Avery Dennison and Russian distribution company Artmark Label Systems have opened a new distribution center (DC) to serve label printers in the greater Moscow area and support the growing popularity of self-adhesive labels in Russia. A grand opening event for Russian customers was conducted at the new DC, located in the suburb of Podolsk, on November 19.
 
With the opening of this facility, Avery Dennison and Artmark Label Systems have added capacity and capabilities to meet the increasing demand in the Russian self-adhesive industry. According to FINAT, the European self-adhesive labeling industry association, Russia is one of the “star performers” in Europe – with more than 20% growth of pressure sensitive labelstock in 2010. This growth is being stimulated by the increasing brand sensitivity of Russian consumers to premium packaging on products such as spirits, beer, wine or personal care products such as shampoos. Self-adhesive label and packaging materials have been shown to enhance brands and, as a result, lift product sales.
 
The new distribution center will incorporate advanced technology that will allow Avery Dennison to offer Russian label printers more specialized and custom-made label materials, as well as solutions for supply chain and environmental challenges. Additional benefits to Russian customers include expansion of the EXACT program for clear-on-clear materials, bigger diameter rolls and improved flexibility. Customers located within 200 kilometers of the DC will receive their orders within 24 hours.
 
Angelo Depietri, vice president and general manager, Label and Packaging Materials – Europe, comments: “This latest development in our partnership with Artmark adds additional capabilities to our long-term commitment to giving Russian converters the product support and fast response times they require. Our investment in advanced equipment will greatly improve the quality of the slitting, including keeping the rolls dust-free. As the new distribution centre has larger warehouse facilities, it will be able to hold more products in stock than its predecessor. This means that customers will get their orders faster and we are also able to stock a wider variety of products, offering customers more choice.”
 
Avery Dennison and Artmark Label Systems have recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of their business partnership. In addition to the new center in Moscow, Artmark and Avery Dennison operate four other distribution centers across Russia: in Ekaterinburg, Rostov-on-don, Saint Petersburg and Novosibirsk.