Profile: Multi-Color Corporation (LABL.O)

Multi-Color Corporation (Multi-Color), incorporated in 1985, is engaged in providing a range of products for the packaging needs of its customers and is one of the producers of high quality pressure sensitive, in-mold and heat transfer labels, and a major manufacturer of glue-applied and shrink sleeve labels. The Company also provides a full complement of print methods, including digital, flexographic, lithographic, and rotogravure, in addition to graphic and pre-press services. The Company has manufacturing facilities located in North America, Australia and South Africa. On February 29, 2008, Multi-Color acquired Collotype International Holdings Pty. Ltd. and subsidiaries.

In-Mold Labels

In-mold labels (IML) process applies a label to a plastic container as the container is being formed in the mold cavity. The finished IML product is a finely detailed label. The components include the substrate (the base material for the label), the printing cylinder, inks, overcoats, varnishes and adhesives. It utilizes substrates in the printing process.

Pressure Sensitive Labels

Collotype is engaged in pressure sensitive label operating in Australia, South Africa and California. It is also a label provider to the wine and spirits industry. The Company also acquired a new digital press, which has been installed in its Green Bay, Wisconsin facility in order to meet its customers’ growing demand for customized decorating at small to mid-range print quantities.

Shrink Sleeve Labels

Multi-Color began manufacturing shrink sleeve labels and tamper evident neckbands through the acquisition of Uniflex Corporation. Shrink sleeve labels are produced in colorful, cutting edge styles and materials. The labels are manufactured as sleeves, slid over glass or plastic bottles and then heated to conform precisely to the contours of the container.

Heat Transfer Labels

Heat Transfer Labels (HTLs) are reverse printed and transferred from a special release liner onto the container using heat and pressure. The labels are a composition of inks and lacquers tailored to the customer’s specific needs. These labels are printed and then shipped to blow molders and/or contract decorators who transfer the labels to the containers. Once applied, the labels are permanently adhered to the container. The graphics capabilities include fine vignettes, metallic and thermochromatic inks, as well as the patented frost, giving an acid-etch appearance. Therimage is its pioneer heat transfer label technology developed primarily for applications involving plastic containers serving consumer markets in personal care, home improvement products, food and beverage, and health and beauty.

Applied Labels Glue

Glue-applied labels are adhered to containers using an adhesive applied during the labeling process. Available in roll-fed and sheeted formats, the labels are an attractive and cost-effective choice for high volume applications. Its facilities in Norway, Michigan, Watertown, Wisconsin, Napa, California and Griffith and Barossa Valley, Australia supply either offset or rotogravure glue-applied labels printed on paper and film. The Company also offers promotional products, such as scratch-off coupons, static-clings and tags.

Graphic Services

Multi-Color provides graphics and pre-press services for its customers at all of manufacturing locations. These services include the conversion of customer digital files and artwork into proofs, production of print layouts and printing plates, and product mock ups and samples for market research.