The CX3 will be installed at the Doncaster-based firm’s 560sqm premises in the first week of March while the upgrade of an existing 3030 to the 3300 model has just been completed.
The CX3 five-colour digital label press offers variable substrate widths up to 330mm and a top speed of 30m/min. Features include full rotary printing, a print resolution of true 1,200x3,600dpi, toners that meet FDA regulations for food contact, and one-pass opaque white toner.
The business also looked at alternatives from HP and Epson but found the Xeikon press to be the best fit for its requirements.
FastLabels director Shaun Pagin said: “We’ve not had any problems with our first Xeikon, it’s been a brilliant piece of kit. The CX3 will help us to meet the demands of our customers, with faster turnarounds, and it will also help us to grow internationally.
“Its speed of production will also help us to reduce our prices to some of the lowest in the UK while offering the highest quality print and even lower minimum order values.”
He added: “While we currently have the capacity to cope with demand, we have decided to introduce the new press sooner rather than later to benefit our customers in these ways. It means we can instantly improve our service, and are well prepared for the growth we have planned in the future.”
Upgrading the 3030 to the 3300 model has increased the machine’s maximum quality print speed from 15m/min to 19.2m/min.
“The speed increase that the Xeikon 3300 upgrade provides is essential to our business model. It means we can print at maximum quality and still maintain a very cost-effective print speed,” said Pagin.
“This brings savings in many different ways that we can pass on to our customers. The new press line-up will increase our label print capacity by 228%.”
Established in 2009, FastLabels employs a team of 36 staff and turns over around £3m.
Also running four Roland DG wide-format printers and AB Graphic Digicon Lite and Eclipse LF350 digital label finishers, the firm produces medium-to-large orders in a wide range of fields, including retail, food and drink, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical.
