Preprinted PP label producer Verstraete IML (Maldegem / Belgium; www.verstraete-iml.com) is building a new 2,400 m² production and office space at its headquarters to meet rising demand for its portfolio. The addition is due to become operational in January 2016. The company is also investing in three additional printing presses, which will lift capacity by 20% by March next year. One of the machines is a UV press that can be used for high-glass labels and reverse print. Financial details of the investments were not disclosed.

The company said it is currently running at maximum capacity, and needs to increase its output to meet rising demand. This year alone, Verstraete IML has hired 70 new workers, and still has 10 positions that need to be filled.

Part of Constantia Flexibles (Vienna / Austria; www.cflex.com), Verstraete IML purports to be the world leader among IML label suppliers, producing more than 45m in mould labels daily. Aside from two production plants in Belgium, the company also has support offices in Bangkok / Thailand, Beirut / Lebanon, Boston, Massachusetts / USA, Sao Paulo / Brazil and St. Petersburg / Russia. Its portfolio comprises orange peel, glossy and transparent IMLs for a range of end markets.