Spear Completes $8 Million Expansion at its UK Facility
- Published: May 05, 2008
In response to increased demand for pressure-sensitive labels from the global beverage category, Spear has made significant investments in both technology and personnel at its UK site in Cwmbran, Wales.
The primary investment, a Cerutti 960/2 press, brings wide web gravure print capability to the UK site. With print speeds in excess 200 mpm and a press width of 1 m, the Cerutti has increased Spear’s European capacity to approximately 25 billion labels.
The press incorporates a leading fault detection system, supplied by Advanced Vision Technologies, which provides 100% inspection and real-time defect identification.
To support this investment, the label finishing capacity also has been expanded with the addition of three Ashe slitters, incorporating Surfscan quality control systems, and two GMC die-cutters. The die-cutters, which are based upon Spear’s proprietary press of the same name, are designed and manufactured at Spears New Hampshire facility.
The acquisitions and Spears continued growth in Europe has led to an expansion of the workforce. An additional 40 employees have been recruited within the past six months with a further 25 jobs to be created through 2008.
Commenting on the investment Rick Spear, CEO of Spear Group Holdings said, “We are excited about the rapid expansion of pressure-sensitive labeling in the global beverage industry. Spear’s UK investment highlights our commitment to lead this growth as this facility is our primary supply platform for the European market.”
