Spear, headquartered in Mason, OH, USA, has established itself in South Africa with the opening of a new facility in Johannesburg. The 5,500 square meter (59,200 square foot) plant will produce pressure sensitive, cut-and-stack and OPP wrap labels on a wide and narrow web press complement, highlighted by a new Cerutti 960/2 1,000mm gravure press.

Spearsystem Packaging Africa, as it is called, will operate as a subsidiary of Spear Group Holdings Ltd. and includes BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) ownership partner Lidonga.

“We are excited about Spear’s targeted focus on the global expansion of beverage labeling,” says CEO Rick Spear. “Spear continues to experience strong global growth and we will continue to invest in the development of innovative labeling technologies and manufacturing systems to maintain our current position as a leading supplier of pressure sensitive labels to the beverage and consumer goods industries.”

Since 1982 Spear has produced pressure sensitive labeling systems for the food, beverage and personal care industries. Spear currently has three manufacturing sites in the USA, one each in Europe and South Africa along with customers in 35 countries. Spear generates annual revenues of $140 million from the sale of pressure sensitive labels.