Burlington, NC-based Labels, Tags & Inserts (LTI) has been a force in the flexographic printing industry for decades. As a family-owned and woman-managed company, LTI has continuously blended a rich history of craftsmanship with a forward-looking embrace of technology. Founded by Leroy Baker in 1994, the business has grown from its beginnings as a pre-press services company into a versatile, multi-market printed packaging leader. Now helmed by his daughter, Rhonda Baker, LTI exemplifies how small, dedicated teams can outpace competitors with their agility, personal service, and innovative mindset.

LTI operates with just 22 employees yet produces award-winning work for industries ranging from consumer goods and food and beverage to nutraceuticals, health and beauty, and more. This remarkable efficiency stems from a combination of cutting-edge equipment, including their trusted Mark Andy flexographic presses, and an unshakable commitment to quality and customer service.

“We often hear from our customers, ‘Thanks for getting back to me so quickly,’ and we pride ourselves on a company culture of immediate responsiveness,” shares Rhonda Baker. “That personal touch is something we will never lose and is one of the foundations of our success.” 

Investing in Speed, Precision, and the Future

A defining moment for LTI came with the recent purchase of a Mark Andy Digital Series HighSpeed 1200. This hybrid inkjet digital press is the fastest in the world, operating at speeds of up to 480 feet per minute while delivering highest-definition 1200 DPI resolution. For LTI, this investment wasn’t just about upgrading equipment; it was about aligning their operations with their vision of speed, quality, and efficiency all coming together in a single-pass solution. 

This new press will allow LTI to seamlessly handle jobs with high SKU counts and meet the increasing demand for faster turnarounds. “The Digital Series HighSpeed 1200 is perfect for accounts with dozens of SKUs, and its inline finishing capabilities will streamline production by reducing manual touchpoints,” says Baker. “Automation has always been critical for us, and this press takes our automation to the next level.”

The choice of the Digital Series HighSpeed 1200 was also deeply tied to LTI’s long-standing relationship with Mark Andy. “We’ve always been a Mark Andy house,” Rhonda explains. “Having consistent technology across our production floor means we can minimize downtime and simplify parts management. This press is a natural extension of that relationship.”

The flexibility of the Digital Series HighSpeed 1200 also allows LTI to adapt more quickly to shifting market demands. From flexible packaging and shrink sleeves to folding cartons, the new press expands their reach, ensuring that they stay ahead of their competitors in both traditional and emerging markets.

Innovation Meets a Customer-Centric Approach

In an industry with rapid consolidation, LTI’s family-owned model is a rare and valuable asset. While larger converters prioritize transactional efficiency, LTI stands out for its personalized and  responsive service. This dedication has earned them a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence.

Beyond service, LTI’s technical expertise and dedication to quality make them a trusted partner across industries. With their origins deeply rooted in pre-press expertise, their capabilities in color consistency from job to job is unparalleled. “We’ve been known for consistency since the beginning,” states Baker. “Our customers trust us to deliver the same high-quality results every time. We excel at it and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

As LTI integrates the Digital Series HighSpeed 1200 into their operations, they are not only reaffirming their commitment to innovation but also ensuring their ability to serve customers at the highest level. With this bold step forward, LTI is poised to redefine what a small, family-run printing business can achieve in a competitive, fast-paced industry. By embracing next-generation technology, a commitment to quality, and a deeply ingrained customer-first approach, LTI continues to set new standards in printed packaging, proving that small can indeed be mighty.