Two new machines at Golden Belt Printing II are allowing the staff to offer a brand new service to their customers.

            The long-time printing company at 1125 281 Bypass now has a digital roll-label printer, along with its partner, a label finisher.

            “This technology gives us so many new options,” General Manager Mike Niles said. “It is different than anything we have ever done before in this whole new printing division. We are bringing roll-label products to central Kansas.”

            The labels of varying sizes are printed on a roll of adhesive-backed paper stock that goes through a digital printing process. It doesn’t use ink; it is toner based.

            While the machinery takes care of the mechanical part of the job, GBP’s staff supplies the creativity to make labels attractive, Niles said.

            “Even though the printer and finisher are state-of-the-art, the people running them are the most important ingredient,” Niles said. “We have years of experience in design and making the artwork come to life.

            “This is so much more than pushing a button on a machine,” he continued. “We have learned all the ins and outs of the equipment and use our knowledge to allow the machines to produce the best labels.”

            The digital technology can print virtually anything the customer needs, Niles commented.

            “We can even print a white message on a black background, which is definitely eye-catching,” the general manager noted. “The white lettering on black paper is a unique deal in itself.”

            Labels are used in a wide range of businesses. They can be of varying lengths and up to 8 inches wide.

            “It would be rare that someone needs something wider but we can still accommodate,” Niles said. “We continue to use our large-format machine.

            “But most labels are small,” he added. “People want them for large businesses such as heating and air conditioning companies that place waterproof decal labels on outdoor units.”

            In addition, Niles said people who are cooking up a little homebrew or making wine want their own personal touch on the bottles. Or maybe customers need labels for a special event.

            “Labels are the largest growing digital market in printing today. All of us appreciate the foresight of Kenny and Terry Vink,” Niles commented, referring to the owners of GBP.

“They have owned GBP for at least 2.5 years and we have been expanding ever since. We appreciate them supplying us with the tools and training to meet our customers’ needs.”