Handy Labels extends market reach with Roland

Packaging Solutions

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.

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 Soljet systems enabled an exploration of these new product offerings.

‘The Rolands really came into their own on labels,’ commented 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.

‘The Soljets handle lots of different material changes in one day and can even be left working overnight,’ said 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% of orders dispatched within 48 hours and 42,000 returning customers.

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