The business, part of the Delga Group of companies, began life as a small family-run printing and print management firm. It developed an offering focused on packaging for the music and entertainment industry from multiple sites in London and Kent. 

“We observed trends and patterns and adapted like any good business should, as the music industry began to see the demise of vast amounts of packaging, Delga Press diversified into the wider packaging sectors, investing in new technology allowing us to provide a greater service offering to those markets,” said group managing director Ian Conetta. 

The firm now operates from two sites at Aylesford and Rochester in Kent. 

“We were the first in the UK to install the HP1200HD Indigo press, producing HD quality print on heavier substates, introducing multi-SKU, faster short-runs, HD colour print, perfect for product packaging. More recently we installed our Highcon Euclid III, digital laser creasing and cutting machine, of which there are just three in the UK.  This was the perfect machine to work alongside the HP, producing complementary offerings to our overall services,” he added. 

The business still prints for the entertainment today, including resurgent demand for vinyl sleeves. 

Andrew Campbell, director of release management at Universal Music Group International, commented: “It’ll come as no surprise to anyone who’s worked with you all that you continue to flourish and excel. Your expertise, diligence and can-do spirit has delivered time and again. Here’s to the next 60 years!”

Conetta also praised the contribution of the firm’s “incredible staff” including many long-serving employees. 

Earlier this month the business celebrated the retirement of Dave Comber, who had worked for the company for 50 years, with a special week of events to see him off, dubbed #ComberWeek and including virtual greyhound racing, crazy golf, and ice creams for all. 

Delga Group also launched a labels division earlier this year to complement its packaging offering.  

The group, which comprises Delga Press, CSP, Martin Paper Sales, Six Sides and Scarbutts, had sales of just over £18m in its most recent accounts, for the 18 month period to the end of January 2020 and employed around 130 staff.