UPM Raflatac has strengthened its position by building a new coating line at the Wroclaw, Poland labelstock factory. By introducing a new coating line together with related reel handling and slitting capacity additions, the company aims to meet the increasing demand for self-adhesive label stock in Europe. Production of the new line is planned to commence in the first half of 2018.

“This is a significant investment to meet the demand growth of our customers in Europe,” says Antti Jääskeläinen, executive vice president, UPM Raflatac. “It further leverages our unique competences, end use specific product offering and industry leading, optimally located operating platform in Poland.

“One of the trends driving labelstock demand is the fast growth of e-commerce, an end use requiring increasing amounts of labeling material,” adds Jääskeläinen. “Also, the packaged food trends, together with the general private consumption growth, continue to be important drivers. We have successfully responded to the demand globally, which is also reflected in our annual top line growth rate of about 6% in recent years. The approximately EUR 35 million investment in the additional coating and finishing capacity in Wroclaw will ensure the continued excellent service and quality for UPM Raflatac customers.”

Operations at the UPM Raflatac Wroclaw labelstock factory started in 2008 and were followed by the nearby UPM Raflatac Nowa Wies factory in 2012. Located in Western Poland, the two factories employ close to 600 people today and form a significant UPM Raflatac labelstock production hub.