The digital label printing specialist bought the Digicon Lite 3 line that was on show at Labelexpo last week. It is being shipped directly to the firm’s Poole site.

“We are so busy that we’ve got to add some new kit to keep up with demand,” said managing director Tim Fountain.

“We’ve attracted a lot more business recently especially in peel-and-read labels, so we decided to add to our fleet of AB Graphic machines.”

The new Digicon Lite 3 joins five existing AB Graphic lines at the company, including two Digicon 3 lines and two other Digicon Lite models. The firm also runs a GM DC330 label finishing line. 

The all-digital house has two HP Indigo 6900 presses and an 8000 model.

“The new Digicon is a real workhorse with a great suite of features,” Fountain added. “ABG are very innovative and always keep up-to-date, and they make very solid equipment.”

Harkwell Labels moved into its new purpose-built 1,700sqm factory two years ago, and the facility was designed with room for future expansion.

The £150,000 AB Graphic line will arrive at the factory next week and is expected to be up and running on 14 October.

Harkwell employs 30 staff and has sales of £3.5m. It works for a wide range of clients in markets including food, health supplements, and vaping and has invested in technology to produce requirements such as Braille-style raised symbols.

Fountain said run lengths could vary from 1,000 to millions, with legislation regarding labelling for certain products boosting demand for peel-and-read labels.  

Image shows, left to right: Fountain, ABG service manager Tom Bean, and Harkwell sales director Barry Halliday.