NextGen Label Group invests in second Gallus Labelmaster

NextGen Label Group has ordered a second Gallus Labelmaster 440 from Heidelberg as it expands capacity and modernizes its press fleet.

The 17-inch, eight-color flexographic press is scheduled for installation at NextGen's Cohoes, New York, facility in early 2027. It will replace an 11-inch Gallus EM 280 and run at speeds of more than 650ft/min, according to the company.

The new Labelmaster will be equipped for cold foiling, embossing, rotary screen printing and die-cutting. NextGen said the investment will increase throughput and provide capacity for additional work.

'The new press will help us modernize our equipment fleet while simultaneously increasing capacity,' said Nick Noyes, NextGen's chief operating officer.

The employee-owned converter has 175 staff across two production facilities and it specializes in pressure-sensitive labels and produces shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, resealable labels and RFID solutions.

NextGen has invested in several production technologies since 2022, including a 14-color Gallus Labelmaster 440 and a Gallus One digital press, which it has since upgraded to a Gallus Five. Noyes said its management structure allows the business to respond quickly to customer needs and approve equipment investments.

'Maintaining industry-leading turnaround times requires state-of-the-art equipment on the floor, and our flat organizational structure allows us to make those investment decisions quickly,' he said.

NextGen also expects the new press's automated presetting and simpler operation to support operator training and recruitment. Jessica McCarthy, its chief HR officer, said: 'New technology helps experienced employee-owners develop new skills while providing a recruiting advantage when the company is seeking new employees.'

Noyes added that Gallus equipment's reliability factored into the latest purchase. 'The only way to deliver on-time products to our customers is to have a platform that is very reliable, and Gallus has proven that time and time again,' he said.