Flexible Focus

Unique capabilities underpin Associated Labels’ standing as a top prime label printer in Western Canada.

The lineup of narrow-web Mark Andy presses includes 7˝, 10˝, 16˝, and 17˝ presses, from six to 10 colors and with a total of 39 UV stations for enhanced operating flexibility. Ashworth says the company has benefitted from the choice of Mark Andy as its primary press supplier due to standardization and better utilization of equipment.

Associated Labels most recent press acquisition was also from Mark Andy—a 26˝ Comco ProGlide press with 11 flexo/gravure/laminating stations. According to Ashworth, the company acquired this press to support the continuing growth of its Flexible Packaging Division and its increasing variety of facestocks. These include printed films for horizontal and vertical form fillers, inline bar wrappers (clear and metalized), powder and liquid pouches, and shrink film applications.

Ashworth believes that eye-catching print quality is one of flexible packaging’s many appeals. “In addition, many of our customers are discovering just how functional, affordable, and innovative flexible packaging can be. This appeal goes further into the consumer markets where trends such as environmental impact and convenience are deal breakers that flexible packaging can provide.” 

The flexo/gravure combination of the Comco ProGlide allows Associated Labels to use gravure stations for quality-critical laydowns, like vignettes, metallics, heavy opaque solids, and coatings and adhesives, while using water-based stations for the less-demanding laydowns. In addition, with the inline dry-bond lamination process, the company can print and laminate films for pouches, wraparound labels, and food packaging using decorative, barrier, and sealant films as the market requires.

None too soon

Having enhanced capability and flexibility could not have come at a better time for Associated Labels. Today’s economic environment has package printers yearning for the days when a tough competitive environment was the biggest challenge. 

“We are dealing with the current conditions as well as can be expected,” says Ashworth. “We are very concerned with the competitive conditions and the directions [in which] the banking institutions are going. It is a serious time for all manufacturers. Our sales have increased slightly. However, our margins have eroded due to predatory competitive actions.”

To get through these difficult times, Associated Labels intends to apply its distinct capabilities along with a focus on its PEQ triangle. pP

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• DIGITAL PRINTING
• FLEXO PRINTING
• GRAVURE PRINTING