The Mercian Labels Group Blog – Security Labels International, Mercian Labels and AC Labels

GAMMATEX gamma sterilisation indicator-labels

PRESS RELEASE

27 April 2010

Derby, UK

DETEX manufacturer moves forward following collapse of their largest customer

AC Labels, who have previously manufactured DETEX labels for the verification of gamma radiation sterilisation, have announced the launch of the GAMMATEX™ brand following the collapse of their largest customer for that range, Sessions of York.

Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director of AC Labels said ‘It was with great sadness that we have witnessed the Administration of Sessions of York last week who supplied many satisfied customers with DETEX labels over the years. DETEX labels were commonly used in the medical and pharmaceuticals industries as verification that products had been subjected to the necessary dosage of radiation to ensure full sterilisation. Without Sessions of York to act as a route to market for us, we have been approached by their previous customers with requests to manufacture a radiation sensitive product directly. This we will happily do under the name of GAMMATEX™, with a price guarantee that will be a pleasant surprise to former customers. We already have new products in the pipeline, and will be working with current users to bring new innovations in gamma sterilisation indicating labels to the marketplace.”

A C Labels is a subsdiary of the Mercian Labels Group of Staffordshire, UK which has a portfolio of specialist labelling products including LabelLock ®™ security seals and Microembossed Labels™.

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PRESS RELEASE

2 April 2010

Cannock, Staffordshire, UK

A C Labels bought by the Mercian Labels Group

Barcode labelling specialists A C Labels have been acquired by the Mercian Labels Group in an assets and goodwill deal, securing the long term supply of variable data barcode labels and the highly regarded A C Labels brand.

“A C Labels has a fantastic reputation in the marketplace as a market leader in complex variable information labelling.” said Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director of Mercian Labels, adding “We are establishing a new operation in Derby specifically to serve this demand, and are delighted with both the support shown from the client base for the acquisition, and also the opportunity to acquire the brand of A C Labels. This new subsidiary of the Mercian Labels Group complements our other speciality companies in manufacturing tamper evident security labels, Label Lock security seals and short run digital, hotfoil and flexographic labelling.”

The new company will continue to manufacture complex constructions of self adhesive labels inlcuding variable data and barcodes, serving the medical, pharma and logistics marketplaces, and is now involved in ensuring a seamless transition for existing customers of AC Labels and to secure and expand the prospects of the business in Derby.

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PRESS RELEASE
28 July 2009
Cannock, Staffordshire, UK

Adrian Steele, MD of Mercian Labels is one of only 700 directors to achieve the IoD’s chartered director status from a membership of 45,000.

Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director of Cannock based Mercian Labels is the latest director to join the elite group of individuals who have achieved the Institute of Director’s Chartered Director status.

Adrian is now one of only 700 directors to become a Chartered Director in the UK out of the Institutes membership of over 45,000.

He achieved Chartered Director status after completing the IoD’s certificate and diploma in company direction in 2007 and successfully completing the rigorous professional review interviews.

Adrian said: “Running a business in today’s fast changing climate is extremely challenging. I need to ensure that I fully understood the legal and financial responsibilities that come with being a director. For me it’s about becoming a business professional.”

“The certificate and diploma in company direction provided the expert knowledge and guidance needed to run a company efficiently and profitably. Perhaps the most useful element for me was understanding how to prepare a robust strategy and techniques to understand the market place.”

“I have no doubt that the IoD’s training has contributed considerably to the ongoing success of Mercian Labels.”

Jean Pousson, Programme Director for the IoD in the West Midlands said:

“As a Chartered Director Adrian will be able to demonstrate to shareholders, stakeholders, clients and customers that his organisation is professional and successful.”

“Directors who complete the IoD’s qualifications in company direction are extremely well placed to appreciate all aspects of effective business leadership and sound corporate governance.”

Mercian Labels is the UK’s leading manufacturer of short run customised labels and produces the world’s best known security labelling brand, Label Lock.

Adrian has also been invited to become a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

PRESS RELEASE
11 April 2009
Cannock, Staffordshire, UK

Mercian Labels Ltd reaches 40 year anniversary

Short run labelling specialists Mercian Labels Ltd are celebrating after reaching their 40th anniversary. Opened on 11 April 1969, the company has grown from strength to strength as is now the UK market leader in short run labelling and breaking new ground with its innovative Label Lock^TM range of secutiy seals.

Managing Director Dr Adrian Steele said “It is very pleasing for all the team here to reach this milestone. In an economic downturn there are inevitably difficulties for many companies, but I am proud of the continuing growth in demand for our products that has enabled us to reach our 40th anniversary.”

The Mercian Labels Group is experiencing rapid domestic and export growth with the success of Label Lock, launched last year as a flagship brand of the Security Labels International division, and continued expansion of Mercian Labels, the UK market leader in fast-response short run labelling.

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- – - CONTACT – -

Mercian Labels Ltd

Watling Street

Cannock

WS11 0BD

UK

+44 (0)1543 431 070

Contact: Dr Adrian Steele

sales@mercianlabels.com

http://www.www.mercianlabels.com/

In an different life to my work at Mercian Labels, I am a non executive director of Business Link West Midlands, who are running the West Midlands IT Expo on March 31 in Birmingham.

I would like to encourage any IT industry people, particularly those involved with open source to contact the team at Business Link and get involved, promote your products and meet new customers.  There is at least 1 open source company (outserve) exhibiting, and I hope the event will be well supported.

PRESS RELEASE

28 January 2009

Cannock, Staffordshire, UK

Mercian Asset Labels relaunched to secure company property

Short run labelling specialists Mercian Labels Ltd have responded to the credit crunch by relaunching their range of asset labels to help UK businesses secure their property and deter theft with no fuss.

Asset identification labels are used by companies, government departments, the NHS and other organisations to track their assets and deter theft of their property. Commonly sequentially numbered to match a physical asset register and designed to destruct on removal to deter theft, asset labels are the first line of defense in securing expensive property against casual removal or determined theft.

Custom made in 3 days from the highest quality security labeling materials, Mercian Asset labels© will fulfill the majority of asset labelling requirements, and have fast delivery times and clear, transparent pricing. They come in different sizes with sequential numbering options, and are guaranteed to stick.

Managing Director Dr Adrian Steele said “In difficult trading conditions companies need to protect their property against theft and being mislaid in normal use. A rigorous asset labelling programme at the end of the financial year can help businesses take stock of company hardware, and deter theft or misuse of company property. We recommend managers responsible for tracking property check their asset registers now, and update them at least once a year.”

The Mercian Labels Group is experiencing rapid domestic and export growth with the success of Label Lock, launched this year as a flagship brand of the Security Labels International division, and continued expansion of Mercian Labels, the market leader in fast-response short run asset labelling.

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- – - CONTACT – -

Mercian Labels Ltd

Watling Street

Cannock

WS11 0BD

UK

+44 (0)1543 431 070

Contact: Dr Adrian Steele

sales@selfadhesivelabels.com

http://www.selfadhesivelabels.com/asset_labels_uk.html

PRESS RELEASE
17 November 2008
Cannock, Staffordshire, UK
Mercian Labels Group appoints new Chairman

Labelling specialists the Mercian Labels Group, based in Cannock UK, have recently appointed Mr Dennis Marrison as Chairman to support its next phase of expansion.

The Group is experiencing rapid domestic and export growth with the success of Label Lock, launched this year as a flagship brand of the Security Labels International division, and continued expansion of Mercian Labels, the market leader in fast-response short run labelling.

Marrison, with a background in manufacturing and the management of premier product brands, is the first board appointment from outside the business and the industry. “My work at Hamilton Acorn Ltd raised its performance to world class levels and won a Best Factory Award from Management Today and Cranfield University” he said, “and I am delighted to be able to put my business experience to use in the expansion of this innovative and dynamic company”.

Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director, added “Dennis’s appointment adds significant strength to our board as we plan for further growth in the coming years. Despite the recession, we only see the Group continuing to build on its recent successes with another major new product launch due out shortly.”

PRESS RELEASE
16 June 2008
Cannock, Staffordshire, UK
LABEL LOCK LAUNCH SCORES “NO MARKS” FOR SECURITY INDUSTRY.

Building on their recent successes in security labelling, Security Labels International has announced the launch of the revolutionary new product – Label Lock.
Label Lock is the latest product to grace the portfolio of the Cannock-based company, part of the Mercian Labels Group. Available for distributors to stock easily in bulk, yet with each label having a unique number, Label Lock is described as the last word in tamper-evident labelling.
Because the surface of each security seal changes dramatically once removed to display the words ‘opened’ – but leaves no marks on the product it sticks to – Label Lock is seen as having unique advantages for all items that will be re-used. As Sales Director Hugo Gell said: “A padlock can be picked, unlike Label Lock which will seal everything from doors to CD and DVD cases without the need to drill holes or spend money on electronic monitoring. It’s designed initially as a deterrent, but the label tells you instantly if someone’s tried to get past it, and it can’t be replaced because every label has a unique number printed under the surface. What’s more, there is no sticky mess left behind once you’ve removed it”.
The product is the result of years of development and investment by Security Labels International, the UK’s premier custom label company. Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director who has pioneered the R&D behind the technical aspects of the product said: “This has been a very challenging and exciting project. We were determined to present a good British-made product that was designed without compromise to perform a very demanding job. Technically advanced and highly innovative, we believe that this product will be at the forefront of value-added security systems the world over.”
“LabelLock labels will be distributed worldwide through a carefully chosen network of distributors” added Hugo Gell. “Having tried to quietly test them in the market place prior to launch, we found ourselves faced with an alarming and immediate demand. The Security Industry is crying out for innovative, unique, cost effective solutions, and we now have the ideal product to deliver just that”.
Adrian Steele added: “Once we were satisfied that the product was technically sound and market tested, we faced the immediate challenge of being able to supply a hungry marketplace. Happily, the investment we have made in infrastructure, technology and machinery have paid off, and we are now in a strong position to supply globally and in bulk”.
LabelLock labels are entirely manufactured in the heart of the UK by Security Labels International. The business employs close to 20 people and has a turnover in excess of £1,000,000, which looks set to grow rapidly following the launch of their new product and a move into the global marketplace. Products will be showcased at the Transec Exhibition in Amsterdam on 24th – 25th June, and can be seen on the website www.labellock.com

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- – - CONTACT – -

Security Labels International

Watling Street

Cannock

WS11 0BD

UK

+44 (0)1543 431 099

Contact: Hugo Gell

hugo@securitylabels.com

www.securitylabels.com

www.labellock.com

—NOTES FOR EDITORS – - -

Mercian Labels Ltd (www.mercianlabels.com) was established in 1969.

Relevant images available from the following links:

www.labellock.com/press/before.jpg

www.labellock.com/press/during.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/after.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/logo.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/people.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/alarm.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/box.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/case.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/cd.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/car.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/cabinet.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/cameraphone.jpg
www.labellock.com/press/pc.jpg

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Hoping that this blog may interest other businesses looking to migrate to Open Source, I’ve posted this press release.