AA Labels has announced it has invested £1.1 million in new machinery to fulfil demand for printed packaging across a range of sectors.
To date, the firm revealed it has offered a printed packaging service aimed at small to medium businesses who require affordable short print runs, with quick turnaround times.
In the next phase of its evolution, AA is targeting larger businesses with the introduction of two new machines. The first is a HP Indigo 12000 printer boasting six colour printing and colour matching technology for both short and longer print runs. Up to 4,600 sheets can be printed each hour. Having a duplex print option allows packaging to be printed on both sides, even on a thicker substrate material.
Shoaib Akram from AA Labels said, “Up until this point we have been restricted by the number of orders we could fulfil due to the scope of the existing printer. Following market research, we knew that there was potential to build our offer for larger print runs, whilst maintaining the high level of quality and customer service we are known for.
“The investment in the new press means we can print to the bigger size of B2+, a dimension frequently used by retailers, manufacturers and distribution networks. This will lead to the packaging division increasing from 5% to 20% of overall sales.”
AA Labels has also invested in a new lamination machine. The TruCoat (Auto Fed) is said to use the more ‘environmentally-friendly’ UV coating lamination method. It can deliver gloss-satin and matte coatings, with a turnaround time of less than five minutes for each to be applied.
