The challenges of the past year have not slowed down Lux Global Label. In fact, the Lafayette Hill, PA-based label converter has been more active than ever, with new equipment purchases, an acquisition and the transition to a new CEO all taking place over the last 15 months.

These moves have been met with growth exceeding 10%, and that momentum is expected to continue in the future. Most recently, Lux Global Label invested in a new Nilpeter FA-17 flexo press to increase operator efficiency and help create innovative products for its international customer base.

Meanwhile, the company acquired Levittown, PA-based Labelworx right before the pandemic. Established in 2004, Labelworx is known for its digital printing expertise in prime-pressure sensitive, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging and serving a diverse group of consumer brands. Labelworx, capabilities include HP Indigo digital and Domino. Still led by founder Jack Lang, the facility is known for its excellent quality and quick turnaround.  The Lux Global Label family now features two production facilities in the United States, as well as a facility in Puerto Rico.

Around the time of the acquisition, Ron Cozean began operating as Lux Global Label’s new CEO. Throughout the pandemic, Cozean has emerged as a stabilizing force for his team.

“These are exciting times here at Lux,” says Cozean. “There were certainly people who, when I had just started during Covid, encouraged me to stay home and not come to the facility, but I think it was important to walk the floor. It was important for our people on the plant floor to see that I’m available to work and talk with them.”

“If I look back over the last 3.5 years, we can all be proud of what we have accomplished," says Leslie Gurland, executive vice president of global sales and marketing. “New ownership, branding Lux, bringing on new customers, appointing a new CEO, surviving a pandemic…it's incredible. As we look forward we are focusing on operational improvements but also social responsibility – social responsibility in terms of giving back to the community and promoting from within. Lux is extremely proud of the fact that some of our production workers have moved into positions in product development and estimating. We actually noticed that a cleaning woman had talent and she is now in our finishing department. It is gratifying to watch people grow."

Lux Global Label has become adept at navigating challenging circumstances. The company faced numerous hardships before being purchased and rebranded in 2017. Lux Global Label, previously National Label, was a newly formed holding company backed by private equity firm Resilience Capital Partners. The infusion of new resources and people into the company prompted an about-face for the organization. Today, that entrepreneurial spirit continues, and the company has begun to put effort into giving back.

Its recent history made Lux Global Label uniquely positioned and prepared to tackle the unknown of the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the pandemic, I think there were a lot of people in various industries that dropped the ball, and we haven’t done that at all,” explains Andy Johanson, vice president of sales and business development at Lux Global Label. “On the procurement side, our team has done a great job of forecasting and bringing in products, especially on the shrink side.

“All of our workers kept coming in, and we really appreciate that,” adds Gurland. "We didn’t miss a beat, and our employees were key. And not just Lux, but with every company that stayed open, it’s a testament to their teams and customers. We recently had a BBQ for all the workers where the operations staff cooked and during the good weather we’re doing more of them."

Lux Global Label instituted a number of measures to protect its workers and customers. The company spaced out its three shifts and retained the services of multiple cleaning companies. Those that enter the facility are still required to take temperature checks, too. Lux also relies on constant feedback, from employees and visitors alike. Communication has also been a hallmark of the past year, especially as it relates to customer service.

“We produce essential, life-saving products, and our services are needed,” comments Gurland. “Right at the beginning, our customers were asking us if we were going to be able to meet supply, and we were constantly giving them updates – by vendor and by material – as well as where our vendors were sourcing from.”

“We also added quite a bit of new business, which was a mix of going out and finding new business and people coming to us,” adds Johanson. “Between the material supply issues, and also all the acquisitions going on – it’s really disruptive to a lot of these companies – we had opportunities that came to us because of other companies’ failures.”

While the company has thrived since its rebranding in 2017, Lux’s leadership has continued to drive a culture shift. The team has responded, too.

“We have a lot of really sharp and innovative people here, so we have tremendous capabilities in developing creative solutions for our customers,” states Johanson.

The focus on giving back has extended to multiple areas. Lux Global Label has partnered with Laurel House, which offers support for domestic violence victims and their children. Lux was also one of the sponsors for the Rachel and Troy Foundations Golf Outing, whose funds go to Laurel House. "We are participating in a cleanup of one of their buildings, and we are offering a career day for their members. The sales team recently cleaned up the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, doing something for the environment,” notes Gurland. “We are also looking at how to possibly support individual initiatives that employees are interested in.  Everyone here wants to do good, so why not support other people and help them grow? That’s a big part of who we’re becoming as a company. There’s a lot more we’ll do, and our people are inspired by it.”

To see more, click here for a slideshow of the facility.