NextGen Label Group Invests in Second Gallus Labelmaster

Built around its employee-, customer-, and solution-centric values, NextGen Label Group (NextGen) is committed to delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions that differentiate its company and its customers. As it continues to grow its business, NextGen has invested in several new pieces of equipment over the last five years. Its most recent investment, a Gallus Labelmaster 440 from HEIDELBERG – set to be installed in its Cohoes, New York location – will increase capacity and continue the modernization of NextGen’s equipment portfolio.

Intuitive Operation, Reliable Platform

With 175 employees across two production facilities, NextGen is a proud employee-owned company. According to Chief Operating Officer Nick Noyes, the company’s streamlined management structure enables a level of agility that sets NextGen apart from many of its competitors, allowing it to respond swiftly to customer needs and make equipment investments quickly.

“Maintaining industry-leading turnaround times requires state-of-the-art equipment on the floor, and our flat organizational structure allows us to make those investment decisions quickly,” he said.

Mike Fletcher, press operator at NextGen, oversees the company’s current Gallus Labelmaster 440. | Credit: Heidelberg

NextGen specializes in pressure-sensitive labels and also offers shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, resealable labels, and RFID solutions. As part of its overall growth strategy, the company has made significant investments in production technology since 2022.

“Our focus on Next Generation Solutions is fueled by continuous investment in advanced technologies, a bold approach to R&D and innovation, and the development of a best-in-class team,” said Jessica McCarthy, Chief HR Officer at NextGen.

Across its production platforms, NextGen has added a 14-color Gallus Labelmaster 440 and a Gallus One press, which has recently been upgraded to a Gallus Five as part of the platform’s modular design and scalability. The company also operates flexographic, digital, RFID converting, and finishing technologies. As it continues to grow its production fleet, NextGen recently signed for an additional 8-color Gallus Labelmaster 440 from HEIDELBERG, which will be installed early next year.

The new 17-inch Labelmaster, which runs over 650 ft/min, is a significant speed upgrade from the older 11-inch Gallus EM 280 it will replace. Equipped with cold foiling, embossing, rotary screen, and die cutting capabilities, the Labelmaster will boost overall throughput and give the company additional capacity to take on new work.

According to Noyes, “The new press will help us modernize our equipment fleet while simultaneously increasing capacity.”

In addition to supporting its customer- and solution-centric values, NextGen’s investments in new technology also help advance its commitment to its employee-owners. The Labelmaster’s intuitive and simple operation and automated presetting functions mean it is easier to operate and less physically demanding, supporting workplace safety.

“New technology helps experienced employee-owners develop new skills while providing a recruiting advantage when the company is seeking new employees,” said McCarthy. “The next generation of workers is interested in working with newer, technology-driven equipment, and new cutting-edge machines like the Labelmaster help us attract candidates with the technical skills needed for the future.”

With a longstanding history of investing in Gallus products, including Screeny screen printing plates, Noyes cited the reliability of Gallus and HEIDELBERG platforms as the reason NextGen continues to invest in the technology.

“The only way to deliver on-time products to our customers is to have a platform that is very reliable, and Gallus has proven that time and time again,” he said.

Source: Heidelberg