Based at AGI Labels' West Sussex plant, the "Digital Cell" has developed a system that allows clients to view and alter labels before making a final commitment to printing. The company uses an HP Indigo press to produce the labels and, according to technical operations manager Phil Smith the press can "effectively print a proof".

Smith heads up the division and added that the addition cuts 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 the costly business of plate-making."

"The type of label we are now producing is truly remarkable," said AGI Labels general manager Lee Taylor. AGI Labels is part of AGI Media, which operates in the CD and DVD packaging sectors.

Story by Philip Chadwick