Labels UK Installs new HP Indigo Press
David Dobson (2nd from right): "The machine has few limitations"
Labels UK has upgraded its print capability with the installation of a new HP Indigo 6K label press at its site in Irlam, Manchester.
The new machine was installed in May and training took place over two weeks in Barcelona where HP has its European demonstration centre. The machine replaced a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230.
David Dobson, director at Labels UK, said: "This is the perfect fit based on upgrading and moving the business forward with quality at the forefront. We ran samples on several other alternatives, but the HP was the obvious choice for us."
He said the machine's front-end software lends itself to variable data and that it will open doors in terms of the company's offering, with this particular machine coming out on top because of its overall package, quality and speed.
Commenting on what the machine will be used for, Dobson said: "Everything, because of its few limitations. We have a large demand for CMYK labels and variable data, the HP offers both with CMYKOVW."
Dobson said that the new machine will increase productivity in the digital department and create jobs on multiple shifts on the press as well as on the digital finishing lines. The business has kept the old Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 in its digital suite.
Ever-growing demand for the speed and versatility of digital labels, along with a recent site expansion and the continued growth of the business, were reasons behind the £550,000 investment, Dobson told Printweek.
After 20 years in Trafford Park, the business moved its production facility to Irlam at the end of 2023 while keeping Trafford Park as a storage facility for stock. The Irlam site offers 1,393sqm of space, compared to the Trafford site at 464sqm.
"The move allowed room for future investments with the first machine arrival being an ABG 430 Converter plus a 430mm Vectra Turret Rewinder," said Dobson.
At its warehouse, Labels UK has an eight-colour flexo press, and two six-colours, along with four Bar Graphic plain label machines and Rewinders, two ABG Convertors and Vectra Turret Rewinders for automated finishing, the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230, a Digicon Lite, a Bar Graphic Digiflex, and joined now by the HP Indigo 6K.
The dedicated trade label supplier has around 18 members of staff and this purchase represents the first time the buyer and supplier have worked together.