The Label Makers became one of the first companies in the UK to see the benefits of UV inkjet technology when it invested in the UK’s first Durst Tau 330 in 2013. Doors have been opening ever since, and the company has been so successful in developing new business with the technology that it also become the first company in Europe to invest in a second such machine late in 2015.
Based in the West Yorkshire city of Bradford in the UK, The Label Makers has been designing and manufacturing premium self-adhesive labels since 1963. The £7 million turnover, 66-employee firm supplies some of the UK’s leading brands, covering market sectors such as food, beverages, personal care, petro chemical and decorative coatings.
Technologically, it has a reputation as a pioneer, adding digital printing to its existing UV flexo, UV litho and UV silk screen capabilities, and being prepared to invest in inkjet when few others in its market were. It always wants to keep ahead of the curve with its production capability. Digital print now represents 30% of its business (the company also runs a Xeikon toner-based press) and is growing quickly, taking work off of the flexo presses that can be more economically printed on the Durst Tau 330s.
Managing director David Webster explained why The Label Makers invested in a second Durst. “We have found the technology to be fantastic in the lift and vibrancy that the inks have given to our customers’ labels, especially in the health and beauty markets where customers require the silk screen look. The lightfast ink capabilities are also very attractive to the industrial and horticultural market sector.”
So successful has the first Durst Tau 330 been that the company’s customers are even demanding that jobs are printed on it. In going back to the market for a second machine, it was not a definite choice to go with Durst again, and The Label Makers carried out rigorous tests printing the same label using three different digital technologies. “It was quite considerably better on the Durst,” said Mr Webster. “The touch and feel was something else, something almost unique.”
The new Durst Tau 330 features improved web tension control and a chill drum for printing flexible film and difficult heat-sensitive materials. Like the first Tau 330, it also has a strong white ink for printing onto clear materials. Its seven colours are able to hit 94% of all Pantone colours, while the inks produce good lightfastness for outdoor use. Variable data capability has also been added.
The Label Makers shook hands with Durst on the new press purchase at Labelexpo 2015, where it invested some £2 million altogether in digital printing and finishing equipment.
Installation of the second Durst Tau 330 was completed in December 2015 and within three days of being unloaded at the Bradford site, the press was in full operation. Although David Webster admits that The Label Makers has been through a “massive learning curve” with the Durst technology, the running has been good, as has been the support from Durst UK, which took on responsibility for the labels and specialty packaging segments early in 2016.
“I’ve been extremely impressed by the Durst technology and by the support I get. That’s why I’ve now got two of the Tau 330 presses,” said Mr Webster.
