LABEL LINK embarked on its digital transformation journey in 2018 with the acquisition of the SCREEN Truepress Jet L350UV+ inkjet press and the ROTOCON ECOLINE RDF 340 finishing machine.
This investment marked its first foray into digital production, a bold step that promised richer colour reproduction and precise corporate colour accuracy. The ROTOCON ECOLINE RDF 340 machine complemented this by providing advanced digital label converting and finishing capabilities. Both machines, sourced through ROTOCON, laid the foundation for Label Link’s digital future.
Occupying seven units in the Okavango industrial park, Label Link has been a wholesale label printer since 2003, serving resellers exclusively. Its focus is predominantly on the FMCG market, producing labels for resellers who cater to the fruit, spices and other food ingredients sectors in South Africa. With an annual turnover nearing R80-million, the company has experienced steady growth, necessitating an urgent need to expand capacity.
Shifting to digital
Wiaan Stemmet, owner of Label Link, recognised the importance of shifting the bulk of the business to digital. ‘We focus primarily on short-run, fast and efficient label production,’ he explains. ‘While flexo still remains a big part of our business, we’ve found that for short, efficient and accurate label printing, digital makes a lot more financial sense.’ This realisation led to the purchase of a second SCREEN Truepress L350UV press earlier this year, this time opting for the latest SCREEN Truepress LABEL L350UV SAI S series machine.
The SCREEN Truepress LABEL L350UV SAI S series offers unparalleled colour reproduction and scalability, meeting a broader range of market needs. ‘We realised that our capacity could only meet our increasing requirements by investing in the latest and best technology,’ remarks Wiaan, adding: ‘What I love most about this machine is its flexibility and automation features.’
Since installing the new SCREEN press, Label Link has seen a remarkable improvement in uptime. ‘We’ve seen at least an 80-85% improvement in our uptime since installing the machine,’ he reveals. The software powering the machine is a game changer, enabling increased print run production from 200 to 10 000m. The press’s seven inks (CMYK + white, orange and blue) ensure superior colour reproduction, meeting customer demands instantly. ‘With this press, everything is instantaneous,’ Wiaan remarks. ‘The wide line-up provides us with the optimal model for any current application while also allowing expanded functionality as our business grows.’
Partnership forged in trust
Since its inception, Label Link has found more than just a supplier in ROTOCON, it has found a strategic partner. Under the expert guidance of CEO Michael Aengenvoort and sales director Pascal Aengenvoort, ROTOCON has been a cornerstone of Label Link’s success. ‘ROTOCON brings the know-how, knowledge, experience and expertise to tackle any challenge. I genuinely enjoy working with them because they’re always ready with solutions,’ Wiaan explains.
Local support was a game changer in Label Link’s decision to invest in the new SCREEN press. ROTOCON’s fully trained service technicians have consistently delivered stellar service, from installation to training, making the transition seamless.
Wiaan’s vision for the future includes a digital printing division he plans to turn into a ‘ROTOCON shop’, brimming with ROTOCON and SCREEN equipment. ‘Nothing is too much effort for the team over at ROTOCON,’ he enthuses, highlighting the top-class technical team that handles the installations. The partnership with ROTOCON has supercharged Label Link’s productivity. ‘My productivity has doubled with ROTOCON by my side. I choose them because they deliver. I trust them with my business, they’re reliable and dependable.’
Wiaan also appreciates ROTOCON’s high ethical standards, which align perfectly with his own. ‘I built my company on solid relationships and I value people who do the same. For us, it’s all about building relationships and ROTOCON has done that superbly.’
Label Link’s acquisition of the SCREEN Truepress LABEL L350UV SAI S digital press, facilitated by ROTOCON, marks a pivotal milestone in its digital transformation journey. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and a trusted partnership with ROTOCON, Label Link is set for a future of continued growth and success in the label printing industry.
Featured image: Pascal Aengenvoort (ROTOCON sales director), Wiaan Stemmet (Label Link owner), Mike Maji (SCREEN press operator) and Michael Aengenvoort (ROTOCON CEO) pose with Label Link’s newly acquired SCREEN Truepress L350UV SAI S press.
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