Spear completes $8 million expansion at UK facility

In response to increased demand for pressure sensitive labels from the global beverage industry, Spear has made significant investments in both technology and personnel at its UK site in Cwmbran, Wales.

The primary investment, a Cerutti 960/2 press (pictured), brings wide web gravure print capability to the UK site. With print speeds in excess 200 meters per minute and a press width of one meter, the Cerutti has increased Spear’s European capacity to approximately 25 billion labels.

The press incorporates a fault detection system supplied by AVT, which provides 100% inspection and real-time defect identification.

To support this investment the label finishing capacity has also been expanded with the addition of three Ashe slitters, incorporating Surfscan’s quality control systems, and two GMC die-cutters. The die-cutters, which are based upon Spear’s proprietary press of the same name, are designed and manufactured at Spears New Hampshire, USA facility.

The acquisitions, and Spears continued growth in Europe, has also led to an expansion of the workforce. An additional 40 employees have been recruited within the last six months with a further 25 jobs to be created through 2008.

Commenting on the investment, Rick Spear, CEO of Spear Group Holdings, said: ‘We are excited about the rapid expansion of pressure sensitive labeling in the global beverage industry. Spear’s UK investment highlights our commitment to lead this growth as this facility is our primary supply platform for the European market.’