Xeikon names new business manager in US

Murphy will be responsible for further developing the heat transfer (HTL) and in-mold label (IML) markets in North America and expand upon the first steps Xeikon has already taken in delivering options for these markets. His goal is to discover the applications where a Xeikon-based option is the perfect fit.

Murphy is an industry veteran who has been involved in the packaging industry for more than 30 years and is a specialist in heat transfer, in-mold, shrink sleeve, cut-and-stack and pressure-sensitive labels.

‘Having been associated and focused with the HTL and IML label industry my entire working career, I see a huge growth potential in digitally printed labels in these two key areas,' he said. 'Being involved early on in the printing of heat transfer labels via rotogravure and flexo, I see the advantages digital printing brings with its ability for short print runs, the elimination of up front pre-press costs, the need for sales, marketing and mock up samples and the growing need to have labels quicker to market.

‘Heat transfer and in-mold applications require very specific solutions that can be integrated into a full manufacturing process. I’m excited to be able to help Xeikon and the North American label community take HTL and IML decorating to the next level.’

Murphy joins Xeikon from Multi-Color Corporation (formally Graphic Packaging/Smurfit Stone/DI-NA-CAL) where he was the national accounts manager since 1987. He also served and serves on several Industry trade associations such as: Western Packaging Association (WPA), California Packaging Club, Petroleum Packaging Council Board, Beauty Industry West, Plastic Shipping Container Institute, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Packaging Program Advisory Board and West Pack Tradeshow advisory board. He was WPA Packaging Person of the Year 2001/2002 and California Packaging Club President in 1996 and 2000.

David Wilkins, VP sales and marketing for Xeikon North America said: ‘Jim is a great extension to our North American sales team. Through the years we have been able to secure business in the HTL and IML market but with an experienced person such as Jim on board, we will be able to have a more pro-active approach.’