The Label Makers installs Martin Automatic technology

The Label Makers has added automation to its 10-color MPS EF-430 press with the installation of a Martin Automatic MBS 04-17-40 automatic unwind butt splicer at the front end of the press and a Martin LRD 05-18-31 automatic transfer rewind at the delivery end.

The company, founded 60 years ago in Bradford, West Yorkshire, today supplies labels to a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, personal care, petrochemicals and decorative coatings. 

Managing director Zenna Parfaniuk said: 'It’s the attitude of mind that gets the best out of our technology. Our people all buy into problem-solving as a way of working, so phrases like "it can’t be done" and "it will do" have no place here because we thrive on perfection — it’s what makes a job both challenging and rewarding.'

Combining work ethic with the most appropriate technology for its customer base and specific demands is the top priority for The Label Makers.

One requirement for high-quality embellishment is good web tension and accurate register, and, according to operations manager Jamie Hyde, this is the reason for the company's latest tranche of flexo presses from Dutch firm MPS.

The Label Makers decided to equip one of its MPS presses with automation to improve its performance on both short- and long-run work, particularly in roll handling at both ends of the line.  

Parfaniuk said: 'We knew we could reduce waste on partially used rolls and make significant cost savings. And that’s in addition to the benefits of continuous running and reduced operator fatigue.'

The Label Makers chose the Martin Automatic machines for their design principle and robust construction, which provides reliability. Hyde added: 'Martin has a great reputation for keeping things simple and making them work. The functions being performed do not need sophisticated electronics, which add to the price and often reduce reliability.'

The installation in the Bradford factory was not straightforward, with both floorspace and height restrictions, but Martin Automatic tailored the design of its units specifically to match the footprint available on the production floor.

Martin Automatic sales manager Chris Chappel said: 'Floorspace and ceiling height were initial concerns, but these challenges are nothing new to us. Our portfolio of space-saving designs, including the MBS compact 90-degree turn bar model and reduced-height festoon, allows us to meet customer requirements without compromising efficiency or reliability.'

The Martin MBS butt splicer and LRD transfer rewind are well-proven across a wide range of production lines, handling substrates from paper and film to laminate and board. Engineered for performance and durability, they accommodate web widths up to 660 mm, roll diameters up to 1250 mm and transfer speeds of up to 300 m/min. As the units were fitted onto an existing line at The Label Makers, the installation was carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption, allowing the new equipment to be integrated seamlessly while production continued smoothly.

'Because we all operate on tight margins these days, every incremental improvement in productivity yields financial rewards, and if it also improves quality, that’s an added bonus when you are specializing in embellished finishing at the top end of the market,' said Parfaniuk.

Currently, The Label Makers runs both paper and filmic substrates on its presses. A typical job might be 50,000m run on 4,000m rolls. This is where the Martin MBS helps by offering non-stop production even on the longest runs, which Hyde estimates saves at least 80m of material per roll change, in addition to helping with issues of time lost and variable print quality associated with stopping and then ramping up to full production speed. The machine also facilitates short-run work, which is now in high demand.

Hyde also believes that future investments will include the addition of Martin Automatic technology to the two other MPS presses, as well as automated waste extraction to maximize efficiency. 'Martin machines are renowned for longevity. I know of instances where the same unit has been fitted to successive generations of presses, so while the ROI is short, the long-term investment return is excellent too,' he said.

Parfaniuk said: 'We are our own harshest critics here, but it pays dividends with both customers and staff alike, and there’s nothing we enjoy more than showing end users how we’ve solved a problem for them. It’s motivational for our staff and ensures we get the very best out of the technology we invest in.' 

Chappel added: 'Martin Automatic is delighted to be a part of The Label Makers’ success story, and we look forward to extending our close working partnership going forward. In particular, I’d like to extend sincere thanks to Zenna, Jamie and their entire team, who have been easy to work with and a valued partner throughout this project.'