Label Leaders invests in sixth Mark Andy press

Label Leaders supplies three main market sectors: retail, dairy, and wine, and while each has its specific requirements, print quality and reliable delivery are common to all. In the case of the wine industry, labels must be delivered the same day the wine is bottled not to affect the alcohol level.

During a visit to Labelexpo Europe 2019 in Brussels, the company first saw the Evolution Series and was impressed with its short make-ready time, high speed, and simplicity of operation. With the likelihood of a second shift looming, which the company wanted to avoid, the decision was made to invest in an E5 installed in August 2021. 

The new E5 joins other Mark Andy presses at Label Leaders, including a Performance Series P5, a 2200, a Scout, and an 830 that has been there since the beginning. The new press is equipped with eight flexo printing units and the new QCDC die-cutter brings much-needed additional capacity to Label Leaders and offers shorter delivery times. 

‘As it’s a Mark Andy, we can use the plates, cylinders, and dies that we had already, which allows us to optimize costs and streamline the machinery park,’ said Theo Raubenheimer, co-owner of Label Leaders. 

With the current global shortage of substrates and more than 500 different labels to manufacture, the company needs to maintain a high stock level in its warehouse to keep customers happy and find optimum production parameters to preserve margins. Longer runs are one solution, even if paper prices have risen fourfold since December 2021. 

‘This is where having such as flexible press as the Evolution works well and fits with our business philosophy,’ added Raubenheimer.

Raubenheimer sees Sarepco as an ongoing stimulus to his company’s business. In addition to delivery, assembly, and staff training, Sarepco takes care of many future-proofing actions, including annual preventative maintenance and repair. 

‘We like the fact that Sarepco technicians are always available – it gives us a feeling of security and comfort knowing that our Mark Andy equipment is in good hands,’ said Raubenheimer.

Paul Bouwer, director of Sarepco, added: ‘I remember the beginnings of Label Leaders and signed the original contract for a Mark Andy 830 with Ben Raubenheimer, Theo’s Father. What’s interesting is that this press is still in daily use here. I am impressed with the way that Label Leaders has managed the large distances between the main cities in South Africa and credits the management team of what has become one of the biggest privately-owned label printing houses in the country. We’re delighted that this development is based on Mark Andy technology. The recent installation of the E5 confirms the quality of the equipment and underlines the trust in Sarepco as Mark Andy’s local dealer.’

‘We’re happy that Label Leaders’ management follows the same principles that we do at Mark Andy,’ commented Tom Cavalco, executive VP for Mark Andy. ‘This close working partnership began in the 1980s and we are proud that the Raubenheimer family continues to invest in Mark Andy technology. I’d like to add a special word of thanks to Sarepco, who have been with us for 35 years and have been fundamental to Label Leaders’ success.’