Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor12.03.19
With the holidays upon us and 2020 on the horizon, Label & Narrow Web delved into what piqued the readers’ interests most during the past year. Labelexpo Europe, countless industry events and a slew of mergers and acquisitions highlighted a banner 2019 for the labels and packaging industry.
We look back at the top ranked stories that drew the most site traffic:
10. Labelink grows with acquisition of Labelix
Originally named a L&NW Company to Watch in 2018, Labelink wasted no time in continuing to grow its brand. The Canadian supplier acquired Labelix to benefit current and future customers, noted president Stéphen Bouchard.
“This acquisition fits perfectly with our vision of transforming an industry that is all too often perceived as traditional,” he said. “It is with this kind of investment that we are able to position ourselves as a true business partner for our clients who work in highly competitive markets by offering them innovative purchasing management solutions.”
Since its debut in 2002, Labelix has established itself as a relevant player in Quebec, now boasting 80 employees. Labelink has made eight acquisitions over the past 15 years, bringing bring a wide range of products and services to North American customers.
9. Orion Labels adds CEI BossJet powered by Domino
Orion Labels, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of custom printed pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed film labels, non-pressure sensitive labels, tags and specialty items, installed a CEI BossJet powered by Domino hybrid press at the beginning of 2019.
This press, which combines flexo and digital UV inkjet, increases Orion Labels’ efficiency and improves profit margin on the company’s existing short-run/high-SKU business while freeing up capacity on its flexo presses for longer, less-complicated runs. In addition, the acquisition allows Orion to gain customers and projects for which they could not compete previously utilizing only traditional flexo.
Neil Vandenberg, Partner at Orion Labels, added, “We’ve noticed a definite difference for our bottom line because of the Domino and because of the CEI equipment. We’re running things in a much more efficient way, we’re running things in a much more cost-conscious way. That’s a huge thing for our customers.”
Orion Labels was recently named a L&NW Company to Watch in 2019.
8. US Tape and Label forms cannabis-focused division
USTL Canna Pack was launched to focus on the cannabis market, which is seeing continued growth around the world.
“We are focused on a solution based business model, aiming to make USTL a leader in the canna-market” said Jim Benetin, the director of the initiative. "Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all label, pouch or bag for your product. USTL Canna Pack provides packaging solutions that are as unique and specific as the product you’re looking to market. We use the newest technology to create packages for extracts, liquids, edibles, vapes, supplements, fertilizers and more."
L&NW editor Steve Katz recently penned a feature on the booming cannabis market. Read that feature here.
7. Avery Dennison expands Rapid-Roll portfolio
Avery Dennison developed quite a few new products in 2019, and our readers were most intrigued by the expanded Rapid-Roll portfolio. The Rapid-Roll portfolio came with two new offerings: a print-ready stand-up pouch construction and the Pentalabel Eklipse light-blocking shrink film. These additions were part of a broader strategy to help converters grow their business with new eye-catching packaging formats for premium foods and snacks, household products and beverages, and other segments.
“Compared to many other formats, stand-up pouches use less material, weigh less, and lend themselves well to grab-and-go positioning,” said Cindy Collins, flexible packaging product panager. “These are attractive features for many consumers. For brand owners, the ‘360-degree’ billboard for artwork and high performance look and feel translate to greater shelf appeal, helping to increase sales.”
6. HP announces multiple HP Indigo 8000 installations
HP enjoyed a host of installations in 2019, with the HP Indigo 8000 digital label press emerging as a popular option for converters looking for enhanced speed to go along with the company’s recognized quality. New purchases by US label and packaging converters included Innovative Labeling Solutions (ILS), Dion Label Printing, Nosco, Info Label, Quality Tape and Label, and Natural State Label. Converters in Europe, Latin America and Asia are also operating the press.
“Growing demand for the HP Indigo 8000 is testament to the field-proven capability of this breakthrough solution, redefining high-quality, narrow-web digital label productivity,” said Alon Bar-Shany, general manager, HP Indigo, HP Inc. “Uniquely positioned to ignite the analog to digital transformation, the HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press is delivering over two million linear square feet per month in narrow-web productivity to label converters using HP Indigo.”
L&NW profiled Info Label, citing the company’s success with the HP Indigo 8000. Read the feature here.
5. Fortis Solutions Group acquires Label Technology Inc.
Fortis Solutions Group is no stranger to expansion, and its most recent acquisition caused industry insiders to take notice. Fortis added Label Technology, a Merced, CA-based, award-winning printer of flexible packaging, stand-up pouches, and pressure sensitive labels.
Fortis president and CEO John Wynne said, “Label Technology is an ideal fit within Fortis as the acquisition creates a true national footprint for our organization while broadening our product offerings across multiple vertical markets. I am incredibly impressed with the technical savvy and operational and sales prowess of the company and look forward to working alongside Dave Bankson and the entire Label Technology team.”
Fortis Solutions Group was also profiled in L&NW’s 2019 Companies to Watch section. Read the feature here.
4. Mark Andy launches Evolution Series
Mark Andy launched its latest flexo platform, which is available in 13” and 17” (330 and 460 mm) web widths with production speeds up to 750 fpm (230 m/m), at Labelexpo Europe.
“Full servo flexographic printing is now within reach for all converters,” explained Tom Schelmbauer, chief business officer, Mark Andy Flexo. "This technology, with the highest possible quality and engineering, has been a longstanding – and noticeably absent – request in the industry. Building on the success of our existing technology, we’re able to bring the Evolution Series to market as a solution for converters that need a label or film press with the capability to grow as their business grows.”
3. CCL announces bolt-on acquisition for Avery
CCL Industries, the world's largest label converter, acquired the shares of Colle a Moi Inc. (CAM), a privately-owned company, based in Quebec City, Canada.
“This is the eighth bolt-on acquisition we have made since acquiring Avery in 2013 as we continue to build our rapidly growing portfolio of web-to-print technologies and brands using software and related supplies,” said Geoffrey Martin, president and CEO of CCL.
2. TSC acquires Diversified Labeling Solutions
TSC Auto ID Technology, a global presence in the AIDC bar code printer industry, acquired Diversified Labeling Solutions, Inc. (DLS) early in 2019. Under this acquisition, DLS remains a separate entity, retains its name and brand, and maintains all of its current employees and executive leadership – including its current CEO, Jim Kersten. All four major locations continue to run and operate as usual, serving distributors and value-added resellers.
“This is an extraordinary fit, and we’re excited to bring the advantages and benefits of this union to our partner base,” said TSC’s John Otott, the global general manager of the consumable products business unit.
1. Multi-Color to be acquired by Platinum Equity affiliate
Early in 2019, Multi-Color Corporation entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Platinum Equity LLC. The transaction was financed through a combination of committed equity financing provided by Platinum Capital Partners IV, L.P., as well as debt financing that has been committed to by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
“We have tremendous respect for Multi-Color Corporation, and believe that its capabilities and established position in the industry, when combined with our portfolio company WS Packaging Group, operational expertise and financial resources, will enable Multi-Color Corporation and WS Packaging Group to strengthen the value proposition for their customers," said Louis Samson, partner, Platinum Equity.
We look back at the top ranked stories that drew the most site traffic:
10. Labelink grows with acquisition of Labelix
Originally named a L&NW Company to Watch in 2018, Labelink wasted no time in continuing to grow its brand. The Canadian supplier acquired Labelix to benefit current and future customers, noted president Stéphen Bouchard.
“This acquisition fits perfectly with our vision of transforming an industry that is all too often perceived as traditional,” he said. “It is with this kind of investment that we are able to position ourselves as a true business partner for our clients who work in highly competitive markets by offering them innovative purchasing management solutions.”
Since its debut in 2002, Labelix has established itself as a relevant player in Quebec, now boasting 80 employees. Labelink has made eight acquisitions over the past 15 years, bringing bring a wide range of products and services to North American customers.
9. Orion Labels adds CEI BossJet powered by Domino
Orion Labels, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of custom printed pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed film labels, non-pressure sensitive labels, tags and specialty items, installed a CEI BossJet powered by Domino hybrid press at the beginning of 2019.
This press, which combines flexo and digital UV inkjet, increases Orion Labels’ efficiency and improves profit margin on the company’s existing short-run/high-SKU business while freeing up capacity on its flexo presses for longer, less-complicated runs. In addition, the acquisition allows Orion to gain customers and projects for which they could not compete previously utilizing only traditional flexo.
Neil Vandenberg, Partner at Orion Labels, added, “We’ve noticed a definite difference for our bottom line because of the Domino and because of the CEI equipment. We’re running things in a much more efficient way, we’re running things in a much more cost-conscious way. That’s a huge thing for our customers.”
Orion Labels was recently named a L&NW Company to Watch in 2019.
8. US Tape and Label forms cannabis-focused division
USTL Canna Pack was launched to focus on the cannabis market, which is seeing continued growth around the world.
“We are focused on a solution based business model, aiming to make USTL a leader in the canna-market” said Jim Benetin, the director of the initiative. "Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all label, pouch or bag for your product. USTL Canna Pack provides packaging solutions that are as unique and specific as the product you’re looking to market. We use the newest technology to create packages for extracts, liquids, edibles, vapes, supplements, fertilizers and more."
L&NW editor Steve Katz recently penned a feature on the booming cannabis market. Read that feature here.
7. Avery Dennison expands Rapid-Roll portfolio
Avery Dennison developed quite a few new products in 2019, and our readers were most intrigued by the expanded Rapid-Roll portfolio. The Rapid-Roll portfolio came with two new offerings: a print-ready stand-up pouch construction and the Pentalabel Eklipse light-blocking shrink film. These additions were part of a broader strategy to help converters grow their business with new eye-catching packaging formats for premium foods and snacks, household products and beverages, and other segments.
“Compared to many other formats, stand-up pouches use less material, weigh less, and lend themselves well to grab-and-go positioning,” said Cindy Collins, flexible packaging product panager. “These are attractive features for many consumers. For brand owners, the ‘360-degree’ billboard for artwork and high performance look and feel translate to greater shelf appeal, helping to increase sales.”
6. HP announces multiple HP Indigo 8000 installations
HP enjoyed a host of installations in 2019, with the HP Indigo 8000 digital label press emerging as a popular option for converters looking for enhanced speed to go along with the company’s recognized quality. New purchases by US label and packaging converters included Innovative Labeling Solutions (ILS), Dion Label Printing, Nosco, Info Label, Quality Tape and Label, and Natural State Label. Converters in Europe, Latin America and Asia are also operating the press.
“Growing demand for the HP Indigo 8000 is testament to the field-proven capability of this breakthrough solution, redefining high-quality, narrow-web digital label productivity,” said Alon Bar-Shany, general manager, HP Indigo, HP Inc. “Uniquely positioned to ignite the analog to digital transformation, the HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press is delivering over two million linear square feet per month in narrow-web productivity to label converters using HP Indigo.”
L&NW profiled Info Label, citing the company’s success with the HP Indigo 8000. Read the feature here.
5. Fortis Solutions Group acquires Label Technology Inc.
Fortis Solutions Group is no stranger to expansion, and its most recent acquisition caused industry insiders to take notice. Fortis added Label Technology, a Merced, CA-based, award-winning printer of flexible packaging, stand-up pouches, and pressure sensitive labels.
Fortis president and CEO John Wynne said, “Label Technology is an ideal fit within Fortis as the acquisition creates a true national footprint for our organization while broadening our product offerings across multiple vertical markets. I am incredibly impressed with the technical savvy and operational and sales prowess of the company and look forward to working alongside Dave Bankson and the entire Label Technology team.”
Fortis Solutions Group was also profiled in L&NW’s 2019 Companies to Watch section. Read the feature here.
4. Mark Andy launches Evolution Series
Mark Andy launched its latest flexo platform, which is available in 13” and 17” (330 and 460 mm) web widths with production speeds up to 750 fpm (230 m/m), at Labelexpo Europe.
“Full servo flexographic printing is now within reach for all converters,” explained Tom Schelmbauer, chief business officer, Mark Andy Flexo. "This technology, with the highest possible quality and engineering, has been a longstanding – and noticeably absent – request in the industry. Building on the success of our existing technology, we’re able to bring the Evolution Series to market as a solution for converters that need a label or film press with the capability to grow as their business grows.”
3. CCL announces bolt-on acquisition for Avery
CCL Industries, the world's largest label converter, acquired the shares of Colle a Moi Inc. (CAM), a privately-owned company, based in Quebec City, Canada.
“This is the eighth bolt-on acquisition we have made since acquiring Avery in 2013 as we continue to build our rapidly growing portfolio of web-to-print technologies and brands using software and related supplies,” said Geoffrey Martin, president and CEO of CCL.
2. TSC acquires Diversified Labeling Solutions
TSC Auto ID Technology, a global presence in the AIDC bar code printer industry, acquired Diversified Labeling Solutions, Inc. (DLS) early in 2019. Under this acquisition, DLS remains a separate entity, retains its name and brand, and maintains all of its current employees and executive leadership – including its current CEO, Jim Kersten. All four major locations continue to run and operate as usual, serving distributors and value-added resellers.
“This is an extraordinary fit, and we’re excited to bring the advantages and benefits of this union to our partner base,” said TSC’s John Otott, the global general manager of the consumable products business unit.
1. Multi-Color to be acquired by Platinum Equity affiliate
Early in 2019, Multi-Color Corporation entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Platinum Equity LLC. The transaction was financed through a combination of committed equity financing provided by Platinum Capital Partners IV, L.P., as well as debt financing that has been committed to by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
“We have tremendous respect for Multi-Color Corporation, and believe that its capabilities and established position in the industry, when combined with our portfolio company WS Packaging Group, operational expertise and financial resources, will enable Multi-Color Corporation and WS Packaging Group to strengthen the value proposition for their customers," said Louis Samson, partner, Platinum Equity.
