Mercury Walch boosts Hobart label output with new press

Mercury Walch has installed a Screen L350UV SAI-S digital label press at its Hobart operation, supplied by Jet Technologies.

The new press expands the company's label printing capacity and lifts production speeds from about nine metres a minute to 60 metres a minute.

Operating from Moonah since the early 1900s, Mercury Walch has grown into Tasmania's largest sheetfed printer. Its services include commercial print, digital print, direct mail, packaging, large-format point-of-sale materials and label production.

The investment reflects a push to win more label work in Tasmania, particularly jobs that have been going to interstate suppliers. The added capacity will allow the business to take on larger, more complex orders and offer shorter turnaround times.

General Manager Adam Glover said the decision was driven by customer demand and by the limits of the company's previous equipment.

"Our previous label press couldn't print white, which limited the range of work we could produce for customers. If we couldn't meet all of their label requirements, it made it difficult for them to move their business to us," said Adam Glover, General Manager of Mercury Walch.

The move also marks a broader technology shift as the business develops its label division. Inkjet systems have become more common in print manufacturing as operators seek quicker set-up and more flexibility across short and long production runs.

Glover said Mercury Walch had tracked market developments before choosing the Screen machine.

"We'd been watching advances in inkjet technology for some time and were impressed by both the print quality and production speed of the Screen L350UV SAI-S. Combined with its ease of operation, it gives us the confidence to build a stronger label offering for Tasmanian businesses," he said.

Local market

For Tasmania's printing sector, the upgrade is aimed at keeping more production within the state. Label work is often time-sensitive, and local supply can reduce freight delays and shorten delivery times for food producers, manufacturers and other businesses that need regular replenishment.

The expanded set-up gives Mercury Walch scope to revisit potential clients it could not fully serve before. It also expects the higher output rate to strengthen its position on longer production runs, where speed and unit cost are more closely watched.

"With the new capabilities of the L350UV SAI-S, we're now able to re-engage prospective customers knowing we can fully support their requirements. Our goal is to keep more label production in Tasmania rather than seeing that work leave the state," Glover said.

"The increased efficiency also means we can be far more competitive on longer production runs while helping customers reduce lead times. For many businesses, producing labels locally means faster delivery and fewer freight delays," he said.

Long partnership

The installation builds on a commercial relationship between Mercury Walch and Jet Technologies that stretches back several decades. Before the purchase, Mercury Walch sourced print consumables and technical support from the supplier.

According to Glover, that history played a role in the selection process.

"We've had a long-standing relationship with Jet Technologies and have always valued their knowledge across the printing industry," he said.

"When we decided to expand further into labels, they were the natural partner to help us bring that vision to life."

Founded in Sydney more than 45 years ago, Jet Technologies supplies equipment and materials to print and packaging businesses across Australia, New Zealand and several Asian markets. Demand for digital inkjet systems has risen as print firms seek to widen their product range and improve turnaround times.

Managing Director Jack Malki said the Mercury Walch installation reflected those industry pressures.

"Printers are increasingly looking for ways to diversify their offering while delivering faster turnaround times and exceptional quality," said Jack Malki, Managing Director of Jet Technologies.

"The Screen L350UV SAI-S gives businesses like Mercury Walch the ability to produce high-quality labels at significantly higher speeds, opening new revenue opportunities while helping customers access local manufacturing. The team at Mercury Walch has built an outstanding reputation over many decades, and we're pleased to support the next stage of their growth with technology that will help strengthen Tasmania's local print industry," Malki said.