With more than 250 employees and 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space spread across its locations, Abbott Label has been steadfast in what has been a successful business model. The company is a 100% trade-only converter, with zero direct label sales. There has been an evolution too, as Abbott Label has shifted from a blank, stock label company to a full service, multi-color provider with a plethora of printing capabilities. The converter has more than 30 presses in its arsenal, spanning flexographic to inkjet and toner-based technologies.

“Over the years, the thing I reflect on is my people,” explains John Abbott. “More than anything, we focus on hiring good people, because you’re only as good as your people. I’m truly blessed as far as that goes. Not only have we been fortunate to have good people work for us, but we have also been very blessed to have great customers who constantly refer other companies to us because of who we are, what we are, and what we do.”

Abbott has made the calculated decision to open a new plant in Shelbyville, TN, near Nashville, to initially focus solely on RFID label production. RFID labeling has emerged as one of the most prominent industry trends.

Courtesy of a new Mark Andy Evolution press and a partnership with ABG, the company will delve into smart label manufacturing. Mark Davenport, whose family owned Mid-South RFID, will head the operation.

Plus, New research reveals that almost two-thirds (64%) of large retailers in the UK and US agree that the impact of theft has reached a crisis point. In addition, over four-in-ten (42%) believe that theft is more of a concern today than it was twelve months ago.

The research commissioned by Avery Dennison, the materials science and digital identification solutions company, collates the views of 300 senior retail leaders in the UK and US representing brands with 200+ stores. Theft was found to be the leading business concern. When asked to list their top five business challenges, the most cited responses were addressing the impact of theft (36%), optimizing omnichannel (27%), increased operating costs (27%), improving staff efficiencies (26%), and retaining customers (24%).

In response to these challenges, many retailers are fighting back with a combination of anti-theft and loss prevention measures. Over half (53%) say 3% to 4% of their total IT budget is allocated to retail theft detection and prevention, while almost a quarter (23%) are allocating 5% to 6% of their total IT spend. For 57% of the retail leaders surveyed, these budgets equate to an increase in spend over the last two years, however, a third (33%) still believe the resources allocated are insufficient.

Here are the highest-trafficked news items from the week ending on August 2:
1. Narrow Web Profile: Abbott Label
2.  Avery Dennison: majority of retailers in ‘theft crisis’ mode
3. CCL Label opens shrink sleeve plant in Spain
4. PPG appoints Amy Mercante general manager of specialty products
5. HP explores new chapter for barcodes