JK Labels to increase focus on new-generation startups

Mumbai-based JK Labels believes in maintaining its quality by increasing the capacity of sticker labels.

JK Labels is a manufacturer of customized self-adhesive labels in India that offers numerous label applications, including product packaging, quality control, tamper-evident, security hologram stickers, check protection, and others that can be used on various substrates. These labels consist of application on- paper materials and different films (PE, PP, PET). The other printing options the company provides are lamination, barcoding, holograms, cold foil, varnish, numbering and security/specialty inks.

JK Labels mainly provides self-adhesive labels to customers in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, fast-moving commercial goods, personal care, liquor, automobile, chemical, petrochemicals and paper industries.

In 2008, JK Labels bought its first German machine, Gallus EM 280 flexographic printing machine, which could print up to 7 colors. To complement the machinery, the company added a 7-color and 4-color Orthotec letterpress label printing machine, Omega SR 330 and Omega 270 inspection units, rewinding and slitting systems, various numbering, block making, cutting, bailing, weighing and box strapping machines.

In 2013, JK Labels expanded its business by adding a new 10-color Gallus EM 280 label printing machine equipped with an auto-registration system, ink pumps, corona treaters, a dual sensor system and web tension management. With the help of its new Gallus, the company improved efficiency and eliminated human errors. The equipment also features a turn bar to enable reverse printing.

‘This machine widens our printing possibilities with a speed of 150m/min, with 10 color units and Braille printing capabilities,’ says Rahul Kapur. This machine is complemented by a new HSR 330 inspection slitter rewinder machine and Omega automatic core cutting machine.

In September 2018, JK Labels again bought new equipment, which helped the company increase its efficiency. It added another Gallus EM 280 flexographic printing press and a label inspection machine from Prati. This was the last installation done by the company. It has a fair amount of spare capacity to add new clients. The company also looks forward to adding new machinery in a year or two if required.

Rahul Kapur, director at JK Labels, spoke about the demand for self-adhesive labels in the growing market, saying: ‘We have seen a large number of new startup companies in sectors such as food, beverage, personal care, and more coming up with new and innovative ideas. Everyday, new products are being launched by different companies, so there are exciting opportunities with new launches occurring more frequently now than ever.’

Kapur is driven by a desire to work with a new generation. He says: ‘The biggest dissimilarity between the new startups from the traditional businesses is the curiosity for learning. The new generation firms are very keen on understanding all the product options, applications and benefits. This makes it even more important for us as label solution providers to be always updated. Client meetings, which used to revolve mainly around single product price points, have refreshingly progressed towards new product offerings and brainstorming new ideas to enhance the product brand value of the customer.’

‘At our facility, our advanced equipment ensures that we produce the highest quality labels with reduced lead times. In our commitment to maintaining high standards, we have worked tirelessly with all our multinational clients to provide our finished products following the required compliance norms. Additionally, we provide an end-to-end solution from designing artwork to the final delivery of labels. We choose to take on the complete liability of the assignment since it ensures best quality control,’ he concluded.