Fast growing narrow web printer BlueStone Label Company is in the process of installing two Mark Andy Performance Series P7E flexo presses at its production facility in Morristown, TN.  The move is part of an ambitious growth program that will continue BlueStone’s phenomenal rise from a $700,000 business to more than $14m in the space of five years.

BlueStone Label has been a full-service label provider in Tennessee since 1986 and is now under new ownership led by CEO Brad Shuff, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.  He explains his business philosophy: “Our primary commitment is to provide superior customer service and excellent product quality, whether it’s a short run of 500 or an order for millions of labels.  We offer a wide range of custom and stock products.”

The two new Mark Andy P7s are both 17” 8-color full-servo flexo lines fitted with hot-air drying and UV curing for maximum production flexibility.  Specification also includes Vetaphone corona treaters for filmic work, delam/relam units and a slitting capability. Capable of production speeds of up to 700 fpm on stocks from 0.5mil 14pt with a print repeat from 5.5” to 24” the Performance Series is the fastest selling narrow web flexo press in the Mark Andy history and is renowned for its adaptability.

And it’s this capability that will be crucial to BlueStone as its looks to extend its products into new market sectors.  Shuff says, “We know the most crucial factor in advertising a company’s products is high-quality, personalized labels.  We print labels for all packaging purposes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials using only the highest-quality inks and adhesive for crisp, clear images that look great.  If we are going to sustain these high standards, we need the best equipment and technology, and Mark Andy offers that in abundance.”

From early days of employing four people, the company now has a staff of 27 working in its modern 30,000 square foot facility on a double-day shift pattern that runs Monday to Friday midday.  “We believe in working hard but also in the importance of a work/life balance and are currently busy recruiting what I call ‘A-Team’ players,” Shuff concludes.