UK printer grows packaging offering with Edale FL-3

The FL-3 installed at the Sturdy Labels factory in Skelmersdale is 350mm wide and boasts an array of additional options including turnbar, delam/relam, cold foil, lamination, variable length sheeting function and a delivery table.

The press is being already being used by the UK based label printing company to produce self-adhesive labels primarily for the food and personal care sectors, but also the chemical, glass, electronic and paper markets.

Sturdy Labels already has an Edale Beta 250mm wide press as well as a number of other presses by other manufacturers, and began looking for another press in 2011 when looking to expand its offering into film and flexible packaging applications. The FL-3 can print on a number of substrates from 12-450 microns.

Simon Sturdy of Sturdy Labels said: ‘We looked and demonstrated many different machines but decided to go with the Edale FL-3 due to the quick turnaround, fast job changes, and minimal ink and material waste.’

Phil Cummings, operations manager at the printer added: ‘Being a previous customer, having had an Edale Beta, we have had first-hand experience, not only with the quality of machine but with Edale’s customer service and support – Edale having the second office in Manchester was also an added bonus for us.’ 

The press is now enabling Sturdy Labels to win new targeted business in the personal care and consumer products segments, and Cummings continued: ‘Along with Edale and our specialist ink manufacturer, we have developed a high quality opaque white print which is of particular advantage in the personal care sector.

‘Here again, the FL-3’s capability to handle low-calliper unsupported film is of appreciable benefit to our future plans.’