Route 1 Print invests £2M in ABG finishing to expand labels capability

Route 1 Print has strengthened its position in the growing stickers and labels market with a £2 million investment in new finishing technology, including the installation of an ABG DigiLase Duo and Dual Bar DigiJet system.

Based in Rotherham, UK, the online trade printer has integrated the new equipment into its 300,000 square foot production facility as part of a broader investment program that also includes HP Indigo and ABG Digicon Lite technology.

At the core of the new line, the DigiLase Duo features dual 400W laser heads, enabling faster cutting speeds, increased redundancy and greater precision for intricate shapes and short-run sticker applications — without the need for traditional tooling. The addition of ABG’s Dual Bar DigiJet further enhances the platform by enabling digital embellishments such as spot varnish, foiling and tactile finishes in a single pass.

Together with an integrated thermal laminator module, the system allows Route 1 Print to combine laser cutting, embellishment and lamination within a streamlined workflow, improving both production efficiency and product quality.

“Stickers and labels have become a major area of growth for Route 1 Print, and this investment gives our customers even more opportunity to target premium label work,” says Jack Parks, head of Route 1 Print. “For resellers, it means access to short-run, high-quality labels with fast turnaround times and competitive trade pricing.”

The new capabilities support a broader range of applications, including food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical labels, while also enabling more complex designs and finishes without extended lead times.

According to ABG, the dual-laser configuration represents a significant advancement in digital finishing, delivering gains in speed, flexibility and waste reduction. Integration with ABG Connect workflow software also helps optimize job changes and minimize material waste, supporting more sustainable production.

The investment follows a period of sustained growth in Route 1 Print’s labels division, with the company expanding its product range to include reel-fed labels, custom shapes and premium materials, alongside new finishes such as Spot UV and foil.

By combining advanced finishing technology with its online ordering platform and AI-powered artwork tools, Route 1 Print is positioning itself to offer print resellers greater flexibility, faster turnaround and access to higher-value label applications.