Much has changed in the self-adhesive label market since Label Tech was established in Dublin back in 1992. Today, the company is the largest independent label converter in Ireland, with a staff of 48 operating from a 20,000 sq ft facility in Santry, a northern suburb of the capital city. With multiple label print awards testifying to its prowess, Label Tech uses its knowledge and expertise to bring top-quality label solutions to industry sectors including food and drink, health and nutrition, pharmaceutical, transport, and logistics.

Label Tech’s James Costello (front) and Johnny Woods are delighted with the new Mark Andy Evolution press installed in the company’s plant in Dublin

Today the company is run by Managing Director James Costello, Sales & Finance Director Johnny Woods and Chairman David Keogh. Costello explained: “When we first opened our business, self-adhesive labels were largely functional and the demands of consumers, plus production capabilities were a long way from where they are today. In recent times, customer expectations and levels of sophistication have grown exponentially.”

As the company name suggests, Label Tech has always taken a strong interest in the technical side of printing, and significant investment over the years has ensured that it exceeds customer demands. The company has become well known for its staff’s knowledge and expertise, collaborating with customers to achieve some outstanding bespoke label solutions. Believing that a company is only as good as its people, Label Tech invests time and money in fostering the talent of its employees and encouraging them to grow their skills and competence.

“It’s the combination of this and sustained investment in key technology over the past few years that has guaranteed Label Tech has stayed ahead of the competition,” he added. The latest of these machine investments is one of the new Mark Andy Evolution flexo presses that was launched so successfully at Labelexpo in Brussels in 2019.

The Evolution Series, which was installed and commissioned at Label Tech over the Summer is a 13” (330mm) 8-color press equipped with full UV curing. It has been specified with an unwind roll lift, two die stations and a sheeter and conveyor. In addition, turn bars, a cold foil facility and laminator are mounted on overhead rails, and there is a BST inspection camera. For roll-to-roll operation, a dual framed rewind with roll lift is also installed.

Chosen for its extensive production capability, the new Evolution: “is the first of three presses that will be installed over the next investment phase in Label Tech’s growth,” according to Costello, who added that the big attractions of the Mark Andy Evolution are its speed and flexibility that will serve an increasing order book and growing customer base. “Meeting and exceeding market demands is even more possible now through this machine’s versatility and scalability,” he said.

Speaking for Mark Andy, UK & Ireland Sales Manager Paul Macdonald added: “It’s another example of Label Tech putting quality and investment in the latest technology at the forefront of its business. Its increased arsenal of capabilities will enable customers to secure faster turnaround times and unrivaled quality on every order. Mark Andy is delighted to be playing a key part in this company’s success.”

This is the second of three Evolution presses to be installed in Ireland since the COVID-19 lockdown began in March, and Paul Macdonald is proud of the Mark Andy technicians who have worked closely with customers to ensure all health and safety issues specific to the pandemic have been strictly observed at all times.

Likewise, at Label Tech, where Level 5 COVID restrictions have been in place since 21st October, James Costello said: “Everyone here is operating with safety in mind and taking all precautions necessary to ensure that we continue to trade safely. The health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance and we follow all guidelines and protocols provided by the HSE and the Irish Government. We are also in constant contact with our customers and suppliers to ensure compliance across all mandatory practices.”

In a year that has proved unprecedently difficult for commerce to continue, those companies with an enterprising mindset have found ways to work around the problems and build new strength into their businesses. With no immediate end in sight to the pandemic, those who adapt and continue to invest will survive and flourish at the expense of others. Label Tech exemplifies this mantra.