UK printer makes major investment in digital label production

Poole, UK-based Harkwell Labels has upgraded two of its HP Indigo presses as part of its ongoing investment in digital print technology.

UK printer makes major investment in digital label production

This has seen HP Indigo 6600 and 6800 digital presses upgraded to 6900 status. The upgrade includes ElectroInk Silver for printing metallics and a full range of brand protection features, such as micro-text and invisible inks, along with SmartStream Mosaic and Collage software for variable data and automatic creation of unique designs. They run alongside the UK’s first HP Indigo 8000.

Harkwell Labels managing director Barry Halliday said: ‘This significant investment is part of our five-year plan to futureproof the company. We are not running digital as just a bolt-on to conventional print but are committing ourselves fully to the technology and the benefits it brings us and our clients. Many companies are still not taking the plunge fully into digital, but we now have the most advanced HP Indigo press line-up in the UK.’

The UK printer’s finishing department is also seeing continual investment with the addition during 2018 of a further AB Graphic Digicon Series 3 featuring three flexo stations, lamination with re-registration and multi-ply facility, as well as cold foiling. These add to the existing AB Graphic Digicon Series 3 featuring in-line screen module for high-build embellishments and a GM DC330FB finishing line with lamination and in-line sheeting.

Alongside the investment in new presses and finishing lines, Harkwell Labels has upgraded its MIS and workflows to ensure the operation is as efficient as possible.

Halliday added: ‘Customer demands are changing faster than anyone could have imagined. The need is for infinite variation, brand protection and fast, reliable lead times, all without compromising on quality and delivered at the right price. Our future is digital.’