Based at AGI Labels' West Sussex plant, the "Digital Cell" allows clients to view and alter labels before making a final commitment to printing.

It's headed up by AGI Labels technical operations manager Phil Smith, who said that the new division will cut out the need for the "endless correction of proofs and the wasting of two or three days gaining approval for a label design".

"The technology we now have enables customers to do more than look at a one-dimensional design on a graphic designer's screen," added Smith. "The digital technology and control we have allows us to go straight to print. Once and for all we can do away with costly and messy business of plate-making."

Story by Philip Chadwick