Canon Production Printing and Canon Inc. have announced the acquisition of UK-based packaging converting equipment manufacturer Edale, with the aim of strengthening Canon’s label and packaging business, and creating opportunities for future developments.

Through this acquisition, Canon is intensifying its long-term strategy to provide turn-key solutions for the label and packaging sectors. The move will enable Canon Production Printing to further develop its LabelStream 4000 product line, as well as provide expertise and technology for future products.

Based in Hampshire, UK, Edale engineers and manufactures printing and converting solutions for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed diecutters, and finishing and converting equipment. The company has a long history in the flexo label industry and a strong reputation for its web transport and converting solutions for digital label production.  

Mick Asada, CEO, Canon Production Printing, comments: “Edale has been a supplier of the web transport, conventional printing and embellishment modules for our LabelStream 4000 series since 2018. Through this close collaboration we have a very high regard for the Edale team’s capabilities and specialist expertise in printing and converting for the label and packaging industry. We’re excited by the enormous potential that will come from far closer cooperation, and confident that this will help to realize Canon’s ambition to become a major force for digital innovation in the packaging arena.” 

Grahame Barker, Edale owner and chairman, comments: “We’ve experienced a period of exciting growth, and I believe that the support of a strong global player is vital to enable us to continue that trajectory in the future, so I’m delighted that Canon will be that partner for the next stage of Edale’s development. We’re confident that the combined force of Edale and Canon will deliver tangible advantages for both companies’ customers.”

Edale, continuing to trade under the Edale brand, will remain an independently managed company, pursuing its established strategy to provide printing and finishing solutions, focused on the label, folding carton and flexible packaging segments. Grahame Barker will retire and the business will be led by the existing Edale management team under managing director James Boughton, reporting into Canon Production Printing through Walter Vogelsberger, VP, Digital Packaging Printing.