Enhancing Precision and Efficiency in Color Management
RHEINE, GERMANY — ColorLogic, a Hybrid Software brand, proudly announces the release of ColorAnt 11, the newest version of its industry-leading color measurement and correction software. Designed to optimize workflow efficiency and color accuracy, ColorAnt 11 introduces advanced features tailored for professionals in color management, making it an indispensable tool for modern print production.
With a revamped user interface, ColorAnt 11 streamlines test chart creation, offering a faster, more intuitive experience. The innovative “Complementary Mini Charts” mode further enhances flexibility, allowing users to generate custom charts for diverse printing applications. This update also introduces enhanced spot color control, featuring an “Add overprints on black” option within Spot Color Libraries, providing greater precision in complex printing scenarios.
Key improvements include expanded functionality in the Edit Primaries tool, enabling fine-tuned adjustments to primary color density. The enhanced Adopt Secondaries feature ensures greater accuracy when managing secondary colors. Additionally, ColorAnt 11 now supports the Barbieri Spectro Swing qb measurement device, offering fully automated color chart measurement through USB and Ethernet connections, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.
“ColorAnt 11 is an important step forward in color management,” states Pascal Loleit, Product Manager at ColorLogic. “We concentrated on practical improvements, such as better Custom Chart creation and enhanced Edit Primaries functionality, making it easier for users to get the best results. This release shows our dedication to improving key tools for everyday use.”
ColorAnt 11 underscores ColorLogic’s dedication to providing innovative solutions that deliver superior color accuracy and consistency.
About ColorAnt: ColorAnt is an award-winning, user-friendly tool that corrects and optimizes measurement data before profiling, ensuring precision in every print job. For more details, visit ColorAnt’s page.
About ColorLogic: ColorLogic, a brand of Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG), is a leader in advanced color management. Their award-winning software suite—ColorAnt, CoPrA, and ZePrA—sets the industry standard for color accuracy and efficiency. With a fully ICC-compliant engine, ColorLogic’s powerful SDK allows partners to seamlessly integrate its technology into custom workflows, ensuring superior printing results.
Kennesaw, Ga. December 11, 2024 – TPM Graphics, a full-service commercial printer in Arlington Heights, IL, recently installed a new Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG. This latest addition complements a Versafire EP installed in 2021. Designed to manage substantial monthly print volumes, the Versafire LV allows TPM Graphics to optimize its workload as it increasingly shifts towards digital production. This installation marks the company’s fifth Versafire purchase since 2013, underscoring its confidence in HEIDELBERG’s digital solutions and its commitment to delivering high-quality printed products for its clients.
TPM Graphics, who specializes in printing for the healthcare and insurance industries, recently completed upgrading and expanding various parts of its “production arsenal.” Started in 1985, the company began digital print production nearly fifteen years ago and installed its first HEIDELBERG digital press a few years later. Since then, TPM Graphics has regularly upgraded to the newest Versafire model at the end of each lease term, valuing the continuous technological advancements from HEIDELBERG as well as the reliable service and support it provides.
Its newest Versafire LV replaces an older model and allows the company to further enhance its digital production. Specializing in direct mail production, TPM Graphics manages a significant volume of variable data content. Now equipped with matching capabilities on both of its Versafire machines — like production of sheets up to 13 x 27.5 inches and 24 pt. in thickness — TPM Graphics can now efficiently schedule jobs across its equipment, which has helped the company significantly improve its turnaround times.
With faster run speeds and the ability to produce a monthly average of 140,000 A3 pages, the Versafire LV is well-suited for longer print runs while also effectively managing the growing volume of short-run projects the company handles. Notably, the company has observed a growing demand for unique QR codes that direct end users to personalized URLs.
“HEIDELBERG continues to close the quality gap between digital and offset printing with each generation of Versafire,” said Paul Mongoven, President of TPM Graphics. The technological advancements and improvements in quality have led the company to transition more jobs from offset presses, with digital production now making up nearly 40% of its business, up from 30% just two years ago. With greater production flexibility, Mongoven noted that his “clients’ budgets” now determine which printing process is used for their projects.
The company employs a full range of HEIDELBERG solutions, which also includes the Suprasetter CtP, POLAR cutters, a Stahlfolder, Prinect workflow, and Saphira consumables. “We remain committed to our partnership with HEIDELBERG across all aspects, from color management to bindery,” said Mongoven. “As we both evolve, we intend to continue growing with HEIDELBERG, especially their digital offerings, which allow us to deliver the high level of quality and speed that our clients demand.”
About TPM Graphics
Since its incorporation in Illinois in 1985, TPM Graphics has grown from a one-press shop into a full-service operation. The company prides itself on the relationships it has built over 39 years of service and dedication to its customers. A complete source for every business communications need, TPM Graphics has always been on the leading edge of technology – understanding that an investment in technology can actually save money by improving efficiencies.
Mondi is partnering with Dobis to enhance the efficiency of producing sustainable paper shopping bags for the fashion, fast food, and retail sectors.
Dobis is leveraging Mondi’s expertise in paper grades and recycled content to optimise quality and reduce weight.
The collaboration has resulted in reduced material consumption, improved print quality for Dobis, while maintaining high standards of strength.
11 December 2024 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has collaborated with Dobis to increase efficiency in the production and reduce paper grammages of their paper shopping bags for the fashion, fast food and retail industries.
Dobis, a Polish converter specialising in the production of paper bags, has long been known for its focus on production efficiency and modernised operations.
In its quest for excellence, Dobis has leveraged Mondi’s expertise to optimise its paper grades and successfully reduce paper weight without sacrificing the strength and print quality required for premium shopping bags. By transitioning to lighter weight papers, Dobis has not only been able to reduce material consumption, but also improve print quality and achieve clearer results with less ink, supporting the company’s sustainability goals.
Gerhard Pachler, Regional Sales Director Speciality Kraft Paper at Mondi, says: “Over the past three years, Dobis has relied on Mondi’s broad portfolio of paper products, ranging from 100% fresh fibre to papers with recycled content. The collaboration has helped us to do extensive research to test and select the ideal papers for different applications so that Dobis can meet its high quality and efficiency standards.”
Mondi supplies Dobis with a wide range of papers for converting, one of them being Mondi’s Eco/Vantage range. Eco/Vantage Light Fashion, which is made from 100% recycled fibres, is perfect for fashion and gift bags. Eco/Vantage Kraft Pro, with a recycled content of 20% and ISEGA food approval, is ideal for fast food and grocery applications. Eco/Vantage Kraft Classic, with a recycled content of 50%, combines strength and printability for food and fashion packaging, perfect for Dobis’s needs.
Arkadiusz Starzyński, Sales Director at Dobis says: “With Mondi, Dobis is pushing the boundaries of sustainable paper bags. By using Mondi’s Eco/Vantage paper with water-based inks, Dobis has achieved high-speed production with lower ink consumption and lower costs. In addition, by optimising the paper quality, we have minimised glue consumption during folding and gluing, thereby achieving our sustainability goals.”
Lawrenceville, GA – December 2024: 2024 has been a year of tremendous growth for Vanguard Digital, seeing expansion to their product offerings, their awards and recognitions and their partnerships. With continued growth in mind, Vanguard Digital has partnered with Mac Papers and Packaging, one of the largest wholesale distributors in the southeastern United States.
With almost 60 years of experience, Mac Papers brings extensive reach and experience to their customer base. “Aligning with the best equipment manufacturers is a top priority for Mac Papers & Packaging,” commented Chris Jones, Vice President of Mac Papers & Packaging. “We want to ensure our valued customers remain on the leading edge of print production and technology.” For this reason, Vanguard Digital was a great fit for Mac Paper’s portfolio. Jones continued, saying “They’ve won the Pinnacle Product award for eight straight years which is a testament to their innovation and quality. We also share similar values around customer service, technical support, and educational training.”
“We are very excited to partner with Mac Papers and Packaging,” commented Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital. “Vanguard Digital was founded by a small group of individuals with the goal of offering best-in-class solutions to print service providers, backed by expertise and unparalleled customer service. In addition to aligned values and business goals, Mac Papers started very much the same, and we are confident this partnership will honor the origins of each brand, and the commitments we offer our customers.”
The partnership is an exciting conclusion to the year and promises new opportunities to customers in 2025. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together by focusing on the issues our customers are facing and coming up with creative solutions that foster growth and efficiency,” concluded Jones.
About Mac Papers and Packaging:
Mac Papers and Packaging is a trusted distribution partner for paper and print, packaging materials and equipment, wide format products and equipment, facility supplies and office products. The company also converts and prints an extensive range of standard and custom envelopes at its state-of-the-art converting facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1965, Mac Papers and Packaging operates distribution centers and Mini Mac® retail stores throughout the Southeast, ensuring extensive reach and capabilities. Their commitment to providing exceptional local management, inventory and sales expertise is at the core of what they do.
Vanguard Digital was started from the ground up, earning its name with a small group of people leading the way with new ideas for the printing Industry. Providing a fresh look in the wide format sector of the industry, Vanguard has become a leading manufacturer of UV Flatbed, Roll-to-Roll and Hybrid printers for signage, décor, corporate, industrial, and packaging segments. Now a proud member of the Durst Group family, Vanguard Digital continues their commitment to grow Print Service Providers’ businesses, together, offering a versatile portfolio of printing solutions, with a focus on the highest levels of service, outstanding communication, technology, and customer care.
CONTACT: For information on VDPS products and services, contact Becky McConnell.
Third Generation Specialty Jarred Goods Producer Turns to Epson for High-Quality Color Product Labels that Reflect the Quality of its Brand and Products
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Dec. 10, 2024 – Epson America, Inc. today announcedGrandma’s Jam House, a family-owned producer of artisanal jams and jarred goods, upgraded its product labeling with ColorWorks® on-demand color label printers. Printing hundreds of small-batch labels daily for its various jarred goods – jams, jellies, pickles, salsas, honeys, and more – the company sought out Epson for a solution it could rely on to produce labels with vibrant colors and custom designs that reflect the heart of its brand.
“Our previous label printer would have banding issues and no maintenance, troubleshooting or customer support could fix it,” said Tony Kanagy, manager, Grandma’s Jam House. “The labels would deteriorate and fade very quickly and have lines through them, diminishing the perceived quality and appearance of our time-honored products. After investing in thousands of dollars of equipment with no improvements, we needed a solution we could rely on that was going to make high-quality color labels without costing too much.”
To elevate its product packaging and help ensure high-quality, durable labels, Grandma’s Jam House approached Kenco Label & Tag for help. Kanagy was referred to the ColorWorks CW-C6000A color label printer to deliver up to 4-inch labels and print speeds of up to 5-inches per second1 to accommodate its short-run batches and versatile line of products. With up to 1200 dpi resolution, the CW-C6000A produces crisp images comparable to pre-printed labels and has an auto cutter for easy job separation. Kanagy onboarded the ColorWorks CW-C7500 inkjet label printer to accommodate growth and support larger batch needs.
“We are very happy with our ColorWorks printers because they integrated easily, are easy to use and they consistently print high-quality color labels in a short amount of time,” shared Kanagy. “We can hit ‘print’ on a job of 1,200 labels, walk away and not have to worry, and be pleased when the labels are done, knowing they are accurate and great quality.”
“An added benefit is that we no longer take up space with piles of pre-printed labels that would ultimately go to waste due to fading or end up wasting labels due to required re-prints,” Kanagy continued. “In addition, the remote printer management function has allowed us to spend more time in other areas of production rather than supervising the label printing process.”
The logistics department of the business has also made use of the ColorWorks printers to create shipping labels and courier-specific labels to help ensure accurate and timely deliveries. “Once we had the ability to produce more durable labels, we began using the ColorWorks printers for more than just label printing, including outgoing shipping labels to streamline order fulfillment and miscellaneous warehouse-related labels for product inventory organization,” said Kanagy. “Ultimately, the ColorWorks has been beneficial to our business in multiple ways.”
“The ColorWorks printers are flexible powerhouses, each with added features and functionality tailored for a range of labeling applications,” said Stevi Sterns, product manager, Epson America, Inc. ” Efficiency, quality and customization are crucial in labeling operations, and we are thrilled to provide the technology to help Grandma’s Jam House confidently improve its product labeling while maintaining the high standards that its customers love.”
About Grandma’s Jam House
Grandma’s Jam House uses top quality ingredients, time honored recipes and generational knowledge to bring all natural, delicious flavors to its customers. By selecting the finest fruit, vegetables and ingredients, and avoiding as many modern preservatives and additives as possible, they provide timeless flavors. For more information, visit https://grandmasjamhouse.biz/.
Ideal for narrow web applications using UV, water-based, and solvent-based inks
Inherent flat-top dot plate compatible with both thermal and solvent processing
Enhanced formulation with CleanRelease Technology for reduced downtime and plate cleaning
Willstaett, Germany. 9 December 2024 –XSYS is proud to announce the launch of nyloflex® XSN, the newest innovation in flexographic plates designed for narrow web printing. This plate combines unparalleled performance with maximum flexibility, catering to the diverse needs of narrow web printers who require efficiency and versatility without compromising on quality.
“With the nyloflex® XSN, we’ve introduced a plate that empowers narrow web printers to meet rapidly changing market demands with confidence,” said Florian Hoelzle, Product Manager for nyloflex® plates at XSYS. “It’s unique flat-top dot structure and new CleanRelease Technology ensure cleaner plates, longer print runs, and minimal press downtime, making it a game-changer in the narrow web segment.”
Key Features and Benefits
Performance & Flexibility for Narrow Web
The nyloflex® XSN is a flat-top dot plate compatible with both thermal and solvent processing methods, providing printers with unmatched versatility. This dual compatibility allows seamless adaptation to evolving customer demands without the need for additional equipment or process changes.
CleanRelease Technology for Clean and Consistent Print jobs
Featuring the new CleanRelease Technology, the plate’s formulation prevents ink buildup on the plate surface. This innovation reduces the need for frequent cleanings and press stops, significantly improving Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).
Outstanding Compatibility with Various Ink types
The nyloflex® XSN is designed to perform exceptionally well with UV inks, as well as water-based and solvent-based inks. This compatibility ensures outstanding print quality across paper and film substrates.
Plug-and-Play with Existing Equipment
Engineered as an inherent flat-top dot plate, the nyloflex® XSN eliminates the need for additional exposure units or consumables. Printers can achieve superior results right out of the box, simplifying production workflows and reducing costs.
Fast Turnaround for High-Pressure Environments
Thanks to its compatibility with both thermal and solvent processing, the nyloflex® XSN offers unparalleled flexibility for integrated printers needing quick design changes and efficient plate turnaround times.
Enabling Printers to be Brilliant
“At XSYS, our goal is to help customers achieve brilliance through innovative solutions that simplify production and enhance productivity,” said Florian. “The nyloflex® XSN embodies this vision by combining cutting-edge technology with practical usability, setting a new standard for narrow web printing.”
ABOUT XSYS
Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.
In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.
The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.
E Labels, a family-owned business in Pico Rivera, California specializing in high-quality label production for 25 years, discusses their business and the acquisition of its second Domino N610i digital press. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional label printing solutions with unparalleled speed, precision, and cost efficiency.
Jacky Rivera with her father, Carlos Rivera
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Founded by Carlos Rivera, a visionary entrepreneur originally from Guatemala, E Labels has grown from a small startup to a trusted partner for industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, automotive, household products, and more. With a focus on quality and reliability, the company has cultivated customer relationships spanning more than two decades.
The decision to expand into digital printing was spearheaded by Operations and Development Manager Jacky, Carlos’s daughter, who joined the business to help modernize its operations.
Why Digital?
Jacky says, “We noticed we could not be competitive with small quantity orders due to minimums and plate costs. We figured in order to stay in the game, going digital was a must.” Carlos adds, “We had to evolve to stay in business. Technology is constantly changing and to stay relevant in this industry meant adding digital.”
Team E-Labels, a family-owned business in Pico Rivera, California.
Why Domino?
E Labels’ partnership with Domino began in 2019 when the company first sought digital solutions. “Domino stood out not only for its technology, but also for its people,” said Jacky. “Their team’s transparency and support made us feel like partners, not just another customer. Domino made us feel like they cared for our success, and it was quickly noticed through their training, installation, and service.”
The Domino N610i digital UV inkjet label press has revolutionized E Labels’ operations, enabling quick turnarounds, exceptional print quality, and cost savings. “Customers are always impressed when we say, ‘no plate charges’,” Jacky noted. “We’ve also been able to really impress customers using clear or silver materials due to the opaqueness of Domino’s white ink. Printing small text and variable data have also been game changers for us.”
Providing A Great Customer Experience
“What excites me most about having the Domino press is the confidence it gives me as a small business. I’m able to provide labels quickly to our customers, at great pricing, without compensating on quality. We have excellent relationships with our customers. We are a small but powerful team with top-of-the-line equipment, and our goal is to be part of our customers’ business success.” Carlos adds, “At the end of the day, customers are looking for a reliable source, a company they can count on to do things right at a good price, and on time. E Labels provides that. Being able to have the capabilities to make quick changes and have quick turnaround, is essential.”
The Domino Difference
In parallel with the Domino N610i, E Labels credits Domino’s Service & Support as key factors in their success. Jacky says, “The Domino difference is its organization and the people they have working for them. Everyone we come in contact with is always super friendly and willing to help. We never feel unsupported, and their service team is wonderful. Nothing in life is perfect, especially when it comes to technology. I wish all problems were as easy as ‘turn it off, turn it back on’ but that’s not always the case. Domino, however, has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to Service & Support. Their quick response and local technicians always keep us up and running. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, our satisfaction level with Domino is a 10.”
Continuing to Grow with a second Domino N610i
E Labels added their second Domino press in 2024. Jacky says, “For lack of better words, it was time. In just four years, Domino really helped us grow as a small business in the industry, and we want to keep the momentum going. From a professional standpoint, with two Domino presses we’re well positioned to meet diverse customer needs even more efficiently. From a personal standpoint, I want to continue to grow the business that my dad created, and has worked so hard for all of his life. It’s a lot of pressure and I have big shoes to fill, but I know I have a lot of support thanks to Domino.”
Looking ahead
With the addition of a second Domino N610i, E Labels aims to expand its market reach and continue to cater to their customers’ needs. “This investment represents the next chapter in our growth,” Jacky said. “We’re building on my dad’s legacy and continuing to deliver the exceptional quality and service our customers expect. As we look to the future, our goal is to continue buying and growing with Domino.”
About E Labels
E Labels is a family-owned label printing company based in Pico Rivera, CA. Established 25 years ago by Carlos Rivera, the company combines traditional values with cutting-edge technology to serve clients in various industries. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, E Labels continues to evolve to meet the demands of today’s market. For more information on E Labels, please visit elabelsinc.com
About Domino
Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 47th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North America headquarters in Gurnee, IL. Domino has 25 subsidiaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 3,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Domino digital printing, please visit dominodigitalprinting.com
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.
John Abbott, President of Abbott Label
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.
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.”
Ricardo Stone uses his 11-color Mark Andy P7 for inline lamination in Phoenix
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.
