Complete with new logo and tagline – ‘Complete Label Solutions’ – the Belfast-based label manufacturer will now begin focusing its efforts on expanding sales through Zeus’ global network.
Keith Ockenden, chief executive officer of Zeus Labels, said the transition into Zeus branding and closer alignment with the group would help the firm leverage a “wealth of resources and expertise.”
He told Printweek: “Our objective is to integrate it into the group so that our businesses all over Europe can capitalise on our manufacturing capability, and to strengthen the front-end presentation of this manufacturing unit to market.”
He added that Zeus had initially been attracted to the James Hamilton deal in part because of the well-invested label production facility.
“In terms of supply, it had been very much localised in the island of Ireland and some parts of the UK,” Ockenden said.
“We have 38 countries that we sell to; 58 locations; 120-odd front-end consultants and specialists. We have the opportunity, whether that’s in e-commerce, food and beverage, transit, logistics or agricultural and pharmacy – every one of our existing clients across the group has some demand or requirement for labels.”
Pre-acquisition, Zeus Labels was turning over around £4.5m annually; such expansion may drive significant growth.
“It’s an opportunity, but we have to earn that right to succeed with those customers,” Ockenden said.
He added that the group had been on an “acquisition trail” – having bought Manchester-based corrugated firm Weedon Group in April 2024, and packaging machinery firm Polpack, Italian paper and board converter Cima Paper and James Hamilton Group in 2023.
“We’ve got to be very mindful and sensitive to integration of [these companies’] legacy cultures, legacy behaviours, systems and processes. Therefore it’s a careful and gentle approach, and that’s why it has taken us 12 months [to fold in JH Labels].
“The label business of James Hamilton Group was the first that we believed would bring more value back to that production unit by opening up internally to the rest of our business.”
David Acton, chief commercial officer at Zeus Group, said: “We look forward to working closely with our colleagues across all Zeus companies to ensure the success of Zeus Labels.
“Together, we will achieve our goal of becoming a leading label manufacturer in Europe, along with increased demand from multi-regional customers, creating a unique opportunity for Zeus Group to expand and provide consistent, high-quality solutions across various regions.”
