QLM Label Makers is creating a new division, qlmflexibles, with innovative print businesses Luminar and Read Labels & Packaging, and will target both the digital and FMCG flexible packaging markets under the new brand.
The new business will offer flexible packaging, premium labels, folded cartons, and barcode and label printers. It will also look to enter the long run analogue flexo market.
Luminar has joined QLM today, and Read has actually been part of the company for the past year. The three outfits are now combining to create the new division, qlmflexibles.
Luminar also gives QLM a manufacturing site in Sydney, to add to those it has in Brisbane, Melbourne and the four overseas facilities in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Simon Pugh, CEO of the QLM Group, said, “We are incredibly humbled to combine these three great and innovative companies to provide Australian companies with truly Australian-owned manufacturing.
“The QLM Group continues to invest in leading technology and solutions across the labelling and packaging sector. We constantly strive for excellence in order to enable businesses and start-ups to compete, and differentiate their products and shelf presence. We are delivering this to thousands of brands through competitive pricing, cutting edge technology, transparency, and on-demand lead times.”
Both Read and Luminar run HP Indigo 20000 digital flexibles presses, and Luminar also has a Screen digital inkjet label press. Read has invested in a third pouchmaking line this year, and is on the point of ordering a fourth, for installation in the second quarter next year.
Speaking on the deal that sees the trio join together, Ross Read, who founded Read Labels & Packaging eight years ago, said, "We strongly believe in the use of technology and innovation to stay ahead of the competition. After 25 years, it is time for us to grow and be able to deliver new technology, products and innovation.”
Luminar owner Matt Ellis transformed a small standard label printing business owned by his parents into a digital powerhouse, breaking new ground with customer solutions. He said, “For over 20 years, Luminar has been working with businesses to achieve great results by enabling access to high-quality packaging and beautiful labels produced locally, providing competitive pricing with the kind of transparency, honesty and fairness business owners need to grow.”
QLM started the year with the acquisition of label print business Elna Press, which gave it a manufacturing facility in Melbourne. It is determined to compete as an Australian-owned business with the big multi-nationals in the label space, who have themselves been buying up local companies.