Mercian Labels concludes £1m investment with factory refit

Midlands, UK-based label manufacturer The Mercian Labels Group has opened its newly refurbished factory. The new refit of the offices and factory concludes a GBP £1m (USD $1.6m) investment program that has been carried out over the last three years, and includes the launch of a new brand of security labels known as Label Lock. 

As the firm continues to grow, further jobs have been created both at the site in Cannock as well as at their newly acquired business AC Labels in Derby to now total 32 staff.

The opening was conducted by Aidan Burley MP, and was attended by printing industry executives Paul Briggs, industrial sales manager, Xeikon UK; Chris Green, sales director, Gerhardt; James Boughton, managing director, Edale; as well as John Wigley, banking relationship manager, RBS, and Andreas Greiner, purchasing manager, Legrand Electric. 

Adrian Steele, managing director, said: ‘Last year, Mercian Labels reached a landmark following 40 years of printing self-adhesive labels, as well as completing the acquisition of the new business in Derby. The last ten years have been spent in our purpose built factory and offices in Cannock, and we felt it fitting that our latest investment program concluded with a makeover that creates an even better working environment for our growing number of local employees.’ 

Hugo Gell, sales director, added: ‘The recent launch of our security labels brand, Label Lock, has opened the doors to new markets worldwide. It is important that we create the right impression as we play host to potential customers from overseas who are keen to meet the world leaders in the security labels and tamper proof tape market. Investments in R&D, printing presses and equipment have now been complimented with up-to-date administration and sales facilities to create a first class base from which we will continue to expand our operations.’ 

Aidan Burley, MP for Cannock Chase, who was on hand to declare the new facilities officially open, said: ‘It is always a pleasure to see manufacturing businesses in this area flourishing. Too often we are quick to talk ourselves down, but here is proof that with imagination, determination and a focus on quality and value, British industry can compete on a global scale. Investment in growth and a determination to maintain a manufacturing presence here is essential for this country’s economic recovery. Not only have Mercian Labels grown their domestic labeling business consistently, but they have now branched out into overseas markets with their unique Label Lock brand. I am especially pleased to see a strong local focus in their investments, and wish them all the best with their ventures in the future.’ 

Mercian Labels Ltd was formed in 1969, and its principal business is printing self-adhesive labels in medium and short runs for UK businesses, using a variety of methods including digital, flexo and hotfoil technologies. AC Labels in Derby was acquired in 2010, adding long run variable data and barcode label capabilities to the product portfolio, and providing a further nine jobs. 

The Label Lock brand was launched in 2008. These tamper evident seals are used to secure vehicles, documents, computers and packaging, using unique technologies developed following a major R&D program and further investment in plant and machinery. Tamper Evident Tape is the latest development in this expanding portfolio of products. 

The company reports that 2010 was its sixth successive year of record profit growth. 

Pictured l-r: Hugo Gell, sales director; Dennis Marrison, chairman; Aidan Burney MP; Dr Adrian Steele, managing director 

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