David Webster (second from the right) with the LabMak team and Helmuth Munter, Durst (right)

Bradford-based The Label Makers (LabMak) has successfully completed beta testing of its new eight-colour Durst Tau 330 RSC label press. The company chose the high-speed machine to keep it ahead of the curve and is now expanding into new and developing markets.

After winning several new contracts, including a six-figure deal with a large food brand, the company is now looking to invest in a second press of this type. ‘It’s unbelievable photographic quality,’ said managing director David Webster. ‘The future of label production is here – and it’s inkjet. Installing the Tau 330 RSC has been a huge step forward for us. It has massively grown from our original expectations and we now have three Durst machines.’

He added, ‘This press runs at a phenomenal printing speed of 78m/min all the time with no slowing down, virtually no waste and is litho quality with a print resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi. Plus, the addition of the extra colour green means we can cover 98% of Pantone shades. The Durst Tau 330 RSC is also much more cost-effective because it is using far less ink, but still maintaining the incredible print quality.’

Mr Webster estimates at least 2.5 million linear metres will be printed on the Durst Tau RSC in its first year of commercial operation. ‘The print quality means that we can look for more sophisticated work, particularly as we are finding it far easier to hit everybody’s brand colour,’ he said. ‘As one example, we were actually approached by a major food brand that has led to a new contract which will be worth around £150,000 in the first year. Others will follow.’ 

Helmuth Munter, segment manager, durst label & package printing, said, ‘This long-standing relationship with LabMak is a true partnership. We’ve helped them open up new business lines and the team’s feedback in the beta test has provided valuable insights to make this product even more successful. We now have more than a dozen installations throughout the world, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg because many new orders are coming in.’