Paul Roscoe, managing director, Berkshire Labels
To increase capacity and future-proof the business, Berkshire Labels has installed its fifth Digicon finishing machine alongside its three HP Indigo 6900 presses.
Eight years ago the company introduced its first Indigo print engine and ABG Digicon finishing machine, and has since then doubled both its turnover and staff, to just over £10 million with 80 staff.
‘Each Digicon we’ve bought is bigger than the last, and this one offers better efficiencies and almost unlimited embellishment and finishing capabilities,’ said Paul Roscoe, managing director.
‘We’re now able to offer better quality foiling and screen printing – what we believe is the best in the finishing business. With two 50 tonne Big Foot flatbed hot foiling and embossing modules, flexo heads and a high-build screen flatbed printing unit, this new Digicon has endless possibilities.’
At the time of its first digital investment, Berkshire only produced self-adhesive labels. With the development of the specialist food and beverage market (including craft beers), changes to the toiletries and cosmetics sectors and the creation of new markets, customers now demand a higher number of embellishments on lower value orders, increased number of SKUs and shorter label life expectancies. Eight years later, the company offers self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves and wraparound labels all with a range of embellishments.
‘With the fast set up and low wastage, plus being able to produce each job in a single pass, we can now offer all customers competitive prices and enhanced creative opportunities on much shorter runs,’ continued Mr Roscoe.
He concuded, ‘The new capacity will enable us to achieve our next target of £12 million and fits perfectly with our overall strategy of continued and controlled growth in sustainable areas. This will also be achieved through better product offering, shorter leadtimes and improved customer experience.’
