Reliability of capital equipment, backed up by dependable customer support from suppliers, is crucial for any drinks manufacturer, especially when based in a remote location, which is why a successful distillery in the Hebrides is toasting Industrial Labelling Systems Ltd (ILS) for helping the Botanist Gin business to meet a staggering 47% growth in sales over the past year.
Bruichladdich Distillery, on the Isle of Islay on the scenic west coast of Scotland, has reaped the benefits from automating its labelling process after investing in a T43 Blow Vac Non-Contact Print Apply Labeller from ILS for decorating the uniquely foraged Botanist Dry Gin.
Switching from hand labelling to ILS’s blow vac print apply system labeller has transformed the progressive distillery’s production line, from incurring considerable down time and waste of pre-printing labels and applying to flat-pack cases of Botanist Dry Gin before each run. The net result is increased overall line efficiency and cost savings on both labels and packaging.
The distillery’s bottling plant production manager, Jonathan Carmichael, explains: “There has been a resurgence in recent years on premium gin. The biggest advantage of the ILS equipment for us is that we have been able to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for our Botanist Gin. We are currently labelling on average 54,000 bottles per week.”
It’s fair to say that previous suppliers to Bruichladdich had found the distillery’s remote location challenging, but Mr Carmichael had no concerns about the commitment from ILS to provide high quality equipment matched with attentive after-sales service.
He added: “Because of our remote location it is very important that we invest in reliable machines. The build quality of the ILS blow vac labeller is vastly superior and it can also be remotely accessed by ILS to troubleshoot any issues or to update the system in any way. ILS has also attended on site for training and servicing when required with the minimum of fuss.”
Premium gin is enjoying a renaissance which is likely to put more pressure on distilleries to modernise their production processes to remain competitive – Bruichladdich is confident in ILS whose labelling expertise can be relied on to help sustain this tonic in the drinks market.
Mr Carmichael concluded: “I have already recommended ILS to a contact I have within the drinks industry. Due to their build quality and simplicity of use I have no doubt at all that when we need another machine we will not look beyond ILS.”
ILS is the exclusive UK distributor for Evolabel Print & Apply Labelling Systems, highly accurate printers and applicators renowned for operating in the most challenging conditions, offering peace of mind and the future proofing that is so essential for customers like the Bruichladdich Distillery.
Whether its bottling gin on the Scottish islands or meat packing in the heart of England, ILS takes pride in its attention to detail in delivering a customised labelling solution and a best-in-class approach for all its clients in all industry sectors. Its machines boast exceptional reliability and the company provides a full after-sales support service in the UK and Ireland.
Its print and apply solutions come with a range of applicator modules to suit all labelling applications, such as Blow-on, Wipe-on, Tamp, Vacuum Belt, Twin-face apply and Tray & Pallet labellers with auto-tandem systems offering full redundancy so OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) can be maintained on the packing line.
ILS is a leading supplier to a variety of sectors, including automotive, food and beverage, construction, telecoms, nuclear, logistics, warehousing and household goods. Products offered include automatic print and apply labellers, automated pallet labelling systems, outer case & tray labellers, labels, ink and ribbon, large character inkjet marking and inline barcode inspection/validation systems.
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