FDBusiness.com

UK-based CS Labels is to continue its investment in digital printing technology into the 2013-14 financial year, after spending more than £1.5 million in the last 12 months.

The company has invested heavily in its digital printing and converting equipment. Recent investments at CS Labels have included a third wide format Xeikon digital label press, bringing its total to five and making it the largest digital label printer in Europe using Xeikon technology.

Overall, it has increased its printing capacity by 50 percent.

Further, it has installed equipment to manufacture peel and reveal labels in-house, adopted Xeikon’s Color Control system that ensures 100 percent color consistency across all printing presses, introduced Color-Logic special effects and started using Xeikon’s VariLane software plugin, which allows labels of different lengths and sizes to be combined in one print run.

It has also invested in its backend systems and processes, including a 100 percent growth in its office space, and the creation of six jobs in digital printing, digital finishing, graphic design and sales support roles.

CS Labels is shortly due to receive a 500mm-wide Grafisk Maskinfabrik finishing press, while also recruiting additional new members of staff to meet the growth it is experiencing due to its investment in its technology and processes.

It is now, in effect, operating three digital print/finishing production lines, with additional staff required to ensure adequate resources are available in the factory as well as its expanded office and studio facilities.

CS Labels managing director Simon Smith said: ‘We’ve been very bold by investing in innovative equipment, introducing fresh ways of working and not being afraid of getting stuck in to forward-thinking technologies.

‘There are various challenges with digital print and our knowledge means we are able to specify quality solutions for our customers. We also have a strong commitment to continuing professional development, maintaining a high level of digital print skills within the business.

‘Gone are the days of origination charges and the uncertainty of quality, speed and out-pricing where digital label printing is concerned. Our customers know that they can obtain the highest industry standard labels and packaging, whether they need a one label prototype label or a run of 50 million.

‘Speed-wise technology has increased to a point where digital covers the majority of our customer base. Orders printed on demand lengths are becoming the norm because customers are now looking at cash flow rather than holding extended stock on the shelf for three, six or even 12 months at a time.

‘Digital labels are now being produced to follow production plans rather than marketing plans, and our on-demand offering means there is less waste and storage space.

‘We’re at the forefront of working with large companies to take advantage of this whilst still offering excellent value for money.’