Xeikon has welcomed James Murphy as business development manager for heat transfer and in-mold labels in North America. He will be responsible for further developing the heat transfer (HTL) and in-mold label (IML) markets in North America and expand upon the first steps Xeikon has already taken in delivering solutions for these markets.

Murphy is an industry veteran who has been involved in the packaging industry for over 30 years. He is a specialist in heat transfer, in-mold, shrink sleeve, cut-and-stack and pressure sensitive labels.

“Having been associated and focused with the HTL and IML label industry my entire working career, I see a huge growth potential in digitally printed labels in these two key areas,” says Murphy. “Being involved early on in the printing of heat transfer labels via rotogravure and flexo, I see the advantages digital printing brings with its ability for short print runs, the elimination of up front prepress costs, the need for sales, marketing and mock up samples and the growing need to have labels quicker to market. There is a very high demand for shorter lead times in label production as well as an increase in the amount of variable information the labels need to contain, and digital printing makes that achievable. I’ve found Xeikon, and its vast array of digital printing presses, is well positioned to help label manufacturers meet these demands, and more.

“Heat transfer and in-mold applications require very specific solutions that can be integrated into a full manufacturing process,” he adds. “I’m excited to be able to help Xeikon and the North American label community take HTL and IML decorating to the next level.”

Murphy joins Xeikon from Multi-Color Corporation (formally Graphic Packaging/Smurfit Stone/DI-NA-CAL), where he was the National Accounts Manager since 1987.

He also proudly served and serves on several Industry trade associations such as: Western Packaging Association (WPA), California Packaging Club, Petroleum Packaging Council Board, Beauty Industry West, Plastic Shipping Container Institute, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Packaging Program Advisory Board and West Pack Tradeshow advisory board. He was WPA Packaging Person of the Year 2001-2002 and California Packaging Club President in 1996 and 2000.

“Jim is a great extension to our North American sales team,” says David Wilkins, VP sales and marketing for Xeikon North America. “Through the years, we have been able to secure business in the HTL and IML market but with an experienced person such as Jim on board, we will be able to have a more pro-active approach.”