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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Handy Labels extends market reach with reliable Rolands

Handy Labels has been going strong since 2007 and last year extended its reach even further with a fresh new website, helping artisan businesses to improve their packaging and accessibility. Running steadily over this decade have been two Roland DG Soljet Pro 4 XR-640 large format printer/cutters.

Print expert Martyn Kilford started the company in 2007, mainly offering signage. However, seeing a growing market for labels, the business changed its focus and moved to larger premises in Portishead to accommodate the work. The versatility of the original Roland Soljet systems enabled an exploration of these new product offerings.

"The Rolands really came into their own on labels," comments Michelle Jones, Business Manager, Handy Labels. "The new website launched in 2017 really showcases what the printers can do."

With minimum print runs of 25 labels and an easy-to-use free design tool on the website – although an in-house graphic design team is available too – Handy Labels attracts small, artisan businesses alongside some blue-chip brands. Candle companies and gin makers are typical customers – and each one is looking for that unique style and finish to make them stand out.

"The Roland Soljets handle lots of different material changes in one day and can even be left working overnight," says Michelle. "They have, essentially, been running night and day for over a decade and are still going really well. Roland printers just keep printing."

Handy Labels says it has (at the time of writing) printed 88,500,498 labels, with 99.8 per cent of orders dispatched within 48 hours and 42,000 retuning customers.

"We're in premises where we can expand – packaging is the next move for us – but don't want to get too big," says Michelle. "All of our work is hand finished and we make sure we're happy with all orders we send out. We're really proud of what we produce."

The Roland DG Soljet Pro 4 XR-640 system offers printing and contour-cutting technology in one integrated machine. Eco-solvent inks with metallic and white options make graphics stand out on labels, signage, banners, vehicle wraps, fine art, decals, POP displays and more, making it the ideal machine for print businesses keen to explore new markets.