Continental Datalabel

By Maggie DeWitt Environmental awareness is growing by leaps and bounds—or by leaves and bonds, if you will. Manufacturers are rushing to market with exciting, new additions to their product lines created from eco-friendly stocks. Because the current demand for eco-friendly products is originating at a corporate level, manufacturers and distributors must be able to supply appropriate solutions to maintain key accounts—which brings us to this month’s mystery feature. A traditional product and an industry staple, it continues to serve a variety of applications, but with a new attitude. Check out the following clues to guess what the product is: • It can

With a new product from Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill., end-users no longer have to consider printer type when purchasing clear labels. The company now offers a clear label designed to work in both inkjet and laser printers, which virtually disappears when applied. Marketed as “The only clear label you’ll ever need,” the new product also works well in monochrome copiers. The item is produced under the Compulabel brand name, and replaces the company’s previous clear label, which was for laser printers only. A change in materials makes the label suitable for both types of printers. The product is available in five stock sizes, including:

On November 29, the White House lowered its forecast for next year’s economic growth, saying unemployment would rise as the housing slump and credit crunch weigh on national economic activity. Under the administration’s new forecast, gross domestic product will grow by 2.7 percent next year. The previous projection called for a stronger, 3.1 percent increase.

Using labels is easier than ever with new Fastply labels from Elgin, Illinois-based Continental Datalabel. Vertical slits between columns allow the user to separate the strips of labels, exposing the ends for easy peeling. Fastply makes it easy to peel labels correctly from the liner to ensure superior adhesion. Fastply is also the answer for those who feel left-handed in a right-handed world. The new design allows end-users to peel labels from the side they choose, no matter which hand they favor. The idea behind Fastply is so innovative, Continental Datalabel already has two U.S. patents on the product, with additional patents pending.

Steve Solberg has assumed the position of plant manager for Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill. Solberg succeeds John Kassal, who currently serves as director of research and development. Solberg began his career with Continental Datalabel in 1979 as a press operator before eventually moving to inside sales and customer service. He later moved to Calif. to launch the company’s new manufacturing facility as plant manager for six years, before returning to Ill. as an estimator working with key accounts to build custom sales. More recently, Solberg has been involved in new product research and development. As plant manager, Solberg oversees the day-to-day manufacturing process, and will implement

Headquartered in Elgin, Ill., Continental Datalabel appointed John Kassal as research and development director. In his new role, Kassal will be responsible for finding efficient production methods for new products. As a result, he will travel worldwide to study up-and-coming manufacturing techniques that are also cost-effective. Kassal began his career with Continental Datalabel 31 years ago as a printer, eventually assuming the position of foreman. He has been plant manager for the past 27 years. For more information, call (800) 947-8000 or visit www.datalabel.com.

If you dig labels—and frankly, who doesn’t—the following may help to inspire new sales and recall past successes, as manufacturers look at some of their most successful, profitable and coolest label designs. Winning Ticket Donna Fisher, marketing communications specialist for Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill., observed that while many customers are familiar with the extensive line of products in the company’s Compulabel catalog, not as many know that Continental Datalabel specializes in customization. A client serving a national retailer recently submitted an order for uniquely sized labels for use on a variety of surfaces. The products required a special removable adhesive and laser toner coating technology. “Continental

DMIA’s annual Print Solutions conference and exposition will be held Oct. 3-5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. The conference will provide three days of educational sessions, including a presentation by this year’s keynote speaker, Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and co-author of “Contract with America.” Join Gingrich as he analyzes the current political climate in Washington, DC, and educates attendees on effective leadership. This year’s conference will feature equipment demonstrations, offering distributors better insight into how various applications are produced. In addition, exchange centers will be located on the show floor with more than 34 hours of

1986, Ronald Reagan was in his second term as president, the economy was growing and inflation was low. “Platoon” won the best film category at the Academy Awards and vinyl records were still a staple in everyone’s music collection. BFL&S was Business Forms & Systems, and 50 percent of industry distributors had just one single computer in their facilities. Daisey printers used ribbon cartridges and business forms ruled supreme. In fact, for many manufacturers and distributors, business forms were the only necessary game in town. The competition was clear, everyone provided similar services to clients and location dictated business. what a difference a couple

Distributors can profit from end-user mailing and product identification needs. What's not to love about laser labels? The adhesive-oozing, printer-jamming and label-curling snafus have, essentially, been eliminated, the technology is more affordable than ever, and customers find them indispensable products for a variety of home and office uses. Although emerging technologies can wreak havoc on some traditional product lines, for the foreseeable future, suppliers such as Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill., and North Mankato, Minnesota-based Label Works expect laser labels to hold their own. "They are definitely a valuable product line for us," noted Katherine Bjorndahl, marketing coordinator for Label Works. "Sales remain steady,