Imported from France through local representative, packwise-africa, two new machines from DCM – a Sleeve 3 Classic seamer and a Babycat 4 inspection-rewinder – are now enhancing production efficiency and reducing waste levels at Advanced Labels, situated in Glen Anil, Durban. Declaring himself ‘delighted’ with his choice of DCM machinery is the company’s founder and MD, Richard Jones.
From modest beginnings in 2010, Advanced Labels is now firmly established as a top-class self-adhesive label converter and, increasingly, of other packaging formats, including shrink sleeves, with a host of local and export customers in the consumer goods industry.
And now this latest investment is boosting the company’s market share for shrink sleeves. ‘It has significantly improved our output and reduced our waste levels,’ Richard remarks. ‘In turn, these waste savings are minimising payback time on this vital investment,’ he adds.
Asked to comment on his choice of equipment, Richard continues: ‘We were impressed by the equipment’s undoubted market success, and its competitive pricing. Our purchasing decision was further facilitated when we learnt that DCM had machines in stock, allowing us to fast track this project.’
Discussing performance, he adds: ‘The seaming machine is extremely accurate and keeps wastage to an absolute minimum. It provides exceptional quality seaming and achieves the soft shoulders that are particularly necessary in the personal care market where on-shelf aesthetics are paramount. The Babycat inspection-rewinder is fast and simple to work with. The operators enjoy working on these machines.’
In addition, Richard and his colleagues found the DCM team to be friendly and helpful. ‘The installation and training process was a great success,’ he reports. ‘Uwe Bögl and the packwise-africa team not only arranged a great deal with DCM, they also kept us regularly updated on shipping progress and machine installation.’
From small beginnings
Since day one, Richard has worked hard to build lasting business relationships based on unswerving product quality and service. These latest investments are a manifestation of this policy. And, in another significant development, he has recently been joined as a business partner by Georges de Fresnes, another well-known label industry expert.
‘Short lead times, consistently high-quality print and competitive prices are the cornerstones on which this business is built,’ confirms Georges.
‘We understand what our customers want and have implemented procedures, employed people and purchased equipment to ensure we respond to a dynamic market, meeting demand for ever-shorter lead times and faster artwork approval, quotations and deliveries. We did extensive trials and made widespread comparisons to determine which equipment would meet or exceed customers’ expectations in terms of quality, efficiency and speed to market, and DCM ticked all the boxes,’ Georges adds.
From a printing perspective – providing flexibility, capacity and proficiency – the operation boasts four Nilpeter UV flexo presses (three FB 2500s and the latest FA line), all enhanced with Fujifilm’s Illumina LED curing technology.
And now, rounding out this impressive armoury are the recently-commissioned DCM Sleeve 3 seamer and Babycat inspection-rewinder, both of which are transforming efficiency.
‘In ten years, this business has flourished from a small team of three to 48 staff working two shifts,’ Richard reports with understandable pride. ‘Our aim is to continue our growth path and pursue fresh local and export opportunities.’
