Arizona-based Labels on Demand has installed three Vetaphone corona treaters at its production facility in Mesa, near Phoenix. The label converter, which was established in 2022 by Travis St Denis and now employs 12 staff, specialises in printing and converting four-colour labels for the nutraceutical industry. Focusing on seamless integration with its portfolio of customers, the company’s services include roll label printing, labelling and re-labelling, secondary packaging, palletising, kitting, QC inspections, lot code/expiration printing, and product reworks.
The company is also developing its business with STKY self-adhesive shooting targets, sold on rolls of ten. Described as the ultimate training IPSC target for serious marksmen and enthusiasts, the targets are designed for both precision and versatility using weather-resistant material that adheres seamlessly to a variety of surfaces.
Fully digital production
Production at Labels on Demand is fully digital from start to finish and makes use of the most advanced varnishing equipment on the market. Patrick Beetler, who joined as Manager Label Production in November 2022, explained: “We are using mostly white filmic and metallic substrates with hologram effects, so we needed to be sure of good ink and varnish adhesion – and that’s exactly what we get with Vetaphone corona treatment.” The treaters in question are all VE1A models – two are fitted to a GM DC350 Flex line, and the other to an HP 6000 digital toner engine. Vetaphone’s VE1A model is the workhorse of the narrow web sector with a market share of more than 85% in the Western world. Modular and rugged, it combines simplicity of operation with consistent reliability.
“Fully digital means we can change on-the-fly, at no expense and with no downtime, so short runs can be processed cost-effectively and delivered in no time at all. We offer 3D textured gloss varnish and inline colour calibration to ensure that each label is consistent to brand standards. And you can’t guarantee that without the best technology available,” he added, mentioning the top-class service and support he receives from Vetaphone in the US.
This is based around a parts store and supply facility hosted by The Harman Company in Richardson, TX. Speaking for Vetaphone, US-based Support Technician Eric Hopfensperger stated: “We have a team dedicated to supporting our US customers locally. We’re close to DFW airport so we can supply most parts the following day, which is at least as good as any of our US competitors!”
‘Can do’ ethos
This chimes well with Labels on Demand’s own ethos of ‘can do’. With a customer portfolio of around 50, one of which orders 1.5m labels each month, Patrick Beetler knows he needs to keep his production line in top order. “Typically run lengths are from 1,500 to 30,000 labels but we’ll handle shorter or longer when asked,” he explained. With the company fast outgrowing its 12,000 sq/ft facility, plans are in hand to move to a new 33,000 sq/ft later in the year. This will provide more space for further investment in GM and HP equipment, and Vetaphone too!
Concluding for Vetaphone, Sales Manager Rod Ambrose said: “Vetaphone’s unique approach to surface treatment, and the design of all our corona treaters makes maintenance and changing out critical components from local stock at The Harman Company fast and easy. Labels on Demand runs our treaters virtually round the clock, so maintenance and access to stocked components is imperative, and we have supported them several times in a matter of hours.”
Caption: Patrick Beetler with one of the Vetaphone treaters fitted to a GM DC350 Flex line