Mark Andy press installed for labeling hazardous substances

In one of its more unusual applications, a Mark Andy 2200 flexo line has been installed at Hibiscus plc in Leeds, UK, to manufacture a range of labels and signs specifically designed for use with hazardous substances.  The 10” five-color Mark Andy operates in one of the most niche of all label markets, where compliance with national and international safety legislation is essential, and an in-depth understanding of the chemical industry an absolute necessity.

These two requisites come together at Hibiscus, whose portfolio of customers reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the chemical world, and includes leading names like Shell as major customers. Company founders Dot and Brian Killerby have spent the past 25 years using their chemical industry background to develop and refine a classic ‘one stop shop’ operation for the labeling of hazardous substances.

The company service includes label design and printing and also the development of computer software that it sells to its customers for use worldwide. Initially, Hibiscus designed and built its own printing presses, so bespoke were its requirements, but the installation of its first proprietary machine in 1999, which came with a steep and painful learning curve, prompted Hibiscus to turn to Mark Andy when additional capacity was required.

In total the company holds over 20,000 pieces of artwork to cover all the variations.  More than one million standard legislative labels are held in stock at any one time.

Because all Hibiscus labels need to meet stringent legislative requirements, including light fastness, print key effectiveness, abrasion resistance, and adhesion in sea water, they took great care in choosing their second UV flexo press.  With a long run classified as 20,000 labels, although one recent job supplied to Belgium was only for 155 labels, Hibiscus needed a press that was easy and quick to make ready and not wasteful of expensive substrate.

‘We were impressed with the build quality of the 2200, particularly its helical gears,’ commented Brian Killerby. ‘It’s a very stable production platform that once set can be left alone to run. It was their technical knowledge and attitude in allowing us to fully test inks, substrates and adhesives that impressed us.’

Drawing special praise is Mark Andy’s ‘Quick Change’ system, which allows offline make ready and reduces downtime to a minimum in the production floor.  Mr Killerby claims the 2200 has reduced stress levels in the plant because it is such a reliable performer. ‘We wanted to increase our capacity/competitiveness and improve the overall quality of the work we produce.  The 2200 has done that and more – it has also allowed us to look at new markets that were previously outside our capability,’ he concluded.