Throughout much of 2020 and 2021, label and packaging converters alike have experienced tremendous demand for both their products and for shorter turnaround times from customers needing to keep grocery store shelves filled.
As a result of this demand, Heidelberg has seen an uptick in its customers seeking to upgrade and add new Gallus narrow web presses to their production floors. Customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico have installed various Gallus presses in locations across North America over the past 18 months – with many customers installing the Gallus RCS, ECS, and Labelmaster machines.
“After the initial boom of COVID related business, our label customers quickly realized that they needed to add capacity and increase their efficiency to get products off the floor faster,” said Felix Mueller, President of Heidelberg North America. “We saw both existing customers and customers who have never purchased from us turning to Gallus machines for their known reliability, industry-leading registration, and ability to do various processes inline.”
Customers not only invested in new machines but also in Screeny products, Gallus’s line of screen-printing plates for the narrow web market. Screeny can be integrated into Gallus machines to achieve effects through screen printing that are not possible in pure flexographic printing. This has become a particular market trend as the raised effects help products stand out on the shelf.
“Unlike many suppliers, we can deliver a whole solution for every production environment: machine, consumables, service and application support by label experts. During the most challenging of times, Heidelberg is a partner who is there for you from start to finish,” said Mueller.
To support its label customers, Heidelberg has recently hired Scot Neumann as Sales Manager for the Midwest to represent the Gallus line of products. Having worked for over 20 years in sales for various label and packaging companies, Neumann brings a unique perspective to his new position having dealt directly with the print needs for many large consumer product good companies. Neumann, with extensive experience in flexographic and digital labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging, reports to Andre Blais, National Account Manager for Gallus products.
“We’re excited to add Scot to our team. His dynamic background provides him with great insight on the needs of our customers, which will help him work collaboratively to provide the best solutions for their particular production needs,” said Blais.
Furthering its support for its label customers, Heidelberg has a Gallus Labelfire 340, its digital/flexo hybrid press, installed at Print Media Center Atlanta. The machine is available for both digital-remote and in-person demonstrations.
“While we continue to demonstrate our commitment to the label community, we’re still working to improve our efficiencies and aim to grow in this space. We’re excited by the developments that we’ve seen so far and hope to play a key role in the future of the label market,” said Mueller.
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