Berkshire Labels moves up a gear with Mark Andy LP3000

As part of its drive to achieve additional industry standards of quality accreditation, Berkshire Labels has invested more than UK450,000 in new UV flexo capacity.  Central to the program is a Mark Andy LP3000 line that, according to Berkshire’s managing director Paul Roscoe, is the highest specification of its type ever installed. 

The order for the 13” eight-color Mark Andy line was secured against strong competition from other press manufacturers, according to Mr Roscoe, who commented: ‘It was Mark Andy’s excellent professionalism and support team in Macclesfield that was a deciding factor, combined with the fact that we believed the LP3000 best suited our requirements for flexible capacity.’

Berkshire Labels’ portfolio of customers includes leading international brand names in the fmcg, food, cosmetics and healthcare markets, with all products manufactured under the ISO 9001/2000 and BRC/IOP standards.  Labels include self-adhesive, filmic, and additional innovations in the world of tamper evident and security seals, including concepts marketed and patented under the brand names ‘Stab Seal’ and `Pulsline’. This is important to Berkshire Labels’ drive into the market for pharmaceutical labels.

The new LP3000 is seen as crucial to building on existing quality standards and also developing new products, as sales director Grant Picking explained: ‘Following our recent accreditation from Boots the Chemist we are working hard at attaining ISO 14000. At the same time we are looking at new product applications particularly in the field of bio-degradable labels, where the key component is the adhesive. It is the Mark Andy’s all round capability that stands it apart from the competition, and it has already attracted new work.’

This new found versatility has given Berkshire Labels the opportunity to attract business from new markets and other types of print processes. According to production director Marcus Smith: ‘With inline foil and screen capability on the LP3000 we have secured additional business, and also switched some of our existing work from rotary letterpress to the new machine, which offers a 50 per cent increase in output over our existing UV flexo capability.’

Crucial to its reputation for quality print is Berkshire Labels’ in-house studio and production facilities, to which CtP is soon to be added, according to Paul Roscoe.  ‘We have evaluated the equipment and anticipate placing an order before the Autumn. We see CtP as an integral part of our ongoing improvement program which has always marked our progress.’ 

Staff numbers at Berkshire Labels have been steady for some time, but turnover has more than doubled in the past six years. ‘That tells me we have invested wisely.  Capability rather than price has always dictated our investment strategy,’ he concluded.

Photo: production director Marcus Smith (left) and managing director Paul Roscoe