CS Labels scoops multitude of awards
A Wolverhampton-based label printing business is celebrating a handful of industry awards from four separate competitions over recent weeks.
It comes after a year that has seen the business move from its former home in Willenhall to a purpose-designed 20,000 sq ft manufacturing facility on Wolverhampton's new Steelpark trading estate as part of £3 million investment programme.
CS Labels which also picked up an honorary mention, had nine industry nominations across four award ceremonies.
The crowns were awarded for various aspects of the company's work producing digitally producing flexible pouches and digital labels, including the coveted PrintWeek SME of the Year Award.
The recent investment at CS Labels has been driven by managing director Simon Smith and his team. CS Labels was established in 1976 – 42 years ago – and started using Xeikon for digital print production in 2007. The business has grown from a small flexographic and screen printer into one of Europe’s largest digital printers using Xeikon technology.
In that time Mr Smith has overseen moves such as CS Labels' development of the world’s first commercial digital flexible pouch, rapid and seemingly risky investment into leading edge equipment to increase capacity and offer innovation, the purchase of a stand-up pouch converting line dedicated to digital, the introduction of smart business process improvement in an industry that is often seen as lagging behind, and the expansion of the CS Labels team in all areas, including new key high-level personnel in the past 12 months.
The various awards ceremonies have seen plaudits heaped on the business. At the PrintWeek Awards judges said: “CS Labels has enjoyed a fast ride this year. Ordinarily a big site move can put a significant strain on cashflow – not so for CS Labels. MD Simon Smith has managed a number of expansion drives and while his staff held on to their hats and enjoyed the ride to further expansion in 2018, PrintWeek awards judges raised theirs in salute”.
And at the Digital Printer Awards, the judges said: "Clear five year plan that demonstrated growth in scale and profitability, developing the confidence to invest comprehensively for the future, including a new site. Very strong submission with good supporting evidence.
Simon Smith said: “We never stand still and 2018 has been no exception. I wholeheartedly congratulate the CS Labels team for their dedication, resilience and team spirit; we couldn’t have done it without your energies. I look forward to 2019, which will mindfully capitalise on the firm roots we’ve put down in the new building this year.”
Operations director Adam James added: “Exciting times has been a constant theme since I joined CS Labels nearly 10 years ago. We’ve achieved so much as a team in a tough market, and these awards enable us to step back and recognise the fruits of our labour. I look forward to more announcements in 2019 as we continue to look after our customers needs at the highest possible level. “
