Harland Machine Systems Develop New Watchstrap Labelling System.

Robert McBride are an established International company, specialising in private label and contract manufacturing of laundry, household cleaning and personal care products. After introducing a new detergent product to their range they needed to develop a new production line to manufacture it. Malcolm Merriman, Engineer and Support Manager explains: ‘We required a watchstrap self-adhesive labelling machine that would also accommodate some of our other products requiring front and back labelling. We have been working with Harland Machine Systems for over 20 years now so there was no hesitation contacting them to help us with such a bespoke system.'

Keith Walmsley, UK Sales Manager managed the machine development for McBride: ‘We have a large range of labelling machines designed for a variety of applications, however when our clients require a more specific solution our experienced design team are always at hand. We were able to design McBride a machine that not only handled a variety of products, to ensure maximum efficiency but was also easily integrated into their new production line.'

This machine is a new addition to Harland’s Sirius range. It has a single Comet 155 head arranged over a conveyor, the products are spaced by an infeed wheel prior to labelling. Malcolm Merriman continues: ‘We had never used the watchstrap style of label application before so we trusted Harland to develop an application technique that would deliver the high quality finish that the consumer market demands.’ Servo-driven, twin side-belts support the product for wipedown. A label is applied to the tip of the product and then the wipedown unit operates to press down the leading and trailing edges to the sides of the product. Operator control is through a Siemens touch screen. Malcolm Merriman adds ‘One of the reasons we use Harland machines is because they are very user-friendly. The machine has been working in our new production line since September 2008 and we are very pleased with the quality of the label application.’