Impact Labelling invests in Mark Andy presses

Impact Labelling Systems has built its business on Mark Andy flexo technology, operating two Performance Series presses that managing director Evan Fox describes as the ideal operator's machine for the company's niche markets in medical, pharmaceutical and electronics sectors.

The Limerick-based converter, established by Richard and Deirdre Fox in 1995, now operates a P3 and P5 Performance Series press, having begun with 820 and 830 models before moving to twin 2200 units. Fox assumed the role of managing director in 2020.

'For us, and I know many others, the Performance Series sets the benchmark for narrow web flexo production,' stated Evan Fox, managing director at Impact Labelling Systems. 'They are tough, reliable and deliver premium quality with the minimum of fuss. Mark Andy has been the foundation of our business, and the P3 and P5 are our bread and butter.'

As the only Irish-owned, family-run narrow web converter in the country's mid-west region, Impact is one of Ireland's largest independent label manufacturers. Fox says this gives the company an advantage in the short-run, fast-turnaround market, where run lengths are typically quite short.

With a customer portfolio of 500 and an average lead-time of around four days, Impact focuses on quality and accuracy. All flexo label production is camera-inspected. The approach has paid off, with turnover doubling since 2022, prompting the company to seek larger premises.

Fox has purchased a neighboring unit with an additional 5,000 sqft. Currently operating a single shift, five days a week on the printing presses, the company has production capacity available, though Fox indicated a need to add another Mark Andy flexographic press in 2027, likely an Evolution Series E5.

Work at the Limerick plant is split 50:50 on paper and film substrates, with only a small amount supplied to local customers and a healthy share going to the UK and the USA.

'Whatever our customers ask, the answer is always "yes" and then we find a way of doing it. In fact our sales approach has always been "what problem can we solve for you"? And you cannot do that without reliable and flexible machines like the Mark Andy presses,' noted Fox.

The P3 is a combination of speed and quality for efficiency, with intuitive operation. The P5, with its servo-driven platform, offers quality print with fast changeovers and reduced waste, even on short-run jobs.

Impact holds ISO Quality Assurance standards 14001, 45001 and 9001. As one of the few label converters in Ireland with presses dedicated to low-migration inks, the company's safety credentials are assured. It also holds an Ecovadis Silver Rating from 2023 and is aiming for Gold in 2026.

'The whole self-adhesive label market was built up on small family businesses,' commented Antony Cotton, sales manager at Mark Andy. 'Impact Labelling Systems is one that has grown and developed in line with changing market demands. In fact it's kept itself ahead of the curve, and Mark Andy is delighted to have been a fundamental part of its success.'