Celebrating the deal at LabelExpo (L-R) -- Paul Briggs - Industrial Sales Manager Xeikon UK, Adrian Steele - MD The Mercian Labels Group, and Wim Maes - CEO Xeikon

We were delighted to announce at last week that we have invested in the latest and fastest Xeikon 3300 digital labelling press to further bolster our digital labelling capabilities for our 9000 UK business customers.

This new press is fast, productive, fantastic 1200dpi quality, has excellent colour matching, it is solvent free & environmentally friendly as it can be recycled, and uses FDA approved food safe and lightfast toner.   It is simply the best current digital label printing technology you can buy.

The news  was covered by Label & Labelling, Printweek & The Labelling Blog amongst others.  This latest investment is on top of the £1M we announced earlier in 2011 and confirms our commitment to grow our digital labelling market.  The new press will be installed later this year and we will of course be looking for new business to fill its hungry capacity next year.

So if you are looking for a genuinely fast supplier of the very best digital labels from the UK market leader in short run label printing, then you know where to come!

(Are you a trade buyer or print management business with a significant digital labelling spend for your clients? If so, please contact our trade desk for details of our special MeTra deal)

7 June 2011

Cannock, UK

Mercian Labels Group MD named as a leading entrepreneur

Dr Adrian Steele, MD of the Mercian Labels Group has been awarded a coverted place as one of the ’42 under 42′ most promising Midlands entrepreneurs of 2011 by the prestigious Midlands Insider business magazine.  The awards, which have been running for over 10 years, seek to identify the most promising future business talent in the Midlands region.

The awards originated when Midlands Insider identified the average age of its Power List of business leaders was 52, and it wanted to identify the next generation of influential prospects that would bring economic prosperity to the region via the ’42 under 42′ list.

Steele commented “I am really pleased to be recognised as one of the 42s this year along with a host of exciting business people in our region, all with a story to tell. Its an exciting but challenging time to be growing a business in the Midlands, and the Mercian Labels Group is doing really well with an excellent team manufacturing innovative labelling products for both domestic and export markets.”

-end-

Notes to Editors:

Contact: Lynne Hathaway at +44 1543 431095, lynne.hathaway@mercianlabels.com

1 March 2011

Derby, UK

Total Quality manufacturer AC Labels provides ultimate assurance to customers.

Derby manufacturer AC Labels have crossed the ‘final hurdle’ in providing full reassurance to their customers that they are a quality force to be reckoned with. Since the original company ACL hit financial difficulties in 2009 as sales of phone cards collapsed, the labels part of the business lost its ISO 9001 designation when they were sent into administration. Having been bought by the Mercian Labels Group in 2010, the new team has worked tirelessly to rebuild their financial and quality reputations, and today received confirmation that they are fully compliant with the international quality standards demanded by ISO 9001:2008 accredited by UKAS.

AC Labels excel in the manufacture of two distinct labelling areas:

The first is in variable data and barcode labels, many of which are used in the medical and logistics fields, where guaranteed readability and accuracy are vital.

The second is in the manufacture of Gamma Sterilisation verification labels, under the famous brand Gammatex (until recently sold as ‘Detex‘). These labels change colour to provide a highly visual signal that sterilisation of foods, medical supplies and other essential products, is complete.

Pete Hartshorn, General Manager, said: ‘We are in the business of providing labels which are highly accurate and totally reliable. Unreadable barcodes can play havoc in the medical and logistics supply chains – as most of us have experienced when our parcels or luggage have gone astray. But those are relatively minor issues when compared to a patient’s tissue samples, or sterilised equipment.

‘AC Labels have invested in the latest technologies to ensure that our barcodes are guaranteed readable before they even come off the press; and every batch of Gammatex labels is verified by Europe’s leading provider of contract sterilisation services, Isotron. We always knew we were ISO Quality compliant, but now we have the certificates again to prove it’.

Jason Woodhouse, Business Development Manager added: ‘Our current customers are very aware of our strict quality control procedures and our insistence on manufacturing excellence. Today’s announcement is important because now our future customers can rely on their conformity to ISO quality standards as well. The business is growing rapidly, and this is an important milestone to ensure we maintain the momentum.’

AC Labels in Derby were acquired out of administration by the Mercian Labels Group in 2010, adding long run variable data and barcode label capabilities to the product portfolio, and providing jobs for 9 people. AC Labels manufacture high quality variable data labels, and the Gammatex brand of labels, a vital component to verify correct sterilisation of food and medical materials following Gamma Irradiation.

2010 saw the 6th successive year of record profit growth for the The Mercian Labels Group , much of which is reinvested to secure its future (£1m in the last 3 years from retained profit). The Group is currently investing further in an aggressive New Product Development strategy aimed at introducing innovative solutions in the security and labelling markets.

-end-

Notes to Editors:

Contact: Lynne Hathaway at +44 1543 431095, lynne.hathaway@mercianlabels.com.

AC Labels are recruiting a Part-time Sales Administrator in Derby

As one of the UK’s leading label printing groups, we have an immediate opportunity for a part-time Sales Administrator at our AC Labels subsidiary operation in Derby. Benefiting from being part of the Mercian Labels Group, AC Labels are market leaders in high volume variable data barcode labels with an enviable reputation for data integrity.
This is initially a temporary contract to cover maternity leave to be 100% office based in Derby, working 20 hours, Monday to Friday 1pm until 5pm.
As a member of a small team, you will need to be self motivated . The successful candidate will be dealing by email and telephone with a number of companies, large and small, across the UK and beyond, in order to close sales.

Key requirements:

• Proven successful track record in a recent business to business sales position
• Excellent rapport & relationship building skills
• Must be computer literate
• Superb communication skills
• Must be well presented

To enquire about the job, please contact Peter Hartshorn (General Manager) by email p.hartshorn@aclabels.co.uk or call on 01332 890 602.

18 February 2011

Cannock, UK

The Mercian Labels Group concludes a £1m investment programme with a major factory refit opening

The official opening of the Mercian house refit. [ L-R, Hugo Gell (Sales Director), Dennis Marrison, (Chairman), Aidan Burney MP, Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director)

Midlands label manufacturer The Mercian Labels Group are bucking the trend by opening their newly refurbished factory following 40 years of successful trading.

The new refit of the offices and factory concludes a £1m investment programme that has been carried out over the last 3 years, and includes the launch of a new brand of security labels known as Label Lock™. As the firm continues to grow, further jobs have been created both at the site in Cannock as well as at their newly acquired business AC Labels in Derby to now total 32 staff.

The opening was conducted by Mr Aidan Burley MP, and was attended by printing industry executives Mr Paul Briggs, Industrial Sales Mgr – Xeikon UK (leading manufacturers of Digital Printing Presses) and Mr Chris Green, Sales Director – Gerhardt Ltd., (leading manufacturers of cutting tools for converting and printing industries), Mr James Boughton, Managing Director Edale Ltd (the UK’s leading printing and converting press manufacturer) as well as Mr John Wigley, Banking Relationship Manager – RBS, and Mr Andreas Greiner, Purchasing Manager – Legrand Electric Ltd.

Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director, said: ‘Last year, Mercian Labels reached a landmark following 40 years of printing self adhesive labels, as well as completing the acquisition of the new business in Derby. The last ten years have been spent in our purpose built factory and offices in Cannock, and we felt it fitting that our latest investment programme concluded with a makeover that creates an even better working environment for our growing number of local employees’.

Mr Hugo Gell, Sales Director, added: ‘The recent launch of our security labels brand, Label Lock, has opened the doors to new markets worldwide. It is important that we create the right impression as we play host to potential customers from overseas who are keen to meet the world leaders in the security labels and tamper proof tape market. Investments in R&D, printing presses and equipment have now been complimented with up-to-date administration and sales facilities to create a first class base from which we will continue to expand our operations.’

Mr Aidan Burley, MP for Cannock Chase, who was on hand to declare the new facilities officially open said: ‘It is always a pleasure to see manufacturing businesses in this area flourishing. Too often we are quick to talk ourselves down, but here is proof that with imagination, determination and a focus on quality and value, British Industry can compete on a global scale. Investment in growth and a determination to maintain a manufacturing presence here is essential for this country’s economic recovery. Not only have Mercian Labels grown their domestic labelling business consistently, but they have now branched out into overseas markets with their unique Label Lock brand. I am especially pleased to see a strong local focus in their investments, and wish them all the best with their ventures in the future.’

Thanking Mr Burley for his support, Mr Dennis Marrison, Chairman, described Mercian Labels as ‘a model of its kind – an example of the best of British manufacturing’. “The Mercian Labels Group,” he said, “is a high quality, low cost producer, with state of the art equipment, innovative products and a committed and skilful workforce. That’s a formula that allows it to compete effectively in global markets and underpins its ongoing success.”

Mercian Labels Ltd was formed in 1969, and its principal business is printing self-adhesive labels in medium and short runs for UK businesses, using a variety of methods including digital, flexo and hotfoil technologies. AC Labels in Derby were acquired in 2010, adding long run variable data and barcode label capabilities to the product portfolio, and providing jobs for another 9 people.

The Label Lock brand was launched in 2008 and is the major growth market. These highly innovative tamper evident seals are used to secure vehicles, documents, computers and packaging, using unique technologies developed following a major R&D programme and further investment in plant and machinery. Tamper Evident Tape is just the latest development in this expanding portfolio of products.

2010 saw the 6^th successive year of record profit growth, much of which is reinvested in the business to secure its future. (£1m in the last 3 years from retained profit).

The official opening of the Mercian house refit. [ L-R, Hugo Gell (Sales Director, The Mercian Labels Group), Dennis Marrison, (Chairman, The Mercian Labels Group), Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase), Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director, The Mercian Labels Group)

Labelling industry executives at the official opening of the Mercian house refit. [ L-R James Boughton(MD, Edale Ltd), Hugo Gell (Sales Director, The Mercian Labels Group), Paul Briggs (Industrial Sales Mgr, Xeikon UK), Andreas Greiner(Purchasing Manager – Legrand Electric Ltd), Chris Green (Sales Director,Gerhardt Ltd), Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase), John Wigley (Banking Relationship Manager, RBS), Ray Steele (Shareholder, The Mercian Labels Group) Jason Woodhouse (Business Development, AC Labels) Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director, The Mercian Labels Group) Dennis Marrison (Chairman, The Mercian Labels Group),

Unveiling the plaque[ L-R Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase), Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director, The Mercian Labels Group)

Unveiling the plaque[ L-R Hugo Gell (Sales Director, The Mercian Labels Group), Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase), Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director, The Mercian Labels Group) Dennis Marrison (Chairman, The Mercian Labels Group),

The plaque

Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase) learns about hotfoil printing

Explaining the manufacture of precision tooling used in digital label printing[ L-R Chris Green (Sales Director,Gerhardt Ltd), Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase), Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director, The Mercian Labels Group)

Aidan Burney MP (MP, Cannock Chase) operating a rewinding machine

Employee Tim Murphy presented with a 25 year service award by Aidan Burney MP in front of Mercian Labels Group Employees and industry executives

The refittted factory at Mercian House

-end-

Notes to Editors:

Contact: Lynne Hathaway at +44 1543 431095, lynne.hathaway@mercianlabels.com

AC Labels are recruiting a flexo printer in Derby

As one of the UKs leading label printing groups, we have an immediate opportunity for a full-time experienced flexographic printer at our AC Labels subsidiary operation in Derby. Benefiting from being part of the Mercian Labels Group, AC Labels are market leaders in high volume variable data barcode labels with an enviable reputation for data integrity.

As a member of a small team, you will need to be self motivated and comfortable with a flexible working pattern. You will be required to operate and help maintain our narrow web flexo printing presses while keeping a safe and tidy environment. Records of work will be maintained and commitment to producing the highest quality products to ISO9001:2008 standards is essential. Experience of flexo printing is essential and label printing experience would be an advantage.

Salary expectation: £depending on experience + profit related bonus . More information on the company is available here and to see what its like to work at the Mercian Labels Group we suggest you readthis!

To inquire about the job, please contact Peter Hartshorn (General Manager) by email p.hartshorn@aclabels.co.uk or call on 01332 890 602.

5 October 2010

Cannock, UK

Label Lock security seals used by the AA and The Sunday Times to authenticate Guinness World Record

Journalists from the Sunday Times’ In Gear Publication together with the AA chose Labellock™ security seals to authenticate their recent Guinness World Record to drive the furtherest distance on a single tank of fuel.

Using a VW Passat Bluemotion 1.6 diesel, the team drove 1527 miles in France in August 2010 after the car was fully filled and the fuel cap sealed. A large no residue Label Lock was specified by the authorised AA inspectors as it can seal delicate surfaces such as car bodywork securely whilst indicating tampering without leaving a messy residue.

Images of the product can be seen in the 3 October edition of the Sunday Times.

Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director of Security Labels Internations said “Congratulations to the team who broke this world record, and we were pleased to help ensure that the record was properly authenticated by the AA inspectors.”

The product is the result of years of development and investment by Security Labels International, the UK’s premier custom label company, who now supply Security Labels to a rapidly growing network of end users and distributors worldwide .

Label Lock™ labels are entirely manufactured in the heart of the UK by Security Labels International. The business employs 30 people and is growing rapidly following the launch of their new product and a move into the global marketplace. Products can be seen on the website www.labellock.com.

-

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™.

– – NOTES FOR EDITORS – – -

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.

– – NOTES FOR EDITORS – - -

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.

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.

- – - ENDS – - -

- – - 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/

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.

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.

- – - ENDS – - -

- – - 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

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

- – - ENDS – - -

- – - 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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