Labels West

Manufacturers can provide distributors with valuable, cost-effective security solutions to fulfill their customers' tag and ticket needs THE CURRENT ECONOMY presents increasing security concerns over theft and counterfeiting to distributors of tags and tickets. From the entertainment industry to the government, security features are in high demand—but, at an affordable cost. Manufacturers can work with distributors to guarantee a cost-effective solution that sufficiently addresses end-users' security needs. "We as manufacturers have to be very innovative, kind of like the 'think tank' for the distributors," said Peggy Carlson, sales and marketing manager for Special Service Partners (SSP), Neenah, Wis. SSP offers customers a variety

Labels West Adds HP Label Press Labels West, Woodinville, Wash., recently installed a HP Indigo press ws4050 to assure streamlined production of short-run color jobs. "We're very involved in the latest technologies pertaining to color work and high-quality reproduction, which is one reason the HP Indigo press ws4050 is such a good fit for us," said John Shanley, president of Labels West. "The press is comparable to offset quality, which is the key." "Labels West and other high-end converters are realizing the benefits of HP's advanced digital color technology by using the HP Indigo ws4050 to print short to

Labels West, Woodinville, Wa., has completed the installation of an Indigo WS 4050 digital label press. The press complements Labels West's current conventional label production capabilities, and it will allow for economical production of high-quality labels for short- to medium-runs with quantities as low as one. The press is also ideal for producing prototypes and multiple versions, with minimal set-up between versions and no plate costs. With the ability to add variable imaging, foil stamping, varnishes and laminations in-line, the technology will allow distributors to respond quickly to customer requirements at a competitive price . For more information, visit www.labelswest.com.

Manufacturers and distributors report on what's working, what's changing and what's in store for the future. End-users continue to demand the best for the least, as fast as possible, driving distributors and manufacturers to draw on their creativity and problem-solving skills to make it happen. Meanwhile, dynamics within the independent channel, as well as within the ranks of the major directs, are shifting, creating both opportunities to be explored and obstacles to be surmounted. Several manufacturers and distributors spoke with BFL&S about their products and services, relationships within the supply chain, the impact of the major directs and their outlook for the future.

Seattle-based label manufacturer, Labels West, has installed a Domino ON Demand variable data printing solution from commercial ink-jet printer manufacturer and supplier, Domino Amjet, Gurnee, Ill. The purchase was made in order to improve the company's personalized printing operations. "It was only recently that we decided to increase our capabilities by enhancing our current variable data printing operations," explained John Shanely, owner and managing director. "Having looked at the equipment available on the market, we decided that the Domino ON Demand was the best solution for Labels West." The Domino ON Demand is a complete variable data printing solution that comprises estimating, prepress,

With labels, the only thing that isn't changing is their widespread use. When asked about anything new or different within the past year regarding their label operations, manufacturers had a lot to say. John Shanley, president of Labels West, Woodinville, Wash., talked about greatly decreased order sizes, yet greatly increased order activity, and how the demands for consistently high-quality labels and extremely rapid turnarounds are necessitating digital technology. "High-quality label products used to be considered specialties. Now, that quality is expected on every label order, and companies are having to invest in that quality," commented Shanley. At Tipp City, Ohio-based Repacorp Label Products, owner

Labels West, Woodinville, Wash., has recently upgraded its prepress equipment by installing state-of-the-art hardware and software. Labels West has installed a Creo, Inc. digital direct-to-plate system, a CyrelR FAST plate-making system from Dupont, a CromaProT XP Inkjet Color Proofing System and Nexus FlexoCal prepress software.

Streamline clients' tracking and information gathering while adding heft to your paycheck. Say your customer wants to track his inventory as it moves through the chain of production, but all you have to offer are plain-old traditional forms. What do you do? If you're smart you'll find a manufacturer who prints bar-coded labels and not only will you have a happy customer, you'll have a whole new product niche to explore. Though it's been more than 30 years since the nearly ubiquitous product made its debut, bar codes are still often overlooked. Perhaps this is because bar codes seem confusing or, in

Static cling labels continue to stick as a promotional necessity. They hold fast, reposition with ease and leave no sticky residues. They are static cling labels, and they can be placed on almost any smooth, clean surface—including glass, plastic and some metals. Such traits create an attractive option for customers seeking just the right adherence for just the right application. And, according to many manufacturers, ad specialties and product promotions are just those applications. As a result, clingy labels can be found on high-exposure areas including storefronts, drive-through windows and car windshields. The latter is one of the top reasons New Albany, Indiana-based

Alternative solutions are closing in, but these little piggies still have a toehold in the market. Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door. Build a thinner, less ex-pensive alternative to the piggyback label, and you'll have the entire forms industry in your backyard. Like the better mousetrap, however, constructing a product that can completely replace the original remains an elusive task. Not that manufacturers aren't trying. In the ongoing effort to make products better, faster and cheaper, two alternatives to the standard five-layer piggyback label construction—face stock/adhesive/liner/adhesive/base material—have been developed. The newest is a linerless