Continental Datalabel Aims to Optimize Business with Three New Mark Andy P5 Presses

Higher print quality, faster speeds, constant reliability and rapid turnaround. Three presses—mirror images of one another—three plants, one company, 10,000 different label constructions and designs, various market segments and ever-growing production volumes—talk about being a successful printer! Continental Datalabel fits that bill and more.

With a history stretching back nearly 70 years, it’s created a name for itself in the self-adhesive label industry. How? By forging a reputation built on quality and innovation. It has consistently demonstrated an ability to cater to high-volume requirements generated by large corporations, while never losing sight of the needs of its small, independent customers. Continental Datalabel likes to say, “We are the right choice for all sizes and shapes of labels and tags/cards.”

Now boasting three manufacturing locations—Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX—as well as two satellite offices—New York, NY and Atlanta, GA—this enterprise, first established in 1950, serves thousands of customers in dozens of countries. Today, it’s broadcasting news on an exciting development designed to bolster and better all service, support and print products it offers. What’s that you say? Acquisition and installation of identity statement building machinery.

3’s a Charm

Moving out to support growing production requirements, Continental Datalabel has installed three identical Mark Andy Inc Performance Series P5 presses—one in each manufacturing plant. All are 17-in. units equipped with eight color stations. The complement represents the first 8-color machines put into place in Continental Datalabel’s arsenal.

Each is configured with Quick Change Die Cut (QCDC) finishing technology, as well as a cold foil unit and smart blade system. Collectively, those features are designed to achieve higher print quality at faster speeds, according to Mark Andy Inc engineers.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”Continental Datalabel’s president” link=”” color=”#991139″ class=”” size=””]”During demos, my team was impressed with quick setup time, minimal waste and operator-friendly design.”[/perfectpullquote]
“These modern, narrow web flexo presses are built to focus on increased productivity, ease of operation, fast changeover and waste reduction—everything Continental Datalabel was looking for,” its press partner says. “The choice to add three of the same platform ensures consistent repeatability for customers, regardless of where Continental Datalabel chooses to print the jobs. True business optimization can now be achieved, enabling rapid turnaround for the converter’s customers.”

Need-Based Buy

Speaking on what factors ultimately led to the purchase of the P5s, Continental Datalabel’s president states: “During demos, my team was impressed with quick setup time, minimal waste and operator-friendly design.”

He reports that the company identified a need for additional operating capacity when press workloads started to increase, reflective of the overall growth in customer base. Continuous demand for shorter lead times pushed Continental Datalabel’s strategic planning team to search out new production solutions.

He also recalls the OEM’s long-standing reputation as a leader in narrow web flexo equipment was important to Continental Datalabel, as was available post-sale support. Local, on-site training is giving the printer the opportunity to leverage its new benefits.

The top executive at the multi-location printer says the addition of the new P5 presses helps support growing demand for intricate label designs and enables Continental Datalabel to expand its impressive growth in the custom label sector.

Commenting on what customers can expect, he notes, “Our distributor partners now have a single platform to support their jobs across the country. Customers will see the same high-quality results across all three locations.”

In his mind, the recent capital equipment investment program is resulting in good dividends. “This ensures brand consistency, while leveraging quick delivery and reduced shipping expenses. Continental Datalabel is small enough to respond and big enough to deliver!”

Editor’s Note: Based on reporting by Missy Null of Mark Andy Inc.

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