Label Tech opts for second Mark Andy press

The management team, consisting of James Costello, Johnny Woods and David Keogh, has always seen investment in the latest technology as a firm base to grow the business. The company is renowned for its knowledge and expertise that has allowed it to achieve many outstanding bespoke labels and continually invests in its technology and people to maintain its offering and support its customers for new and complex projects.

The latest machine joins an identically specified Evolution Series E5 commissioned in October 2020 during the Covid pandemic and a legacy Mark Andy 2200 series press.

'This is the second phase of our planned program of investment that will see a third Mark Andy Evolution Series installed in 2023,' commented James Costello, managing director of Label Tech. 'The plan is to standardize on the 13" (330mm) web width to give maximum production flexibility and cost-savings on tooling.'

Costello has seen an increase of around 50 percent in throughput, which has allowed the company to replan its shift pattern and reduce pressure on its workforce of 48 people.

The two Evolution Series E5 presses at Label Tech are 8-colour machines with full UV curing. They have been specified with unwind roll lifts, 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 have BST inspection cameras fitted. Both presses are capable of up to 230m/min running speeds.

The second Evolution Series E5 press complements the company's existing E5 and digital platform and adds another layer of efficiency to the production floor. During the pandemic, innovations were strong, and new demands grew within the PSL sector. 

'Serving these growing demands has been less of a challenge with the expanding flexo capacity that Mark Andy has provided for us. Having the internal flexibility to react to customer demands gives us a competitive advantage and a great source of comfort for our growing customers,' added Costello.

Commenting for Mark Andy, sales manager for the UK and Ireland, Phil Baldwin, said: 'It's another example of Label Tech putting quality and investment in the latest technology at the forefront of its business. The significantly increased capability of two Evolution Series E5 presses will enable customers to secure faster turnaround times and top quality on every order. Mark Andy is proud to play a key part in this company's success and with the third Evolution Series scheduled for 2023, we will be keen to support the business going forward.'