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is bornIT came as something of a surprise when the news broke in the middle of last year that Novus Holdings had disposed of Paarl Labels and that a new entity, Lebone Paarl Labels, had emerged on the scene.

Black female ownership was introduced through Lebone Litho Printers, with Keith Vroon (previously Novus Holdings CEO) appointed as executive director, and Keith Michael (a leading light in the success of Lebone Litho Printers) as non-executive director.

The Sesotho word Lebone (meaning ‘spotlight’ in English) was incorporated into the new name to reflect the focus on building strong partnerships with customers and suppliers, providing a service that’s flexible, responsive and innovative, ensuring labels are perfectly presented to spotlight brands.

However, to trace the evolvement of Lebone Paarl Labels and to underline the impressive heritage acquired by its new owners, it’s necessary to go back to 2005, when the Paarl Media Group (now Novus Holdings) established Paarl Print Labels, as a separate facility, alongside Paarl Print, specifically to meet growing demand in the burgeoning self-adhesive label market.

With the establishment of that operation and the simultaneous investment in its first nine-colour MPS narrow-web flexo press, the stage was set for a meteoric rise in Paarl Print Labels’ reputation, especially in the competitive business of printing high-specification wine and spirits labels. Before long, Paarl Print Labels was hailed as one of South Africa’s premier label producers offering award-winning quality labels and unmatched customer service.

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Over the next decade, the name was changed slightly to Paarl Labels and 2014 saw a significant relocation from Oosterland Street, in the industrial area of Daljosafat, on the outskirts of Paarl, to spacious and impeccably-streamlined premises in Jan van Riebeek Drive, in central Paarl, where transformation and ongoing technology investments have continued unabated ever since.

Now, all the qualities so assiduously assembled by Novus Holdings over Paarl Labels’ 15-year existence are evident in the newly-constituted Lebone Paarl Labels. Despite its changed name and changed ownership, everything in the business remains essentially the same – the premises, the world-class equipment, and the highly-experienced production staff.

One aspect that has changed, though, is the assembly of a young, yet industry experienced, dynamic management team, adding fresh impetus to the business.

This undoubtedly compelling narrative is presented in the following pages . . .

THE shift in ownership, reflected in the new name Lebone Paarl Labels, was driven by a desire to create a more sharply-focused, nimble operation with optimal empowerment ratings.

‘We now have the management flexibility to deliver on an expanded business model while offering a truly personal service, built around each customer’s precise requirements, backed by fast response times and reliable delivery of self-adhesive labels of uncompromised quality,’ confirms Keith Vroon, executive director of the new venture.

Supporting Keith in the attainment of these ideals are hand-picked managers – a young and dynamic team – with Henk Jacobs as general manager; Arrie van Wyk as operations manager; Warren Pietersen as prepress technical manager; and Bart Vervalle as finance manager.

‘With existing production staff and our world-class equipment remaining in place to ensure continuity, this new and experienced management team is set to drive leading-edge quality and innovation, with a mission to exceed customers’ expectations,’ Keith comments. This, he maintains, will be accomplished through continued and proactive investment in staff, systems, technology and capacity – not only enhancing service to established business partners, but also offering an all-encompassing label printing service to a broader market.

Towards a more nimble operation

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A HAND-PICKED management team at Lebone Paarl Labels is set to deliver leading-edge quality and innovation, with the mission to exceed customers’ expectations.

Heading the hands-on management team at Lebone Paarl Labels is executive director, Keith Vroon, who brings exceptional label printing experience to the new venture and plays a major role in the continuity stakes.

Since 2004, when appointed CFO at Paarl Media, Keith has enjoyed a long and satisfying association with Paarl Labels. This involvement continued throughout the intervening years, and gained added momentum after the creation of Novus Holdings and Keith’s ultimate appointment as group CEO in 2015. During this latter period, the label business expanded rapidly from sheet-fed labels to UV flexo and the introduction of gravure and digital printing capabilities. Keith became directly involved in the new business as a managing shareholder on its acquisition from Novus Holdings in August 2019.

Not only bringing an intimate knowledge of label printing to the new entity, Keith has an overriding business philosophy: ‘Customer relationships and service are of primary importance and are only achieved by competent and dedicated staff, committed to quality product and service,’ he insists. ‘A happy work environment that encourages individuality within a team effort, coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset, will deliver these imperatives,’ he adds.

As a result, he’s enjoying his interaction with the people involved in this newly-formed business, helping to create an environment in which they can excel, in both business and personal endeavours.

In Keith’s view, a particular benefit to customers is Lebone Paarl Labels’ unswerving focus. ‘There’s no diversion of interest other

Who’s who?

The assembly of a young and dynamic management team

is adding fresh impetus to the business. Supporting Keith

Vroon (executive director) are Warren Pietersen (prepress

technical manager), Henk Jacobs (general manager), Arrie van Wyk

(operations manager) and Bart Vervalle (finance manager).

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than to be successful in our chosen market. We offer a well-positioned and well-equipped business with outstanding staff with that common goal,’ he says.

Looking to the future, he sees a two-pronged venture: building on existing relationships and further expanding the customer base. ‘We’re committed to the industry we serve but we’ll also expand into the broader commercial labelling space,’ he promises.

A young and energetic team

Having joined Paarl Labels before the ownership change, general manager, Henk Jacobs, has 20 staff members reporting directly to him, and overall responsibility for 100 employees.

Henk spent the previous seven years with Inkon Labels in Sasolburg, where he held several positions, culminating in his appointment as managing director.

‘I enjoyed my time at Inkon Labels,’ he comments, ‘and I’m grateful for the opportunities provided and experience gained.’

Despite this, however, he feels he made the correct decision in moving to the Western Cape and joining Paarl Labels – not only professionally but also personally, especially appreciating the opportunity for his children to grow up in Paarl.

‘We’re a young and energetic team with vast experience in the label printing industry,’ he continues. ‘We’re backed by shareholders who understand the printing industry, the challenges we face, and the

opportunities that can be created with the correct appetite for risk. In addition, we have a relatively flat reporting structure that allows for quick decisions on innovation projects and faster turnaround times for our customers.’

Placing strong emphasis on personal customer service experience, Henk reiterates that innovation is at the core of the business.

‘In addition to our world-class, technologically-advanced facility, we constantly push ourselves to offer innovations to our customers. Digital technology is at the forefront of our innovation and quality drive and I envisage expanding our offering and capacity with the latest that digital technology has to offer, whether it’s a hybrid press or a stand-alone digital work engine.’

Commenting on his vision for Lebone Paarl Labels, Henk sums up: ‘We will continue to build our longstanding relationship with the wine and spirits industry, driving innovation within the sector by bringing exciting new products to the market. We aim to secure our position as the pre-eminent supplier of world-class self-adhesive labels by offering an exceptional level of quality and customer service.’

Leading by example, doing the right thing

Another key player in the line-up, who has enjoyed a stellar career steeped in label printing technology, is operations manager, Arrie van Wyk.

Arrie’s label printing history spans two decades. For 15 years he worked at Labelpak in Johannesburg, followed by four years at Universal Labels in Midrand. As a result, when he joined Paarl Labels, before the ownership change, he brought extensive expertise in the flexographic, offset and digital printing of self-adhesive labels, wraparound labels, shrink sleeves, in-mould labels and flexible tags. This far-reaching knowledge is now shared with the 72 staff members

under his control at Lebone Paarl Labels, where he’s intent on following his personal philosophy of ‘leading by example and doing the right thing’.

Arrie particularly enjoys the flexibility of the new business. ‘This,’ he asserts, ‘allows us to be very dynamic.’

He’s also proud of the company’s new B-BEEE Level 1 status. ‘This is a great benefit to our customers and to our staff as it shows we’re serious about transformation,’ he comments.

Looking to the future, Arrie sees the business growing in the effective use of technologically-advanced equipment and processes. ‘This,’ he declares, ‘will secure our status as one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of high-quality labels.’

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Excellence in prepress and colour matters

A more recent addition to the management team is prepress technical manager, Warren Pietersen, who runs a prepress department consisting of four staff members.

For the previous 17 years, Warren gained extensive experience in the label printing industry, specifically in the field of reprographics, with companies such as SA Litho and Rotolabel.

During his early days at SA Litho, he quickly learnt to manage systems such as on-press colour control and repro workflow software such as Prinergy and InSite. With those vital skills under his belt, his next task was to manage the digital print department. However, it wasn’t long before his growing interest and competency in colour management was recognised, and he was appointed colour manager for the entire SA Litho operation – encompassing the litho, flexo and digital departments.

When he moved to Rotolabel in 2016, it was as reprographics and colour manager. ‘In fact, during my first year at Rotolabel, I was a key role player in achieving impression proof status in the company’s Mellow Colour system that addresses colour quality and consistency,’ he explains.

This is highly relevant experience as Lebone Paarl Labels is now using the same Mellow Colour system.

‘I’ve been fortunate in my career to be exposed to litho, flexo and the first generation of HP Indigo digital printers, and have gathered a wealth of knowledge and experience in these fields,’ Warren remarks.

Like his colleagues, Warren is greatly encouraged by the young, dynamic management team at Lebone Paarl Labels, and its ability to push forward with innovations. He’s equally impressed by the flat management profile that facilitates speedy decision making.

‘And I’m really excited about the new-generation digital print technology we’re now embracing to enable our marketing team to sell the latest trends in individualised labels,’ he adds.

‘With our new ownership comes new investment potential to expand our capability and capacity in the narrow-web sector.’

And that all-important business factor – financial probity – is provided by the latest management recruit, Bart Vervalle, financial manager.

‘With ten years’ experience in the finance and audit industry, my mission is to ensure a financially-sound environment, to ensure we’re able to provide excellent quality labels to meet our customers’ long-term needs,’ he explains.

Asked if there’s a particular management ethos at play at Lebone Paarl Labels, he replies: ‘We like to have a family vibe within the organisation and with our customers. Our priority is maintaining a good relationship with staff, customers and suppliers; this is something we constantly strive to achieve and improve on.’

In Bart’s view, this highly-motivated and proud team is putting its collective energy into Lebone Paarl Labels, and it’s working well.

‘Our management team is approachable and will happily assess concepts put forward by staff members to see if they can be implemented. This, in turn, leads to more options for customers to help them offer specialised or individualised products.’

So far as the future is concerned, Bart, like his colleagues, sees Lebone Paarl Labels maintaining its current market, but also broadening its footprint in the printing industry. ‘We’re constantly looking at ways to ensure that our products are totally up to date and the best on offer to our customers.’

Ensuring sound financial management

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Producing the perfect label

TO say that Lebone Paarl Labels offers world-class production facilities is no idle boast. The plant bristles with leading-edge technology – from the prepress department through to the printing hall, with its UV flexo and digital technology, and a myriad finishing options – all designed to place the spotlight on customers’ brands through the exceptional production of self-adhesive labels.

This quest for perfection starts in the prepress department with its state-of-the-art equipment and highly-skilled repro specialists, led by Warren Pietersen, prepress technical manager.

Chasing the holy grail of high-quality imaging, Lebone Paarl Labels has moved firmly into the realm of flat-top dot technology, to gain the resultant quality advantages that allow flexo printers to improve print quality and consistency, to print more efficiently and to reduce waste – all of which can only be good news for customers.

An earlier investment in MacDermid Lux laminator and the use of MacDermid’s innovative Lux platemaking process has recently been supplemented by a Xeikon ThermoFlexX 30 digital imager, and the related use of Flint’s latest nyloflex FTF plates. But whether MacDermid or Flint plates are used, the outcome is the enhanced quality print achieved with accurate dot consistency.

Complementing this technology has been the recent migration of the company’s workflow to one of flexo’s

strongest prepress systems, Hybrid Software’s PACKZ program. Offering a complete set of prepress, editing and quality assurance functions, such as trapping, separation handling, barcode creation and recognition, this software also includes a preflight function to check whether a file is print-ready.

Combined with this multifunctional workflow program is Hybrid’s stand-alone Cloudflow RIP. In a Cloudflow environment, the RIP runs as part of the operating workflow, handling functions such as routing files based on metadata and obtaining information from other systems.

Designed specifically for packaging and label markets, Cloudflow RIP supports flexo platemaking, providing sophisticated screening and calibration control facilities. In addition to regular AM and FM screening, the RIP also supports object-based screening, enabling full control over the ripping process.

Apart from platemaking excellence and complementary workflow software, colour consistency is yet another imperative. And here Lebone Paarl Labels has invested in the internationally-renowned Mellow Colour system that provides colour quality management for some of the world’s most colour critical brands.

High on its impressive list of features is a virtual sign-off system that scores each print job against the internationally-recognised ISO standard allowing Lebone Paarl Labels to unload colour data to the brand owner, and avoiding the need to conduct costly and time-consuming press-side colour passes.

‘With the implementation of internationally-agreed colour standards, we can ensure a consistent colour appearance,’ Warren notes, ‘and with continuous improvement and process tuning, we’re also shortening our make-ready times and reducing waste.’

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Excellence in UV flexo

Moving from the prepress department to the printing hall, the impeccable manufacturing environment – the domain of operations manager, Arrie van Wyk – is home to three MPS flexo presses, the latest being an EF430 servo-driven UV flexo press, supplied by local MPS partner, Rotocon. Configured with eight colours, double die-cut station, inline cold foiling, and inline slitting and sheeting, it has opened up fresh markets and has expanded the plant’s capacity to offer top-quality self-adhesive labels.

Many subsequent upgrading projects have steadily improved service delivery, efficiency and award-winning quality. For instance, the two older MPS presses have been reconditioned to ‘as new’ condition; and money has also been spent on auxiliary equipment to enhance productivity, such as the 100% web inspection system from Erhardt+Leimer (another Rotocon principal) that eliminates printing defects.In addition, mounted on one MPS press is a Telstar inline hot foiling unit, supplied by SArepco, elevating the operation to another level when it comes to foil decoration. This state-of-the-art system features digital control for completely accurate temperature control of the foiling cylinder and produces high-end foiled labels at previously-unseen speeds.

Flexo printing excellence is provided by Lebone

Paarl Labels’ three MPS UV presses.

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On the subject of foiling, a prime supplier of tooling is Foilworx, a company that specialises in CNC precision engineering of dies for foiling, embossing and debossing effects.

Manufacturers of foiling, debossing & embossing dies on flat & cylinder surfaces. In addition to wax seals, heat branding irons & male counters. Precision CNC Engraving & Engineering.

Unit 2 • 18 Buketraube Crescent • Saxenburg Park 2 • Blackheath

Tel 021 202 4406 • E-mail admin@foilworx.co.za

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Moving on to the post-print finishing department, Rotoflex units, from the SArepco stable, manage inspection, slitting and rewinding operations, and these machines are complemented by a Prati Saturn high-speed slitter-inspection-rewinder, made in Italy and supplied through local representative, Ipex Machinery.

Helping to ensure excellent quality of finished rolls, the company’s two Rotoflex machines are equipped with the latest offline digital web inspection cameras. Supplied by Sareltech, these recently-installed BST TubeScan Digital Probe units feature 4k resolution to generate 100% image reproduction, satisfying the requirements of high-quality printing and surface inspection.

Another vital aspect of flexo printing excellence is the choice of anilox rolls, and here Lebone Paarl Labels has recently ordered its first batch of products imported by Rotocon from Cheshire Anilox Technology in the UK. This first order consists of Cheshire’s MaxFlo and TwinFlo products, which, Arrie is pleased to confirm, are performing to expectations.

And keeping everything spick and span, yet another part of Lebone Paarl Labels’ quest to ensure printing excellence, is Flexo Wash automatic cleaning equipment, for washing plates, anilox rolls, screens and parts – made in Denmark and sold locally by Ipex Machinery.

Post-print inspection, slitting and rewinding is effortlessly carried out on two Rotoflex

units. Recently, they’ve been equipped with the latest BST TubeScan offline digital web

inspection cameras.

info@ipex.co.za • www.ipex.co.za

Johannesburg T +27 011 493 7816 • Durban T +27 031 701 0260 • Cape Town T +27 021 535 1515

Flexo Wash is proud of its offering of a full range of cleaning equipment to meet every cleaning need at Lebone Paarl Labels.

14Cape TownT +27 021 975 6763E pascal@rotocon.co.za

JohannesburgT +27 011 397 2172 E patrick@rotocon.co.za

DurbanT +27 031 701 0383 E akhmuth@rotocon.co.za

www.rotocon.co.za

Suppliers of label printing and finishing machines, accessories and consumables, including MPS flexo presses with hybrid UV/LED curing systems and fully-automated Quick Change Die units; microscopically precise and adaptable Wink SuperCut flexible dies; Kocher+Beck’s high-definition, precoated TecScreen printing plates for next-level rotary screen printing effects; and Cheshire Anilox Technology’s digital-precision engraved ceramic anilox rollers, to meet printers’ exacting requirements.

CUSTOMISED FULL-SERVICE PACKAGE

Unrivalled consultationand after-sales support

Proud Lebone Paarl Labels partner.

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Providing further evidence of the mission to reduce lead times while maintaining top quality is the recent installation of Kocher+Beck (a Rotocon principal) screen exposure and mounting equipment, allowing for faster in-house production of print-ready screens.

With this installation, Lebone Paarl Labels can produce a print-ready screen in less than an hour (compared to the lengthy process of emulsion coating). ‘This is essential when we’re meeting tight deadlines for labels and the simultaneous demand for top quality,’ says Arrie van Wyk.

Rotary screen printing remains a valuable feature when it comes to producing labels for leading brands. ‘To compete in highly competitive markets – such as wine and spirits – image is everything. And screen printing provides effects that take labels to another level,’ Arrie maintains.

K+B’s TecScreen is a high-definition, precoated rotary silkscreen mesh, made of a nickel-plated stainless steel material, coated with photopolymer and protected against mechanical damages with a carrier foil. It offers a number of design characteristics that make it stand apart, particularly register accuracy.

Additionally, as Arrie reiterates, costs are always an issue in the label market. ‘TecScreen allows us to use the advantages of screen printing at an affordable cost,’ he asserts.

Lebone Paarl Labels has also used the SPG PRINTS, Rotary Screen Integration unit (RSI®) for numerous years with great success. Rotamesh® Screens

Self-sufficiency in rotary screens

Integrated Rotary Screen Printing solutions for the label, textile and industrial markets through the global leader, SPG Prints.We represent industry-leading brand ACTEGA Terra, the pioneer for overprint varnishes. Distributor and suppliers of specialised UV inks and high build varnishes for the narrow web print industry.

Tel: +27 (0) 21-511 6750 email: info@colorscreen.co.za

www.colorscreen.co.za

Proud to be associated with Lebone Paarl Labels

Using SPG PRINTS’ RotaPlate reusable nickel rotary screens, a tactile image can be created by printing a clear varnish over

an existing image – an effective way to add vividness to an icon or brand name, and enhancing retail shelf impact.

are also being used and are the ultimate workhorse with the Rotary Screen Integration unit (RSI®). SPG PRINTS’, Rotamesh® is a non-woven, electroformed mesh made of 100% nickel. The unique hexagonal ‘honeycomb’ structure ensures sharp printing quality, maximum stability and consistency.

Screen-making chemistry is also supplied to Lebone Paarl Labels to process the Rotamesh® screens in-house with the full technical support of ColorScreen. The entire SPG PRINTS range is represented locally by ColorScreen, bringing all the high-value applications of rotary screen – such as special effects to labels like opaque white, ultra-fine raised text and lines, tactile, braille, glitter, 3D effects, tactile spot varnish, hot foil replacements, and scratch-off coatings.

The Rotary Screen Integration unit, in combination with Rotamesh Screens,

are the ultimate workhorses.

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Formulator of UV curing and water based printing inks for all applications

Total ink management solutions using the very latest in computerisedcolour matching equipment and software

Head OfficeTel: +27 21 557 8237Fax: +27 21 557 8290

Johannesburg OfficeTel: +27 11 907 4547 / 9120Fax: +27 11 907 4547

Durban OfficeTel: +27 31 700 8298Fax: +27 31 700 8298

Select Inks

celebrates the

new beginning of

Lebone Paarl Labels.

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Burgeoning focus on digital print

ASIDE from excellence in flexographic printing, however, Lebone Paarl Labels is enjoying spectacular growth in the provision of digitally-printed labels and a burgeoning focus on the production of individualised labels.

‘The sophisticated digital technology provided by our HP Indigo WS 6800 digital press includes high-resolution printing in up to seven colours to create the full colour spectrum, including silver for metallic finishes and white for sleeves,’ explains Arrie.

‘It also allows for variable printing of elements such as text, images, barcodes, numbers and security features, plus the creation of individualised labels for maximum impact and customer interactivity.’

In addition, brand owners can leverage the capabilities of HP SmartStream Mosaic and Collage programs to make every digitally-printed label truly unique, creating an infinite number of designs, without any impact on productivity, for irresistible shelf-appeal and maximum customer interactivity.

Makeready is a simple matter on the HP Indigo

WS 6800 digital press.

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‘Our customers’ labels are an integral part of their packaging, differentiating their products from those of their competitors,’ comments general manager, Henk Jacobs. ‘Spotlighting their brands through the delivery of exceptionally finished labels is at the absolute core of what we offer and our approach is to give every job personal attention, as well as to push the boundaries of technology to raise the bar in label production,’ he adds.

‘The HP Indigo’s superior technology delivers a digital colour printing process that matches the quality of gravure printing,’ he continues. ‘With high resolution printing and perfect registration, this digital press produces the distinctive labels envisioned by their designers.’

Once printed, the reel moves directly from the Indigo to an ABG Digicon digital finishing line where foiling, embossing and a high-build gloss varnishing can be added in a single pass to incorporate depth and texture to any label.

Adding excitement to this particular topic is the news that a future edition of PPM is to include an article on a ground-breaking development. The insert will include a digitally-printed label – soon to be printed as an in-house demonstration – to illustrate the amazing achievement of the Mosaic and Collage software when it comes to the production of individualised labels.

And last word on the subject of technology goes to general manager, Henk Jacobs. ‘Finely crafted labels are a result of truly understanding our customers and investing in the best technology,’ he confirms. ‘The final result is a product that’s an amazing blend of art and skill.’

Embracing rapid advancements in software and equipment ensures Lebone Paarl Labels can deliver labels of uncompromised quality faster and more efficiently, whether using UV flexo or digital printing.

Customers can be confident that their labels are inspected and approved according to stringent ISO 9001 standards for perfect continuity, full brand integrity and functionality.

In addition, to confirm adherence to a recognised food safety management system, the plant is also FSSC 22000 certified.

Quality and safety guaranteed

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This special profile for LEBONE PAARL LABELS is published by Packaging Chain cc as a supplement to the March 2020 edition of PACKAGiNG & Print Media

Editor: Gill LoubserDesigner: Banie Stafford Graphic Design T 0741 927 827

The industry voice of Africa

Advertisers’ Index

ColorScreen...................................................15

www.colorscreen.co.za

FoilWorx..........................................................12

T 021 262 4406

Hybrid Software................................................8

www.hybridsoftware.com

Ipex Machinery/Flexo Wash............................13

www.ipex.co.za

www.flexowash.com

K Systems Foils...............................................10

www.ksystems.co.za

Kemtek Imaging Systems..............................IFC

www.kemtek.co.za

Lebone Paarl Labels..........................OFC, OBC

www.lpaarllabels.co.za

Paragon Inks....................................................8

www.paragoninks.co.uk

Ritrama...........................................................8

www.ritrama.com

Rotocon ........................................................14

www.rotocon.co.za

Sareltech.......................................................16

www.sareltech.com

SArepco .........................................................4

www.sarepco.co.za

Select Inks.....................................................16

www.selectinks.co.za

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T +27 21 877 6200

E info@lpaarllabels.co.za

c/o Jan van Riebeeck & Langehoven Street, Paarl7646