Denver-based Lightning Labels has recently purchased its second HP Indigo press, a ws4500, becoming the first North American HP Indigo customer to have a pair of HP’s latest-generation label and packaging digital presses. As one of the largest all-digital converters, Lightning Labels produces a wide range of short-run labels for small to mid-sized businesses.

Designed for continuous operation, the HP Indigo press ws4500 is a production device that offers automated workflow as well as enhanced color capabilities. The press is part of a complete HP Graphic Arts portfolio that is designed to increase print speeds and lower the cost of printing for high-volume commercial markets.

“Lightning Labels’ executives were able to see first-hand how to exceed customer expectations and set themselves apart from competitors with their first HP Indigo press ws4500,” says Rich Raimondi, vice president and general manager, U.S. Graphic Arts Business, HP Imaging and Printing Group. “The relatively quick addition of the second press is a pretty clear testament to how HP Indigo technology can help converters evolve their businesses for even higher growth and financial success.”

Founded in 2002, Lightning Labels specializes in short-run label printing. Founder Peter Renton and his partner and president, Steve Smith, capitalized on the high customer demand for short run labels including private labeling that spans across industries. In early 2007, the company upgraded its digital print operations with the installation of its first HP Indigo press, ws4500. The firm’s second HP Indigo ws4500 arrived in October.

“The HP Indigo press ws4500 is the highest quality and most productive digital label press on the market,” says Renton. “We have been tremendously successful with our first HP Indigo ws4500, increasing our monthly sales by 80 percent. The new press will effectively double our printing capacity and will allow for Lightning Labels’ continued growth.”