Konica Minolta UK has partnered with GM (Grafisk Maskinfabrik A/S), with the intention of expanding digital label production options for commercial printers and print providers in the UK.
The collaboration combines Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel digital press technology with GM’s finishing systems to provide an integrated workflow for label production. The companies said the arrangement is intended to support demand for short-run label printing and provide an option for printers seeking to move into digital production.
According to the companies, the partnership responds to market trends including shorter lead times, more frequent job changes and demand for high-quality output. It also targets commercial printers exploring opportunities in sectors such as artisan food and drink, cosmetics and private-label products, where shorter print runs and faster turnaround times are increasingly common.
Under the agreement, Konica Minolta will offer its AccurioLabel press alongside GM’s DC350Mini finishing system as a combined solution. The companies said this approach is designed to simplify procurement and support for customers by offering a single supplier relationship for both press and finishing equipment.
The finishing platform includes capabilities such as varnishing, lamination and die-cutting, with optional features including spot varnish and embellishment. The system is intended for short-run production environments and can be expanded through additional modules as production requirements increase.
The companies also said customers will have the option of inline synchronisation between press and finishing systems, allowing for a single-pass production workflow where required.
The partnership extends Konica Minolta’s digital label offering in the UK while giving GM broader access to commercial printers and label producers through Konica Minolta’s sales and service network. Joint demonstrations and customer support activities are expected to form part of the arrangement, reflecting similar partnerships already established between the companies in other European markets.
Commenting on the agreement, John Hopkins, label and packaging consultant at GM, said the partnership would provide UK printers with access to an integrated and scalable label production solution.
Richard Kilduff, channel manager for commercial print at Konica Minolta UK, added: “The digital label market continues to expand, creating new opportunities for print providers to diversify and develop additional revenue streams. At Konica Minolta, our goal is to offer a complete solution that makes it simple for commercial printers to enter label production, while also enabling established label producers to accelerate their digital transformation journey. Our partnership with GM allows us to deliver exactly that.”
