St-Luc Labels & Packaging takes over Altrif Label and increases its Benelux presence

Nazareth-based St-Luc Labels & Packaging was born out of a small commercial print operation 25 years ago when Jerome Dhondt realized the market for printing self-adhesive labels was growing, with a focus on package printing seeing the company grow rapidly. It moved into new premises in 2001. The package printer’s activities have been further expanded with folding cardboard packaging, while substantial investment has been made in shrink sleeves. St-Luc is also engaged in equipping a new production hall for printing, laminating and finishing digitally printed flexible packaging items, such as sachets and top foils, in response to the growing market for digitally printed labels and packaging.

The Altrif Label acquisition gives St-Luc Labels & Packaging a third location, in Roosendaal, The Netherlands, and follows the takeover of French firm Microbox Packaging in 2005. All folding cardboard packaging is manufactured in Bondues (France), while labels and other printed matter are produced in Nazareth (Belgium). The takeover of Altrif Label doubles the size of St-Luc Labels & Packaging, making it one of the three leading packaging printers in the Benelux area, and has extended its range of products into booklets and multipage labels

‘This is the perfect opportunity for St-Luc Labels & Packaging to accelerate its ambitions for growth,’ commented Dhondt. ‘By continually striving for innovation and quality, we have been able to consolidate our growth over the past few years, even in tough times. When the prospect of taking over Altrif Label came into view, there was no reason to hold back. All things considered, it is a highly complementary company. We can consolidate our technologies and specializations to offer you a more complete and even better service.’

Altrif Label founder Free Doomen sees the acquisition as being ideally suited to both companies and Altrif Label customers. ‘Both companies are characterised by their family-oriented approach to entrepreneurship, which is something that I have always aimed to convey to our customers and instil in our employees.

‘Additionally, the expansion of the product portfolio will ensure a broader range of services,’ Doomen concluded, while Dhondt added: ‘The one-stop shopping principle will now be valid for all customers of both Altrif Label and St- Luc Labels & Packaging.

‘As a specialist in printed packaging we want to guarantee flawless production of packaging products at the forefront of technology. You can count on our full service approach for folding cardboard, flexible foil packaging, shrink sleeves and labels – ranging from simple blank labels to custom-made multilayer and booklet labels.

‘Apart from that nothing will change for Altrif Label customers: the plant in Roosendaal will continue to exist, the staff will remain on board and the name Altrif Label will be maintained. Dion Goderie will be able to safeguard continuity in the position of operations manager and as a co-shareholder.’