AJS Labels to open Leeds factory next week
AJS Labels is to open a new plant as part of a £2.5m investment on building work and machinery.
The company, based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, is to due to open its new facility in Leeds, staffed by 27 people and a line up of high-tech machinery, next week.
This includes one of the the latest digital presses from HP, the 6600 with in-line printing, an eight-colour conventional label printing machine and a Digicon finishing line from AB Graphic.
“We always invested in kit but needed to look at the fabric of a factory,” said managing director Andrew Scrimgeour. “Customers want a contingency in case a plant burns down or people go ill.
“Also many of our customers in the north are concerned about carbon footprints and producing locally in more environment friendly.
“We also want to ensure perfect operation with no breakdowns, slow responses or gridlocks. This plant has been deep cleaned, has air conditioning, excellent security and a dedicated digital room.”
When Scrimgeour took over the company four years ago it had lost £254,000 the previous year. The Littlehampton base has around 60 staff and now has a turnover of £7m.
“We want to push the digital side into new realms of personalisation and augmented reality. Big brand owners are looking to differentiate through digital imaging and 3D work.
“But I have no big turnover ambitions: if you satisfy customers, growth will come. We are privately owned and financed, break every target we set and don’t have to answer to venture capitalists.”
