Canon Production Printing has acquired UK-based packaging converting equipment manufacturer Edale, with the aim of strengthening Canon’s label and packaging business and creating opportunities for future developments.
Through this acquisition, Canon is intensifying its long-term strategy to provide turnkey options for labels and packaging. Specifically, the move will enable Canon Production Printing to further develop its LabelStream 4000 product line, which already incorporates Edale web transport technology, as well as provide expertise and technology for future products.
Based in the UK county of Hampshire, Edale engineers and manufactures printing and converting technology for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed die-cutters, and finishing and converting equipment. The company has a long history in the flexo label industry and a strong reputation for its web transport and converting solutions for digital label production.
Continuing to trade under its brand, Edale will remain an independently managed company, pursuing its strategy to provide printing and finishing technologies focused on the label, folding carton and flexible packaging segments. The business will continue to be led by the existing Edale management team under managing director James Boughton, who will report into Canon Production Printing through Walter Vogelsberger, vice president, digital packaging printing.
Mick Asada, CEO at Canon Production Printing, commented, ‘Edale has been a supplier of the web transport, conventional printing and embellishment modules for our LabelStream 4000 series since 2018. Through this close collaboration we have a very high regard for the Edale team’s capabilities and specialist expertise in printing and converting for the label and packaging industry. We’re excited by the enormous potential that will come from far closer co-operation, and confident that this will help to realise Canon’s ambition to become a major force for digital innovation in the packaging arena.’
Edale owner and chairman Grahame Barker, who is now to retire, said, ‘We’ve experienced a period of exciting growth, and I believe that the support of a strong global player is vital to enable us to continue that trajectory in the future, so I’m delighted that Canon will be that partner for the next stage of Edale’s development. We’re confident that the combined force of Edale and Canon will deliver tangible advantages for both companies’ customers.’
