Ron Spring, key industry figure, passes away
Ron Spring, a key figure in the development of today’s self-adhesive label industry, has passed away.

Ron was the co-founder with Mike Fairley of Labels & Labeling magazine in 1978 and closely involved with Finat, where he was a long time board member and created the Finat Awards. Spring was also the founder and managing director of Gerhardt UK.
Spring worked with Mike Fairley on L&L magazine until it became, in Fairley’s words, ‘more than a hobby’. His own company, Gerhard Engraving UK, was growing rapidly and required all of his attention. In 1984, the majority shares in Labels & Labelling Publishers were sold to Clive Smith, who by then was organizing the first Labelex, soon to become Labelexpo shows.
During his time working with Mike Fairley, Spring helped develop the first conference programmes alongside the shows; the first industry Directory in 1982; and the initial Yearbooks, along with industry training workshops. These workshops were responsible for helping to introduce and develop many of today’s industry leaders, as well as educating many label buyers and packaging technologists over many years.
Among other honors. Spring was presented with a Labelexpo special achievement award and Finat honorary lifetime membership.
When presenting Spring with his Labelexpo award, Mike Fairley commented, ‘Without Ron’s involvement, commitment and foresight in the early years of both the magazine and show, the label industry may not have had the global forum and resource that it now has. For that we owe him our gratitude and recognition today.’
Ron Spring’s funeral is next Tuesday, with family flowers only. Donations can be made to Southlawns Comfort Account at the home. The money is used to provide outside trips and other resident activities. Cheques can be sent to:
Catherine Brown
Manager
Southlawns Care Home
Highfield Road
Street
Somerset
BA16 0JJ
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