mepco-label

Mepco Label Systems installs HP Indigo press

Mon, 25 May 2020 07:41:12 GMT

Mepco Label Systems has expanded its digital labels and packaging production capacity with the installation of an HP Indigo 20000 digital press.

The new HP Indigo will allow Mepco to expand its services into digital flexible packaging, with the 30" format capturing a vast array of applications such as stand-up pouches, zipper pouches and flexible packaging. The company will enter this growing marketplace of 360-degree design.

The installation of the HP Indigo 20000 adds to Mepco’s portfolio of digital presses, expanding capacity and allowing for quick turnarounds of high-quality products.

Installation was only completed a few weeks ago and is already producing large volumes of emergency orders, in wake of the COVID-19 health crisis. “We are doing all that we can to help produce essential products for our customers in order to help in any way we can,” says Jennifer Tracy, president of Mepco Labels.

From two sites in the US – one 174,000 square foot facility in the heart of the central valley of California in Lodi and the other 17,000 square foot facility in Horn Lake, MS – Mepco serves a range of agricultural, food and home care products. The converter is primarily focused on producing pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging.

“Our digital presses have taken our production to the next level, allowing for us to produce beautiful quality products at exceptional fast turnarounds,” adds Tracy.

Mepco plans to utilize the HP Indigo 20000 to differentiate its business services. “The press will enable our company to offer small and medium brands flexible packaging products at an economical price to test out the market and get on the shelves fast. In addition, the press will improve our company’s economics by cutting out setup and setting us a part from our competitors,” Tracy states.

The HP Indigo will also enable Mepco to offer its customers improved sustainability. as they will see more options of recyclable and compostable materials. The 30" press can print virtually any sized flexible packaging application with unlimited variation and support demand for growing SKUs. The product provides converters the freedom to produce nearly any flexible packaging application, labels, and shrink sleeves on film or paper with the proven quality to meet strict brand color requirements.

A High-impact Label For Vodka With A Story To Tell

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 07:45:15 GMT

Born and Bred Vodka is produced by Driggs, Idaho basedGrand Teton Distillery. It’s a lifestyle brand created through a collaboration between the distillery and actor Channing Tatum.

Narrow Web Profile: Mepco Label Systems

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 07:51:31 GMT

Mepco Label Systems was built on the American Dream. After enduring the ravages of World War II, Alfred Gassner emigrated from Germany in the 1950s in search of a better life. With just $5 in his pocket, this master engraver for the German mint was intent on opening his own business in the United States.

Gassner grew up the youngest of seven children, and his father died after contracting a fever during a business trip to Argentina. The family got by owning German properties, but they were subsequently destroyed during the war. “My dad went through a time where he had to go in the forest and forage for food, as his family didn’t have any food,” says Jennifer Tracy, daughter and current company president. “My dad’s perspective is a little tougher than most human beings. He experienced serious hardships, so he appreciates all he has accomplished. He worked really hard.”

In the early 1950s, Gassner boarded a boat and set sail for New York, NY. He moved in with his sister, who had already come to the US. While there, he met his future wife, Carol, at a bar owned by Jennifer’s grandfather that catered to foreigners of mostly German and Austrian descent. Gassner also memorized the DMV book, translating all the text in order to get his driver’s license.

Gassner set his sights on either California or Florida, and he and Carol opted for Stockton, CA. Gassner’s engraving background led him to Mepco, which was founded in 1912. He and his wife purchased the small engraving and sign company in 1963, when it had just one employee. Prior to moving to Lodi, CA, Mepco operated out of its facility in Stockton for 33 years.

Today, Mepco Label Systems has 92 employees, and the company recently expanded to a second location in Horn Lake, MS. Gassner first discovered flexography in the early 1970s when he purchased his first press, and the company has enjoyed tremendous growth since that time. The 174,000 square foot, 14-acre facility in Lodi houses 10 flexo presses and two digital presses.

Mepco prides itself on several core principles, including customer service, sustainable practices, and family. When Alfred and Carol Gassner retired, they passed the business along to their children. Jennifer Tracy now serves as president, while Karl Gassner functions as the executive vice president. Philip Tracy, Jennifer’s husband, is the vice president of business development, where he is responsible for estimating, purchasing, and spearheading any new projects going on in the plant. In addition, Michael Rodenborn serves as the vice president of sales and marketing, while Frank Griffin and Braulio Gomez act in supervisory roles.

Jennifer also works on the Avery Dennison Customer Council for Sustainability in one of its specialty wings. In addition, she serves as one of TLMI’s sustainability chairs. Since Jennifer took over as company president in 2009, Mepco has experienced steady, annual growth.

Mepco’s new facility in Mississippi will allow it to gain market share in more US regions. In less than a year, that facility has grown from two employees to six and is now running two shifts per day. “We’re trying to stretch out to the new plant in Mississippi and get more of a national presence,” says Jennifer. “Shipping to the East Coast is just entirely too expensive from the West Coast. By allowing us to be on the East Coast, it’s opening us up to all those national bids where we haven’t been as competitive in the past. Hopefully we’ll get more of a national presence and just keep growing.”

Mepco services a wide range of markets, taking advantage of both short and long runs due to its capacity in digital and flexo. The company’s target markets include food, wine, craft beer, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, direct mail and charitable organizations. According to Philip, Mepco is also looking at expansion into cosmetic and industrial labels. Capabilities extend to shrink sleeves, continuous bottle wraps, surface printing, flexible packaging, coupons and even laminated pouches.

The company is willing to take on any challenge, too. Mepco will conduct test runs until it finds the optimal solution for an individualized application. “We’re a guide for our customers,” explains Karl Gassner. “We’re their knowledge base. We try to find the right solution for them instead of just quoting an SKU. Most people I run up against are just quoting a box label. We go beyond that. We ask, ‘What is the problem? How can we solve it? We offer a full range of options that other people don’t, and most times the customer doesn’t even know the type of questions to ask the label company. So it’s our duty to guide them and ask the right questions.”

“It’s also our job to help save the customers money,” adds Jennifer. “Sometimes people are using materials that are just completely unnecessary for their application, and it’s just because they’ve done it for 10 years. For example, if we can save them money by saying there’s no reason to use this polyester label – you can get away with polypropylene and save 40% – we will help them test that out and make sure it works.”

With a strong focus on staying current with the newest technologies, Mepco highlights its total in-house production. In some cases, Mepco will look to help the customer consolidate 20 labels into two or three different sizes, saving them time, money, and optimizing their cost benefit. “We want them to not have to think about labels – that’s our job,” adds Karl. “We think about labels and guide them to a solution. We take more of a consultancy approach rather than a sales approach.”

Family Matters

Mepco Label Systems embodies the phrase “family atmosphere.” The tradition began with Alfred Gassner, who ran the company with his wife in the 1960s. When he first met her, she was working as a buyer for a New York City clothing company. After purchasing their first flexo press, Alfred asked Carol if she thought she could sell labels. “She went out and started selling, while my dad was printing labels with their one employee. All of a sudden the business got bigger, bigger and bigger,” Jennifer says. “Then one of my brothers came into the business in the early 1980s, and he was here for a while, and then left. I joined in 2000 and pretty much worked every position possible, from customer service to outside sales. Then I became president, and soon after that my brother Karl came on board – he’s now been with the business about six years.”

Philip Tracy worked in the company’s shipping department during his high school years, and following college, he returned. “Phil and I dated in high school, and my father said, ‘I just need a part time person in accounting for a couple weeks until I find someone’ – and he’s never left,” says Jennifer.

“And when you say it’s a family-owned business and family run, not only is that true with us but also with the employees,” adds Philip. “We’ve got fathers and sons working out there, we’ve got brothers.”

Mepco’s second shift digital press operator and his fiancée both work at the company, and the shift supervisor is married to the daytime digital press operator. Her brother also happens to be the equipment manager. “A lot of our people have been here a long time, and if someone is going to come to me and say, ‘My brother is a really hard worker, he needs a job,’ I’m going to give that person an opportunity because I trust what they say and they’ve worked for me for a long time,” explains Jennifer. “I think it has organically grown that way.”

According to Philip, the company is also willing to train employees who don’t have previous experience. “We’ll train them to be a press operator, and they’ll spend a year on press, training,” he says. “We’ll do that for them, and then they have the skills and a good job they can have for the rest of their life if they want to.”

“The people are good people. We have some employees that have been here a long time – I know their kids, I’ve been to graduations,” adds Jennifer. “My nighttime supervisor, I was the witness at his wedding. It is a family. They’ve seen my kids grow, I’ve seen their kids grow. It’s a neat way to be able to know people that long. I do think that the family aspect is something that’s a little bit different here. I even bring my dog to work sometimes.”

Press Capabilities

By moving to the larger facility in Lodi, Mepco has the proper space to house its extensive equipment assets. In addition to its 10 flexo presses and two digital presses, the company has two digital finishers, seven rewinders, a hot stamper, a finishing machine and a seamer for shrink sleeve applications.

Mepco’s capabilities run the gamut. For digital printing, the company relies on an HP Indigo WS6800 press and what the company refers to as its “workhorse, ” a Jetrion UV inkjet press. Gassner purchased the Jetrion 10 years ago after attending Labelexpo Americas in Chicago. “Actually, we still run the Jetrion every day for two shifts, and it produces good work and we get great sales off of it,” Philip says. “About a year ago, we added the HP Indigo WS6800, and it’s been good. We’re happy with it and we do a lot of digital shrink sleeves on it.”

For flexographic printing, Mepco utilizes three 16" Nilpeter presses, a 13" Nilpeter, two 13" Mark Andy’s, two 10" Mark Andy’s and a 10" Rotopress. “We used to, at one point, have 16 flexo presses when we moved to Lodi, and then we consolidated our presses with 7" web widths. We had like three or four 7" flexo presses, and then we started moving all the short run work to digital and anything that had volume we started running on the 16" machines in order to utilize the presses better. We were able to get more in sales and more in production with less people and less presses.”

Mepco also features a Karlville seamer for shrink sleeves and a CEI Boss finisher. The company’s CEI rewinders run up to 1,800 fpm. According to Jennifer, Mepco will continue to look to Nilpeter in the future. “Our last three new presses have all been Nilpeters,” she says. “Nilpeter is the route we will be taking in the future so long as their quality remains the same.”

Mepco provides its customers with the option to do custom coats, as well. “One of the things that we do that’s unique is we actually convert paper,” explains Karl. “We have a hot melt wide web converter, thus making us able to do custom coats competitively, which is a big advantage for us compared to most label companies. We can tailor an adhesive, a facestock and a release liner for the customer instead of trying to find something that’s necessarily a stock product or cost effective. This way we can get the actual products to be as cost effective and efficient as possible.”

Jennifer has recognized the shift toward digital printing, which led to the investment in the HP Indigo digital press. “There’s a big market right now where everybody’s trying to do minimal ordering, and they don’t want to be keeping inventory,” she says. “Customer quantities are not as big as they normally would be. We have a lot of people asking for specialty stocks like recycled papers and products that are somewhat unusual. Digital gives you the upper hand on smaller quantities. I have customers who were once ordering large quantities of labels, and now they’ve switched to where they’re just ordering a minimal amount.”

Philip points out that Northern California has been quicker to embrace the digital trend, saying the region accounts for nearly 40 Indigo presses. “Meanwhile,” he says, “Other regions have significantly less. We offer both inkjet and toner-based technology,” he adds. “The Jetrion’s footprint is 8 by 4 feet, where you can do those short runs quick and where you don’t have to worry about priming the paper. So there are definitely benefits to having both presses and being able to offer both to the customer. That’s something that I think a lot of converters in general don’t have.”

Sustainability

Sustainability is a trending topic in the label and packaging marketplace, and Mepco has embraced the idea of going green. Not only do customers request sustainable solutions, the state of California has stricter mandates on what companies can and cannot do.

“We have always led in sustainability because we’re in Northern California, and there’s that drive to be green,” explains Karl Gassner. “We’re one of the innovators and first users of water-based inks, and now we’re using soy inks. Our customers guide us. If they have a need, we find a solution for them, so we’re always questioning what they want to do sustainability-wise, and we find solutions for them.”

Mepco is located in the Air Pollution Control District, which means it is tested for VOC emissions. As part of a company initiative, Jennifer is working with waste management to find new ways to recycle waste as opposed to simply disposing of it. A new recycling plant could convert 50% of Mepco’s label waste into reusable items. She notes that Mepco is also exploring solar panels within a five-year plan. “We have very minimal waste as it is, but on top of that, we’re trying to find better ways to limit our footprint – at least 10% each year until we can get down to as minimal as possible,” she says.

Mepco has undertaken other sustainable steps, as well. In addition to printing with eco-friendly inks, the company offers its customers thinner facestocks and release liners. It also does mostly UV lamination.

“Almost all of our clear liner that we run is 92 gauge versus the 1.2 that a lot of people still run,” explains Philip. “We’ll go with the 1.6 mil film, if they’re interested in that. We’ll offer them the 50-pound paper instead of the 60-pound. We try to downgauge them if it still works for their specific application. If we do have ink waste, we don’t put anything down the drain,” Philip adds. “We have it taken out by a service and they take care of it. I know in some states it just goes down the drain, but we can’t do that here. Even though it’s allowed in Mississippi, we don’t do that there either. That’s a company practice – trying to be as green as we can.”

A Label As Unique As The Beer It Sells

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 08:02:27 GMT

Born and Bred Vodka is produced by Driggs, Idaho basedGrand Teton Distillery. It’s a lifestyle brand created through a collaboration between the distillery and actor Channing Tatum.

We Will Be Showcased In This Month’s Issue Of Beverage World Magazine

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 08:15:00 GMT

At the end of September 2016, Beverage Industry’s parent company BNP Media acquired Beverage World as well as its successful and well-attended BevOps Fleet Summit. Through this acquisition, the BNP Media Events team now will manage and produce the BevOps Fleet Summit, while Beverage World’s digital and print properties ceased operations, with October being the final print publication.

Under BNP’s ownership, we have combined a shared dedication to editorial excellence and integrity as we help to empower beverage market professionals through our resources and increase engagement across all media platforms.

Beverage Industry is the best read and most widely distributed magazine covering the entire $240 billion North American beverage marketplace. With a BPA Worldwide audited audience of 35,745, Beverage Industry reaches top management, sales and marketing, production/operations/quality control and distribution/warehouse readers. Beverage Industry reports on a wide range of marketing and manufacturing subjects with emphasis on new products, research and development, packaging, production, distribution, and marketing innovations.

Read the full press release.

Here is a link to their 2016 sustainable packaging award winners : http://beverageworld.com/articles/full/18087/making-a-difference

Mepco Label adds HP Indigo WS6800 & CEI Boss 130 Finisher

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 08:19:44 GMT

Mepco Label Systems, Lodi, CA-based manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels, flexible packaging, and shrink sleeves, has expanded its capabilities and production with a HP Indigo 6800.

“With the addition of the HP Indigo 6600 with 6800 upgrade, this will be our second digital press, our first being a UV Inkjet Jetrion 4000. Having both the 6800 and 4000 will allow us to have a complete digital offering for our customers,” says Jennifer Tracy, president of Mepco Label Systems. “The HP Indigo will ensure our continued growth in the shrink sleeve market by allowing short run high quality shrink sleeves. With the upgrade, we will be one of the first in the Western US to use the 680 DigiPrime for inline priming, which allows for effortless seaming of digitally printed shrink sleeves.”

Tracy adds, “With the Indigo’s substrate printing capabilities ranging from .5 mil to 18 pt cardstock, this will allow for expansion in all our product offerings, including labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging. To compliment the HP Indigo, we’ve also added a new finisher – the BOSS 130 by CEI – and it has the ability to perform semi-rotary diecutting, rotary diecutting, sheeting, as well as UV flexo and hot air printing,” she explains.

The new press is Mepco’s second press purchase in less than a year, and the new CEI is the company’s fourth finishing machine in that time frame. “We look forward to continued growth and expansion,” concludes Tracy.

Mepco Label Adds New Nilpeter Press

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:21:53 GMT

Mepco Label Systems, a Lodi, CA manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels, flexible packaging and shrink sleeves, has expanded its capabilities and production with a new Nilpeter FB 4200 8-color servo press with UV and hot air drying. With the addition, Mepco now has 13 flexo presses and one digital press.

“Moving to our new location a 174,000 square foot facility on 15 acres in December of 2012 gave us the space needed to add new pressed and shrink sleeve converting equipment, which was added in November 2013,” explains Jennifer Tracy, president of Mepco Label Systems. “Adding the new press will allow us to continue increasing sales while providing quick turnaround times to our customers. In addition this press will help our expansion into the cosmetic, wine and specialty food label markets, and increase capacity for the laminated film and paper pouch market.”

With the new press delivering maximum efficiency with low production cost, combined with servo technology, Mepco Label Systems will be able to continue providing high quality products at a competitive price, adds Tracy.

http://www.labelandnarrowweb.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2014-07-18/mepco-label-adds-new-nilpeter-press/#sthash.L2ZBMozc.dpuf

Generations Of Quality At Mepco Label Systems

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 08:36:41 GMT

Mepco Label Systems, Inc. is a family-run shop through and through. Led by Jennifer Gassner-Tracy, her parents, Fred and Carol Gassner founded the northern California-based label converter in 1963. Phil Tracy, Jennifer’s husband, oversees the company’s operations, and her brother, Karl Gassner, is head of sales. Mepco employs approximately 106 people operating around the clock.

Challenge:

We had one customer come to us because they had a presentation for Wal-Mart the next day, and they needed 70 labels. We can offer that kind of service, cost-effectively, with the Jetrion.”

Jennifer Gassner-Tracy, President

Jennifer Gassner-Tracy was given the reins of Mepco Label Systems, Inc. two years ago. Once the company invested in digital label production with the purchase of the EFI Jetrion 4000 UV Inkjet System, the Mepco team was able to open its doors to new, higher-end customers, effectively shifting the business from low-cost label producer to highest-value label maker.

By 2005, the business landscape in the area had started to shift in what seems like contradictory directions. Big-box discount retailers sprouted up along area highways. At the same time, consumer tastes were evolving and demand for locally made luxury products like olive oils, honeys, wines and organic produce began to grow. In the past, Mepco ran profitably in a very basic label business, printing a lot of dairy and meat labels. “Certainly, quality was important, but there’s a big difference between the three-color milk labels and higher-end labels we do today,” says Jennifer Gassner-Tracy,

president of Mepco Label Systems, Inc.

Two very different consumer trends – one toward mass-market buying and the other toward high-end, locally branded products – meant the same thing for Mepco’s business: growth in demand for short-run label jobs. Suppliers to the big-box retailers were beginning to ask for rapid turnaround test products and seasonal promotions, and the local brands needed fewer, higher-end labels for their unique product lines. These jobs were too expensive to run on Mepco’s existing flexo equipment, because set-up times for multiple jobs, scrap and test runs ate away at profits. Mepco first began exploring digital options at Labelexpo in 2008 with the digital printing innovator, EFI, and the company’s Jetrion 4000.

Solution:

“We were weighing inkjet and toner-based options,” says Phil Tracy, Vice President of operations for Mepco “but when we looked at ease-of-use, simplicity of pricing, and most important, print quality, the Jetrion 4000 UV Inkjet System was the obvious choice.”

Mepco already printed with UV ink, and they wanted to be able to print with materials they used every day. They liked the durability of the inks, and the cost-savings gained in not having to coat paper after printing. A key consideration was also the environmental benefit of UV inkjet inks, which are non-VOC, a particularly important attribute in California where the regulatory environment is the toughest in the United States.

Tracy also had experience with EFI’s Fiery® XF color management system. That same software powers the color match and color-proofing systems in all Jetrion units, and so, he says they knew the quality they were buying into. A few months later, they made the purchase. EFI Jetrion also offers a full-service training program to get people up to speed quickly on how to use the press. “We were concerned about the transition initially, but it was very smooth,” adds Tracy. “We have one operator who runs the digital press, and it’s very easy.”

Results

Gassner-Tracy saw the opportunity to build new business with the Jetrion system. “We’re going into specialty foods, like pastas, organic honeys, and all-natural makeup and soap, and smaller wineries, too. Napa is right next door, and we have an opportunity to do a lot for quality-focused Mom and Pop vintners in the area,” she says. “The Jetrion’s UV Inkjet printing makes it ideal for labels for consumer uses, because the ink is durable and can withstand bathroom moisture, kitchen oils and even the cold temperatures of freezers. Products look beautiful in the store and in the home, use after use.”

“The Jetrion is running 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. It’s much more cost-effective for our customers, because they don’t have to invest in plates and expensive set-up runs with this system.”

Phil Tracy

Vice President of Operations

Mepco Label Systems, Inc

The company also saw the incredible advantage of being able to offer fast-turn around service for suppliers of retailers like Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. “We operate in emergency mode for many of our customers,” says Jennifer. “We had one customer come to us because they had a presentation for Wal-Mart the next day, and they needed 70 labels. We can offer that kind of service, cost-effectively, with the Jetrion.”

With fourteen presses, the company continues to support a sizable flexo business; and the customer base has significantly broadened because of the Jetrion 4000. Mepco now offers labels for product runs of anywhere from 1,000 to 50,000 plus. The Jetrion is running 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. “It’s a much more cost-effective choice for our customers, because they don’t have to invest in plates and expensive set-up runs with this system,” says Phil.

There’s no denying Fred Gassner’s touch remains firm on the business. “My father taught me to stand by what we make, do everything we can to help our customers and make sure we’re on top of our game,” says Jennifer. “Thanks to the EFI Jetrion, we have been able to embrace higher-end customers and support customers the way my father taught us to. It’s been hands down great for our business.”

Beat the competition and profit with EFI’s integrated Fiery®, VUTEk®, Jetrion®, Rastek™, Print MIS and Web-to-Print solutions. Visit www.efi.com to learn more.Print to Win™ with EFI™ (www.efi.com).

Pressure-sensitive Delivers A Premium Look For Eternal Water

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 08:45:28 GMT

Thinner, Pressure-Sensitive Film Benefits Label Profile: When a product such as Eternal Water is marketed as pure and pristine, finding a label that reflects these attributes is paramount. In the competitive retail landscape of bottled water, standing out on the shelf is essential to success, and catching the consumer’s eye takes innovation and a bold brand image.

Using naturally alkaline spring water from a protected underground source that is filtered through layers of volcanic rock and sandstone to a vast aquifer providing a natural barrier from any environmental pollutants, Eternal Water is known for its pure product. The natural alkaline properties come from the filtration process in which the water naturally absorbs essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Through pressurization, these naturally occurring minerals in the rock infuse into the water making it alkaline. The location of the springs is carefully selected by the company to ensure its isolation from commercial and industrial pollution.

As sustainability continues to be on the forefront not only for natural water sources but also for bottle-to-bottle recycling, Eternal Water decided to switch to a thinner pressure-sensitive label to help lessen the environmental impact and also benefit the label’s graphic profile.

“The thinner gauge material allows for more labels per roll and increases production,” said Joyce Vagnozzi, regional manager, Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials. “Pressure-sensitive film is also a great solution to deliver high-end graphics and with its ability for a one-step process, it can achieve some of the

highest application speeds.”

Previously, Eternal Water used a competitor’s material manufactured outside the United States. They turned to label printer and converter Mepco Label Systems Inc., who then consulted with Avery Dennison. The decision was made to switch

to a Fasson® 1.6 mil metalized BOPP, providing mirror-like refl ectivity, and a 1.6 mil clear BOPP that provides the exceptional clarity needed for this application. The prior labels featured 2 mil BOPP for each material.

Fasson pressure-sensitive has a clear advantage over traditional materials. They provide more brand building and creative freedom, while blending attractively with the substrate, to enhance product image and raise consumer awareness and ultimately, boosting sales.

“Avery Dennison is always great to work with, they have a great customer service and sales team.”

Jennifer Tracy, President, Mepeco Label Systems Inc.

Combined with the brand building capabilities of high-end graphics, self-adhesive is also cost-effective due to a host of operational efficiencies that factor into the production equation for end users. They allow for shorter production runs, faster labeling changes, cleaner processing and better graphic quality results.

Other benefits of pressure-sensitive labeling besides lower cost is its application is less complex to apply and, with a variety of print processes available, it offers almost endless options for package decoration. Switching to pressure-sensitive can also provide improved operational benefits and efficiencies with more uptime and increased productivity along with reduced scrap. When it came time to produce the labels, Eternal Water again turned to Mepco Label Systems Inc., who specializes in digital and custom labels as well as flexible packaging and promotional labels. The company stepped up to the challenge of producing and printing the nine-color label with the first three colors being reverse printed on clear using a 14-color Mark Andy 2200 press with dual unwinds. The labels were printed HD flexo with both water-based and UV inks at the company’s Stockton, Calif., facility. “We also had the challenge of matching a product that was previously being printed out of the country in New Zealand with other methods of production,” said Jennifer Tracy, president of Mepco Label Systems. “A very fine screen was applied, that went from 98 percent to 2 percent. Anytime you laminate multiple webs you have to make sure your lamination is adhering well and keep the alignment perfect or you can run into problems further down the web when you are printing.” Modifications were also made to the press in house and Mepco Label Systems added a rewinder for the liner from the second unwind, which allows the use of dual pressure-sensitive webs while removing and rewinding the liner on one web. “The brand owner has been very happy with the look of their product,” Tracy said. “They had a look that they were trying to achieve and when shifting the label production from New Zealand to the United States, it was important to maintain the brand look and make it better.”

Design elements ‘pop’at shelf

With the no-label look capability offered by pressure-sensitive, the Eternal Naturally Alkaline Spring Water label has a very organic look featuring the company’s logo predominately at the top. The bottle has a curved design allowing the crisp-plush fern graphic, shown in tones of cool blue, to wrap around the sides and comes in three sizes; 50.7, 33.8 and 20.2 ounces. Key benefits of the water include 8.0-ph naturally alkaline, improved cellular absorption and hydration, naturally occurring electrolytes, BPA free and uses a 100 percent recyclable biobottle. “Because of pressure-sensitive’s ability to be flexible, it is ideal to use on any container type,” Vagnozzi said. “The labels offer high-level print quality, which helps communicate a premium beverage positioning.” The pressure-sensitive labels hit the shelves in early 2012. “Avery Dennison is always great to work with, they have a great customer service and sales team,” Tracy said. “There is always alternative materials and everyone working with Avery has always been willing to jump in to find a solution to any problem that may arise no matter what the application.

Mepco Label Systems Adds Shrink Sleeve Production

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 08:48:42 GMT

Mepco Label Systems, a manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels and flexible packaging, has added shrink sleeve production to its portfolio. Mepco will be one of a few companies in California to print and seam shrink sleeves. “This will offer our customers the quickest turnaround in the industry and smaller production minimums.,” the company says.

“Offering shrink sleeves to our customers gives our clients a great way to increase the wow factor in product marketing because shrink sleeves offer 360 degrees of print. Shrink sleeves are what consumers are demanding in packaging,” says Jennifer Tracy, president of Mepco Label Systems.

Tracy adds that shrink sleeves are designed to give customers a cost-effective package with freedom of bottle shape, while also providing the most branding area thanks to 360 degrees of print. Shrink sleeves also promote food safety by the ability to combine tamper evidence with the printed sleeve. Mepco will be offering shrink sleeves in PETG, PVC, and PLA.

http://www.labelandnarrowweb.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2013-11-15/mepco-label-systems-adds-shrink-sleeve-production/

Mepco Label Systems Relocates In California

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:55:32 GMT

Mepco Label Systems, a 100-year-old company, has announced that it has relocated its business From Stockton, CA to Lodi, CA, USA. Mepco is a second-generation family run business started by Alfred and Carol Gassner and currently run by Jennifer Tracy, Philip Tracy and Karl Gassner.

Mepco has moved into a new 175,000 square foot manufacturing plant on 15 acres at Stockton Street and Kettleman Lane and has begun production at the site. Mepco makes labels for a variety of products, from food and wine labels to consumer to industrial items.

Mepco President Jennifer Tracy says the move allows the privately-owned company an opportunity to consolidate into one facility.

“We were bursting at the seams and this move will allow us so many more opportunities for growth,” Tracy says. “The city was incredibly helpful and welcoming,” she adds. “They have really made us aware how much Lodi wants new businesses and growth.”

Mepco Executive Vice President Karl Gassner adds, “The move allows us to expand our printing capabilities and continue our dramatic growth.”

http://www.labelandnarrowweb.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2013-01-15/mepco-label-systems-relocates-in-california/