Label Makers adds second Durst RSC after beta success

The Label Makers (Labmak) has installed a second Durst Tau 330 RSC after enjoying a successful beta testing period with its first.

Delivered this month, it replaces a non-RSC, original Tau 330 printer at Labmak’s Bradford plant. Another 330 had been replaced by the first RSC which completed year-long beta testing in September last year.

Running two of the eight-colour single-pass label presses, priced at around €850,000 (£740,000) each, Labmak has been able to increase its production capacity by 60%.

Managing director David Webster said: “We were so amazed with the print quality and speed of the first RSC that when we had the chance to get a second, we went for it.

“Together, they give us far more firepower and we can now work them both on double-day shifts. They give our operators flexibility and clients love the screen printing look its inks generate, which means we do not have to invest in silk screen.

“Durst believe in us and we believe in them, that is why they were so keen to recruit us for the beta test and it is also why we were more than happy to take on a second RSC.”

The Durst Tau 330 RSC variant boasts a greater print resolution of 1,200dpi and print speed of 78m/min compared to the original 330. With 330mm print width, it prints from eight colour stations running CMYK, white, orange, violet and green using new high-pigmented inks designed for a flexo look with a production capacity of 1,485sqm/hr.

Labmak has invested £2.5m with Durst over in the past six years. With the two new machines, it continues to address its key markets in personal care such as toiletries and cosmetics. Its white capabilities have also allowed for print onto silver substrates that has drawn business from higher-end whiskey, wine and spirits brands.

The firm continues to grow, with a topped-up headcount of 78 staff working on its 2,320sqm premises with a turnover now boosted to £10.6m.

Label Makers runs its Durst portfolio alongside a toner-based digital printer from Xeikon, Digicon finishing equipment from AB Graphics and six flexo presses capable of up to 14 colours.