Based in Peterborough, AA Labels is a specialist label manufacturer delivering high quality, custom printed label solutions across multiple sectors. Prior to investing in the Komfi Sagitta Laminator, the business was operating a much older second user Komfi Amiga that had become unreliable and therefore insufficient for AA Labels production requirements. Inconsistent performance had caused disruptions in production and delays in customer deliveries - reliability had become a pressing issue. The team at AA Labels recognised that in order to maintain their service standards and scale their operations, they needed to furnish their finishing department with newer and more robust equipment.
Project Goals and Rationale The primary motivation for purchasing new equipment was to solve the ongoing dependability issues and improve operational efficiency. AA Labels follows a standard investment model aimed at achieving a return on investment (ROI) within five years, while also factoring in a projected 50% residual value on the equipment at the end of that period. This practical financial approach, combined with the clear need for more consistent performance, led the company to explore new solutions for print lamination. The search focused on machinery that could offer high uptime, low maintenance, and strong service backing.
During the decision making process, AA Labels identified reliability and supplier support as the most critical factors in selecting both the machinery and the provider. Friedheim International had fitting reputation and offered strong service assurance giving AA the confidence to proceed. The Komfi Sagitta’s reputation for durability and precision further supported the purchasing decision. With prior positive experience using Komfi systems, AA Labels was confident that a newer, upgraded model from the same manufacturer - backed by Friedheim’s technical support - would be the ideal solution for their needs.
Installation and Training Experience The installation of the Komfi Sagitta at the Peterborough site was smooth and efficient, with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Friedheim’s team handled the setup process professionally and ensured the machine was fully commissioned and optimised for AA Labels’ workflow. Training was delivered to a high standard, equipping the production team with the necessary skills and confidence to run the laminator efficiently from day one. According to the operations team, the transition to the new equipment was seamless, and support from Friedheim met all expectations.
Equipment Overview Since the Komfi Sagitta was installed, AA Labels has seen a marked improvement in day to day production reliability. The machine's consistent performance has significantly reduced downtime, allowing the company to meet delivery deadlines more effectively. The team reports a noticeable improvement in productivity and turnaround times, even though no exact performance metrics were shared at this stage.
Operators have responded positively to the machine, highlighting its ease of use and consistent output across a variety of lamination finishes - including matt, gloss, and soft-touch.
The Komfi Sagitta 76 is designed for high speed, high volume production. It supports sheet sizes up to 760 × 1,120?mm (extendable to 1,300?mm) and substrate weights from 115 - 600?gsm. The Sagitta also retains the ability to run sheets landscape or portrait adding to the flexibility of the machine and its consumable counterparts.
The machine runs at speeds of up to 60 metres per minute, offering throughput of over 5,000 B1 sheets per hour. With a footprint of approximately 4.25?×?1.55?×?1.33 metres (not including stacker options), it fits comfortably in most commercial print environments. Key features include precise sheet overlap accuracy (±1?mm), fast warm-up times, energy efficient zone heating, and modular options such as an antistatic bar, perforator, stacker, and hot knife unit. These capabilities make it an ideal choice for dynamic label production settings like AA Labels.
Industry Context and Future Plans The UK’s print industry continues to evolve: In 2024, the UK commercial print sector is valued at around £25.7 billion and projected to grow to nearly £30 billion by 2030. Custom and short run packaging, especially within the label segment, is also seeing steady growth, driven by demand for premium finishes and quick turnaround. Laminators like the Komfi Sagitta are essential in enabling printers to meet these market trends, having the extra capacity to ramp up speeds with more confidence let me know
In this context, AA Labels’ investment is not just about fixing an operational issue - it positions the business for long term competitiveness. Looking ahead, the company is planning to further enhance its capabilities with the addition of a new label converting machine, reinforcing its focus on automation and efficiency.
www.friedheim.co.uk