Bristol Labels has invested in a flexo label press to expand options and its target market.
Delivery of the Edale FL1 Prime flexo press follows on from investment in an HP Indigo W6900 in 2019. And while that press is largely responsible for digital expanding to deliver 80% of the company’s revenue, the new flexo press will enable Bristol Labels to go after a different type of customer, including some of the large food and drinks companies in and around Bristol according to managing director Ben Stokes.
The company has an old Nilpeter running water based flexo inks, so of limited applications when printing on clear films. The Edale is a UV flexo press so will close this gap. It is a six-colour 330mm-wide press with Edale’s EZ registration technology for automated make ready.
“The Nilpeter simply cannot print an opaque white or silver,” he says. Bristol will be able to run opaque whites, varnish and spot colours as well as spot colours on flexo units. It has also bought a screen unit to add to the flexibility of the press.
It needed that capability to be able to approach larger customers “so the opportunity we now have thanks to the new press is huge” he adds. “We can approach larger brewers, cider and food producers. We needed to have this kit before we could speak to these customers.”
They will also include brands and others that are placing work with the groups and larger label printers needing a back up or to work with a more local supplier. “It helps too that we are called Bristol Labels which positions us and because we are a lot more flexible we feel we have a huge advantage. The only thing we were lacking was the machine to print the jobs.”
The search took the company to Nilpeter and Mark Andy as well as Edale. That Edale, based in Fareham, is just two hours from Bristol was a benefit, says Stokes. But more important was that the two businesses clicked. “Being so close means that they are on hand if we have a problem. And in discussions it was clear that Edale was more hungry for the deal. They wanted to work with us as much as we wanted to work with them.”
The press is up and running and to date has produced work for existing customers and has run trials for potential new clients, proof that the press can open the doors that Stokes has wanted to get through.
The aim is to double the company’s turnover while continuing to grow its digital volumes as well. It will be able to achieve this without further investment: the finishing lines have sufficient capacity and plates will be supplied through trade houses.
Edale business development manager Louise Bailey adds: “We are thrilled to welcome Bristol Label as as a customer. The Prime is an excellent choice for them as it is full servo driven with advanced automation and is highly productive.“
