All4Labels on expansion trail

Expansion in All4Labels’ global activity, with key acquisitions in Italy, bodes well for the South African subsidiary. Gill Loubser finds out more.

Earlier this year, just before the coronavirus pandemic hit South Africa and we moved into a parallel universe of strict lockdown, a visit to All4Labels in Cape Town’s Capricorn Park revealed the transformation occurring at this local subsidiary of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group under the leadership of MD, Marco De Pizzol and SD, Dave Parsons (PPM March 2020).

During the intervening months, the business has fared better than expected, with many customers – for instance those in food production – being certified as essential suppliers. We’ve enjoyed steady business over the last couple of months,’ confirms sales director, Dave Parsons. ‘And now we’re back working two shifts and overtime to keep up with demand,’ he adds.

Both Marco and Dave are now delighted to share the news of the recent expansion of the All4Labels Group’s international portfolio of family-owned label converting businesses, with the addition of leading Italian shrink sleeve label converter Rotomet and the roll-fed activities of the GPS Group. The renamed GPS-Rotomet has become a fullyowned subsidiary of All4Labels, while the founders of these two businesses, Daniele Grotto and Andrea Cerisara, have become shareholders in All4Labels and part of the management team.

‘This development bodes very well for our activities in South Africa,’ Dave remarks. ‘It not only underlines the group’s growing internationality, but also allows us to tap into the world’s leading technology in the production of shrink sleeves. Thanks to these new members of the All4Labels Group and their world-class manufacturing facilities in Italy, we can benefit from their many years of experience in the shrink sleeve and roll-fed labelling markets for food, beverage, home and personal care products.’ He refers to recent investments in sleeve finishing equipment that are helping to boost the company’s market share. While remaining thoroughly immersed in flexographic printing, it’s in the field of digital printing that the most dramatic developments are foreseen. Dave talks excitedly of driving digital transformation within the Cape Town subsidiary.

In this enterprise, the local business is following the lead set by its holding company. As some readers will recall, four years ago the German group purchased nine HP Indigo WS6800 and two 20000 digital presses, representing the largest labels and packaging deal in HP Indigo’s history (PPM June 2016).

As a basis for this growth in digital printing, the South African company already boasts an HP Indigo WS6800 press that’s delivering high-quality labels and flexible packaging jobs, as run lengths continue to diminish and demand for brand diversification grows. It also offers personalised labels with a unique look and individual numbering for promotions or limited edition packaging – generated via HP Mosaic software.

As the All4Labels Group strives to connect brands and consumers, globally and locally, the Cape Town management team subscribes to this philosophy. Marco takes up the story: ‘Since Triton Private Equity’s investment in the All4Labels group late last year, resources have become available to support both international and local expansion plans.

‘In line with this global expansion strategy, we intend strengthening our South African activities,’ Marco continues. ‘A key strategy is to strengthen our footprint in South Africa. In fact, we’re looking at facilitating expansion both by organic growth and, if suitable opportunities arise, through acquisitions in Cape Town and other areas of the country,’ are his closing words.