The Melbourne, South Derbyshire-based business took delivery of the machine this spring after originally considering investment as far back as 2017.
At the time managing director John Mayers travelled to both Amsterdam and Kyoto to see the machine in action.
“Back then, there were only new L350UV machines available, and we couldn’t afford one, having just acquired several small printing companies,” he said.
“But we always liked the Screen machine and as soon as the preowned L350UV option became available in March 2021 we bought one.”
Traditionally Positive ID has had success with producing price gun labels, but with that market shrinking over the last 20 years, around 80% of its £2.5m turnover now stems from manufacturing labels. It is anticipating the Screen installation will boost its turnover by 20%.
Mayers said the company has been impressed with the quality of the device.
“A re-run of a job six months later retains exactly the same quality. But the most impressive characteristic of the L350UV is the speed – on a good day it can get close to 50 metres per minute, which means it can generate a lot more turnover for a similar machine and ink cost.”
He added: “The machine is also simple to use, and Screen is a very easy company to deal with.”
Founded by Mayers in 1997, Positive ID focuses on label markets including food, beverage, cosmetics, chemical, and hygiene. Also operating flexo printers, the 25-staff business bought its first digital press in 2012.
“Our strategic goal is to become a one-stop label shop for our 4,500 customers, as it’s always easier to grow your company via your existing clientele. So, we needed an extra digital label printer for barcoding, but also for mid-range printing jobs,” said Mayers.
While the Screen machine is currently being operated for 10 hours per week, the company’s goal is to reach enough jobs to have it running eight hours a day by Christmas.
“We’d be very happy to get to 12 hours per day somewhere next year, which would mean our turnover should increase to £3m,” said Mayers.
“Digital and flexo both equally represent 30% of our turnover, and we’ll still need the analogue technology for the big runs. But in five years, digital will be the dominant part of our turnover. All our new customers are already starting with digital, as it’s just a simpler and quicker offering, with better quality.”
In June 2019, Positive ID Labels acquired Dabbon Labels and Banbury Labels. It had previously acquired Limbus Labels in 2018.
