE: To ensure that each process will work as intended, you need to check the dyne level of the substrate before you start.  So, check it before you print and then before you apply adhesive, and again before coating.  This checking even applies to the narrow web sector where many of the processes are done inline in one pass, so without any time delay.  The issue here is that the behaviour of the new digital inks that are becoming increasingly popular is different from the flexo inks that they are replacing, so once again we advise regular testing and checking.

NC: If time equates to dyne decay, where is the biggest problem?

JE: The biggest time delay tends to occur between the film being extruded and when it is used for printing.  This can be a matter of a few days, but more often stretches into weeks and occasionally months.  So, storage of the film is critical.  The problem is that substrate manufacturers do not give clear guidance on this subject in the datasheets relating to the different films they produce.

NC: You said the main issue was storage, what information can you share on this?

JE: For a start, some customers are better equipped to handle storage than others, and dyne decay is not necessarily consistent, so each case is different.  It is also essential that the film was correctly surface treated at extrusion because this will have an impact on its shelf life and ability to be boost treated after storage.  There are four factors involved in dyne decay during storage: time, humidity, additives, and contamination.  These make up what we call the ‘decay profile’.  In general terms, the more you have of each of the four factors, the greater the dyne decay will be.

NC: What is the best way for a converter to test the material?

JE: Using a dyne pen.  It’s a simple, reliable, and inexpensive method, especially if you compare it with the cost of attempting the next process with mis-matched surface energy levels between liquid and substrate.  You can buy the dyne pens from us via our website, so there is no need to take the risk of getting it wrong!

NC: How does Vetaphone help converters to evaluate their substrates?

JE:  Let me give you an example of a customer that supplied us with different materials for testing in our Lab.  These were two types of PE – one with 600ppm of additive, the other a top-coated stock.  Both decayed initially at the same rate, but the top-coated material levelled out after one month at 42 dyne while the other continued to decay over the three months of testing by which time it had decayed to 36 dyne.  So, the choice the customer must make is either spend more money upfront on top-coated material or have the cost and inconvenience of boost treating the cheaper stock after a period of storage.

NC: We have spoken so far of surface treatment in terms of corona – what about plasma?

JE: Plasma is the best form of surface treatment if you need to obtain a high dyne level that can be retained over a long period, typically on films used in agriculture, but for other applications too.  Our Lab test shows that while corona treatment will achieve the desired dyne level for printing or adhesive application, the decay is relatively quick compared with ordinary plasma treatment, where the dyne level attained at treatment is higher and the decay is slower and flattens out at a higher dyne level.  Using high power plasma treatment achieves the highest dyne level, and that level is retained for a much longer period.  But again, it’s a question of cost – plasma is a far more complex and expensive process and corona is better suited in most cases.

NC: Overall, what recommendations does Vetaphone have for converters working with film material?

JE: Knowing your film parameters is essential – how pure is it, how many ppm of additive does it have, what is its granulation?  These are all key elements, so you really need to master the decay profile that I mentioned earlier or go for ‘JIT’ production where storage is not an issue.  If you are storing film, keep the temperature in the 15 – 20 Celsius range, and the humidity between 50 – 60%.  Some transport trucks are air-conditioned, which is good, and make sure you keep the rolls wrapped to keep out dust and dirt.  Finally, to understand the converting parameters, you need ink/adhesive surface tension data from your suppliers.  If you then measure the film surface tension, you can use the curve profile to calculate the boost dosage needed to reach the correct dyne level at each process stage.  There are no short cuts, but Vetaphone can advise you at every step of the way to ensure you make best use of your time and money!

www.vetaphone.com

Initially announced in January 2020, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed its investment and started production for additional capacity in both filtration and energy storage materials at its plant in Turin, Italy. By successfully expanding manufacturing facilities, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is making a strong commitment to customers in both the High-Performance Filtration and Energy Storage markets. 

The new machine at the Turin plant is a state-of-the-art line specifically designed to produce glass microfiber media. The line will serve applications where glass microfiber media is required, supporting Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s growth initiatives in industrial filtration as well as in Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), a key component in Lead Acid Batteries. In addition, the new line will also be able to deliver online saturated filter media, supporting the increasing global demand for filtration media.

“This capacity increase in Turin is an important step for Ahlstrom-Munksjö. We are pleased to be able to provide the best technology to our customers, both for high-performance filtration and energy storage. This investment supports our company’s strategic ambition to maintain a leading position in growth niches of the global filtration markets such as clean rooms, HVAC and hydraulic applications,” said Giuseppe Costa, Vice President, Filtration & Performance Solutions Asia and EMEA. ”Additionally, the company is making a strong step into the energy storage market by bringing on stream a platform which will be fully qualified for the manufacture of AGM media.” 

“Ahlstrom-Munksjö has responded to growing customer demand by successively expanding its global filtration manufacturing capabilities through several new and expansionary investments in the past few years,” said Daniele Borlatto, Executive Vice President, Filtration & Performance Solutions. “Due to this strategy, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is regarded in the filtration market as a unique and innovative media supplier, with the capability to provide a wide range of high-quality products across all geographies. With this new investment, our company again proves its dedication to the filtration market, and additionally, its readiness to become a key supplier in media for energy storage.” 

This investment follows on from the restart of one of the saturators in the Turin plant, enabling Ahlstrom-Munksjö to deliver additional capacity and effectively support customer demands for high-performance filtration media.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering includes filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials, diagnostics and energy storage solutions, as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3.1 billion and we employ some 8,000 people.

Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

Precision AirConvey Corporation is honored to be featured as one of the ‘Top 10 Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Service Companies 2022’ by Manufacturing Technology Insights Magazine.

Learn from PAC CEO Tom Embley how we customized a trim system for a paper manufacturing customer who needed a better solution to remove their waste.

Contact us today to create a custom solution for your company: https://www.precisionairconvey.com/precision-airconvey-streamlining-trim-and-matrix-removal

www.precisionairconvey.com

Guildford, CT – Brook + Whittle, a leading provider of pressure sensitive and shrink sleeve prime labels, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Custom Labels Group within Cenveo Worldwide Limited (“Cenveo”).

The acquisition significantly enhances Brook + Whittle’s position in e-commerce and digital label printing in North America. “Cenveo’s Custom Labels Group is a differentiated business with incredible experience in short run volumes, fast turnaround service, and great product quality, all delivered through some of the world’s most advanced digital systems,” stated Mark Pollard, CEO of Brook + Whittle. “This acquisition places Brook + Whittle at the forefront of digital transformation in the label industry. Regardless of whether our customers require one or one billion labels, the combined platform has the capability to deliver high quality, custom designed products with the industry’s fastest lead-times. Brook + Whittle welcomes the Custom Labels Group employees, and we are excited about our collaboration to provide unmatched capabilities and value to our respective customers.”

“We are excited to accelerate our growth in joining the Brook + Whittle team,” said Andy Johnson, President of the Cenveo Custom Labels Group. “Their coast-to-coast platform and broad portfolio of capabilities will bring additional value to our client base and my team, and I look forward to bringing our expertise, industry-leading turnaround times, and outstanding product quality to the Brook + Whittle business.”

Robert G. Burton, Jr., CEO of Cenveo said, “First and foremost I would like to thank our remarkable employees for their commitment and excellence. We are proud of the business we have built and are pleased the Cenveo Custom Labels Group will be joining the team at Brook + Whittle. This transaction delivers great value to our shareholders and demonstrates the success of our strategic plan. Going forward, Cenveo is in an advantageous position as we look forward to our continued standing as North America’s leading envelope manufacturer.”

David Golde, Managing Director at Genstar, said, “Cenveo’s Custom Labels Group is a fantastic business that fits squarely into Genstar and Brook + Whittle’s thesis of expanding the capabilities of Brook + Whittle to drive increased value for its customers. Genstar is excited to continue supporting Brook + Whittle’s impressive growth through meaningful internal investments, as well as continued M&A to broaden and strengthen the company’s portfolio of products and services.”

Wells Fargo Securities and O’Melveny & Myers advised Brook + Whittle and Genstar. Credit Suisse served as financial advisor to Cenveo on the transaction. AlixPartners acted as carve-out and operational advisor to Cenveo. Credit Suisse is providing committed financing in support of the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2022.

About Brook + Whittle

Brook + Whittle is a leading North American manufacturer of premium prime label solutions with highly differentiated capabilities, entrusted by some of the most well-known brands. The company provides pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, with a focus on sustainable solutions, complex decoration, and digital printing. With a heritage rooted in product development and comprehensive in-house manufacturing, the company draws on its wide variety of specialized printing expertise, including flexographic, rotogravure, and digital. Brook + Whittle operates nine production facilities across the US. To learn more about Brook + Whittle, visit www.brookandwhittle.com

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high quality companies for over 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $35 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, industrials, healthcare, and software industries.

About Cenveo

Cenveo is a leading North American manufacturer of envelopes and custom labels with over 100 years of experience. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Cenveo’s team of more than 2,900 employees is focused on delivering quality products and service to some of the world’s most recognized brands. Cenveo operates 20 facilities nationwide with a commitment to producing world-class products that foster a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit us at www.cenveo.com

Beontag, today’s second-largest RFID label manufacturer globally, started in 2011 with the merger of two industry giants in Brazil: RR Etiquetas, the largest converter of self-adhesive labels for retail, industry, and services, and Colacril, the largest national manufacturer of self-adhesive labels, who also had a strong presence in South America. Just one year after the merge, in 2012, the company began investing in its first RFID machines. 

Their latest press purchase, a 20” Mark Andy Performance Series P7 fitted with a Tamarack RFID unit, and the six company acquisitions from 2021 until January, are proof that the business has flourished. “Investing in RFID technology has always been part of the plan. Ten years ago, it was an incipient market, with few people who had adopted the technology, but we saw a growth trend and business opportunity,” said Marcio Muniz, VP of Digital Transformation, Beontag. 

Having customers’ best interests in mind, Beontag implemented fundamental changes that quickly made RFID solutions more attainable. In 2016, under new direction and leadership, they launched a plan to “democratize the technology”, which consisted in taking actions that helped them “establish an ecosystem that understood the power of the technology and had easy access to it,” said Muniz. To accomplish their goals, Beontag significantly reduced the initial price of RFID solutions to its customers.

The new strategy worked, and the operation soon started to grow in volume and market opportunities, generating cash flow and liquidity. “Then in 2018, we realized that keeping our solutions restricted to the Brazilian market would cause us problems in the future. If you look at the textile market, for example, and the big retailers, their vendors are from China, Taiwan, India… that was eye-opening in terms of realizing that the RFID market is global. We would not be able to compete for long unless we consolidated ourselves as a global RFID solutions provider,” explained Muniz. 

And that’s when the need for a new press came into play. Beontag was looking for a machine that could essentially meet three needs: scalability, product differentiation, and leverage over large players. They were looking for a solution based on speed, capacity, and the ability to print more than just the common white RFID tag. 

“We did a lot of research and compared solutions from several manufacturers. I particularly visited them all, and after seeing all the advantages of each machine, we chose to go with Mark Andy. The final decision was made based on scalability and the capacity of offering RFID tags with images, perfect flexography, and cutting-edge technology,” says Muniz. 

Their Performance Series P7 is equipped with a Tamarack P500 RFID that operates at speeds up to 500 ft/min and is operator-friendly. In addition, it has four flexo print stations, reversed stations that allow them to print on both sides of the substrate, and has the capability of combining different layers of material. It also offers two die-cutting stations, and it can process up to six streams of finished rolls simultaneously.

Muniz also highlights the sustainability advantages of the machine. “By running it correctly, the press can significantly reduce waste, energy and optimize the production process, leading to savings. The machine is so fast and so powerful that can run up to 250,000 labels, depending on specifications, in about 40 minutes – something that would take us a whole shift to accomplish when using offline pieces of equipment we have on the floor.” Speaking of that, Muniz emphasizes that their Performance Series P7 frees up other machines in the industrial plant in Campo Mourão, Paraná, to get more work done. “That’s important for us because, as a converter, we run a variety of other jobs for several applications in that location as well,” complements Muniz.

All these benefits tie in with Beontag’s circular economy goals to reduce waste and overall waste. “The company takes Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance seriously. We carefully look at everything and everyone affected by our activities and develop best practices based on what will have the most positive impact,” said Barbara Dunin, Director of ESG, Marketing and Communications, Beontag. “The company has recently signed the UN Global Compact, and we are about to launch a revised ESG strategy with new KPIs and quantified targets to evaluate the program,” she adds.

According to Muniz, “the Performance Series P7 is a press ahead of its time.” It was created to fulfill the needs of customers who look for high-volume and customized RFID labels. Currently, the machine runs two shifts on business days. Because of its power, composition, high productivity, and speed, it runs less time when compared to other pieces of equipment on the floor. “It’s funny; you need to rethink your idea of productivity. When I go to the plant, I don’t see it running much. But then I talk with the operator, and he says it is because it already got the job done.”

Even though Beontag is still exploring all the machine’s capabilities, “because there’s an important learning curve when it comes to combining flexography and RFID technologies,” the P7 gives Muniz satisfaction and peace of mind when reaching out to customers and offering their product. “I know I have ‘a beast’ of a machine. In the past two years, I have never started a conversation with a potential customer with doubts about getting the job done, regardless of volume or embellishments. Before having the P7, I can’t say I was always 100% sure of being able to deliver the results the customer wanted while reaching our goals of profitability.”

Miguel Troccoli, Owner of PTC Graphic Systems, a Mark Andy local dealer in Brazil who sold Beontag the press and was responsible for the installation, says that the company learned the machine faster than he thought. “They had a lot of courage to embrace a project like the P7 with RFID in line as it put them on another level of production, global, (…) but Beontag has a unique administration and is managed by young, well prepared, professional leaders. They are a market reference.”

Being a reference rings true not only in Brazil but also internationally. Muniz says that 2021 was a year of acquisitions, and today Beontag already has the highest percentage of their operations in the international market, with industrial plants in six countries and sales operations in 12 countries. “This year, we are consolidating our positioning as a global digital transformation enabler company, and we plan to set a manufacturing operation in Asia. We are moving our global headquarters from Brazil to Milan, Italy, where we have just acquired two operations. RFID and self-adhesive labels continue to be our flagships, and we are planning to offer colorful RFID labels within the next two to three months. Our industry is less subject to innovation than others, like service, for instance. It is less connected to world trends. At Beontag, we strive to be trendsetters and modernize our industry. It is part of our culture,” he concludes.

“The award-winning Mark Andy Performance Series product line is an ally for companies with an innovative mindset like Beontag. The machine redefines workflow productivity through its simple design, efficient waste savings, and faster changeovers. Paired with a Tamarack unit, it opens up a world of possibilities as it combines the benefits of flexography printing with the RFID data tracking and collection capabilities,” says John Vigna, Sales Manager LATAM, Mark Andy. “We hope to continue to support their global RFID label production. We have already started to discuss the possibility of upgrades or new pieces of equipment that will allow Beontag to tap into new markets and applications due to increased production flexibility,” affirms Troccoli.

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.

Labelin achieves order-to-ship automation of custom labels with Labelmaster

Headquartered in Irvine, Cal., Labelin is advancing from an early-stage business into its growth stage with the acquisition of an SEI Laser Labelmaster. The company was founded by Claudia Soto and José Olavarría six years ago in a dorm room. The co-owners had a vision to help small businesses by providing fast, personalized short-run labels, stickers and decals. Since the beginning, they planned to further automate their business by offering laser-cut labels in virtually any shape. After reviewing different laser systems, Labelin invested in the Labelmaster from SEI Laser to move their business forward.

Labelin started by digitally printing precut label stock. As the business grew, they expanded into new facilities and invested in additional digital presses and semi-rotary die cutters. Customers visiting Labelin.us easily get pricing and order online by selecting from a range of standard shapes, sizes and materials.

 “Customers often ask for uniquely shaped labels,” says Claudia. “We could meet their needs by ordering a new die, which adds cost and three days to the turnaround time. Most customers can’t justify the increased price or additional time for short-run orders. They often select a standard shape and size that will work for their design. In some cases, we lose a project that could be completed with a laser system. For the last three years, we’ve been telling customers that we will be getting a laser that can cut custom shapes and sizes. And that is happening now.”

To continue their growth and minimize labor, Labelin wanted a fully automated process from ordering to shipping. Cutting is the one process where the company needed to advance to digital. When Labelin was ready to invest in laser-cutting equipment, they researched systems from a few different companies. After narrowing the choices to two brands, Labelin’s co-owners visited businesses that were using the lasers. SEI Laser’s North American distributor, Matik, Inc., arranged for Labelin’s co-owners to visit Enterprise Print Group to see the Labelmaster in action.

 “After visiting Enterprise, it became obvious that SEI Laser is more robust,” says Olavarría. “The laser systems offered by the other vendors were more expensive, had limited roll-to-roll label capabilities, and didn’t offer critical upgrade and retrofit options. SEI’s Labelmaster is the only modular system that could provide flexibility for future growth and added capabilities. We also worked with Matik’s financing partner to finalize the purchase.”

Labelmaster delivers true digital finishing, including rapid setup and on-the-fly changeovers and cutting without the need for tooling and die inventory. In addition, because there are no dies, Labelmaster greatly reduces finishing make-ready time. Other advantages of the Labelmaster include:

·         Quick delivery of short- to large-run orders

·         Maximum design flexibility

·         Increased accuracy

·         Expanded materials processing capabilities, such as PET, PP/BOPP and paper

·         Roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet and roll-to-sticker capabilities  

·         Maximum web speed of 330 feet per minute (100 meters per minute)

·         Web widths up to 14 inches (350 mm)

·         Roll diameters up to 24 inches (610 mm) or 40 inches (1,000 mm)

·         Modular design for expanding future capabilities

To learn more about Labelmaster, request samples or a virtual live demo, visit matik.com/product/sei-label-master.

“As everyone knows, there is a significant labor shortage,” says Olavarría. “The SEI Laser system will minimize our need to hire and train new staff. We have a three-month training process for new employees. The Labelmaster is so easy to use current and new employees will learn to operate it quickly. Training will be cut in half or maybe more.

Labelin is working on a new website to provide easy order placement of fully customizable labels, stickers and decals. Excellent service, quality and fast delivery are key to Labelin’s business. Offering true digital finishing using the Labelmaster will reduce lead times from seven to 10 days down to three to five days or faster, ideally shipping the same week. In addition to the expanded capabilities, Labelin will be able to increase profit potential and accommodate new niches, such as large labels for the agricultural market.

Labelin makes it quick and effortless for customers to order custom labels, decals and stickers for food, beverage, consumer and industrial product branding, events, clubs and more. In addition to simple online ordering, the company offers design services. Located in Irvine, Cal., Labelin delivers product throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. Standard shipping is three to seven business days after proof approval. www.labelin.us

Matik, Inc. is the North American distributor of premier European technologies for the printing, packaging, large-format signage, pharmaceutical, textile and other industries. For more than 45 years, Matik’s expert technicians have been serving customers across North America. With headquarters in West Hartford, Connecticut, and several regional sales and service offices in the United States and Canada, Matik offers the widest range of printing, converting and packaging equipment in the industry. Matik also provides experienced parts and service support. Parts are stocked in our United States warehouse and are available for immediate shipment.www.matik.com

 Vancouver, B.C. – Great Little Box Company Ltd./ Ideon Packaging (GLBC) announced today that it has again been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers. This annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 employers, has selected GLBC to be recognized for this coveted award. The award recognizes the small and medium enterprises that offer Canada’s best workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies. 

“We are proud to accept this award and truly believe our people are the foundation of our company. As our company celebrates our 40th anniversary we’re grateful for the fact that people tell us today that their favourite part of the job is their co-workers, and it’s the same answer that people gave 20 years ago, when the company was so much smaller,” says Brad Tindall, President of GLBC. “The fact that the essence of the company is still intact even after all of our growth is collectively our greatest achievement so far,” he adds.

Some of the reasons GLBC was selected are:

• GLBC offers its employees a unique head office work environment featuring an onsite fitness facility with numerous fitness programs (from hiking to yoga) and personal trainer services, an outdoor sand volleyball court — the location also features an onsite vegetable garden and outdoor gazebo

• GLBC introduced staggered employee shifts early in the pandemic along with a range of enhanced onsite safety and mitigation protocols — and even constructed additional lunch room and washroom facilities for employees

• GLBC encourages employees to build long-term savings with matching RSP contributions and also lets everyone share in the company’s success through profit-sharing

Headquartered in Richmond, B.C., GLBC has established itself as the local source for innovative packaging and label solutions. Founded 40 years ago, the company is now comprised of a diverse workforce of 475 employees and growing. Their 5 packaging divisions enable an innovative and consultative approach to customer’s packaging challenges that ensures brand equity across all packaging mediums.  GLBC’s unique approach to supporting and valuing their employees includes everything from wellness programs, and birthday’s off to a companywide goal that when reached takes all employees on a “BOX GOAL” trip.  

About Great Little Box Company/ Ideon Packaging
Great Little Box Company Ltd. (GLBC) began operations in 1982 in British Columbia, Canada and currently operates from its headquarters in Richmond, BC with additional offices in Victoria, BC, Kelowna, BC and Everett, Washington, as well as a satellite office in Alberta. An award-winning manufacturer of label and packaging solutions, they specialize in corrugated boxes, custom displays, digital print and packaging, labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, protective packaging and the distribution of shipping supplies. For more information, please visit www.glbc.com.

About Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers
Now in its 9th year, Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that offer the nation’s best workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies.  Employers are evaluated by the editors at Canada’s Top 100 Employers using the same criteria as the Top 100 competition: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their industry to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. 

For more information please visit Canada’s Top Employers