Canon bolsters Label & Packaging growth strategy with acquisition of Edale; Canon LabelStream 4000 incorporates Edale web transport technology.

Canon has acquired UK-based packaging converting equipment manufacturer Edale. Canon Production Printing and Canon Inc. announced the acquisition saying the acquisition would strengthen Canon’s label and packaging business, and creating opportunities for future developments.

The acquisition is in line with Canon’s long-term strategy to provide turn-key solutions for the label and packaging sectors. The move will enable Canon Production Printing to further develop its LabelStream 4000 product line, as well as provide expertise and technology for future products.

Based in Hampshire, UK, Edale engineers and manufactures printing and converting solutions for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed die-cutters, and finishing and converting equipment. The company has a long history in the flexo label industry and a strong reputation for its web transport and converting solutions for digital label production.

Mick Asada, CEO, Canon Production Printing comments: “Edale has been a supplier of the web transport, conventional printing and embellishment modules for our LabelStream 4000 series since 2018. Through this close collaboration we have a very high regard for the Edale team’s capabilities and specialist expertise in printing and converting for the label and packaging industry. We’re excited by the enormous potential that will come from far closer co-operation, and confident that this will help to realise Canon’s ambition to become a major force for digital innovation in the packaging arena.”

Edale Owner and Chairman Grahame Barker comments: “We’ve experienced a period of exciting growth, and I believe that the support of a strong global player is vital to enable us to continue that trajectory in the future, so I’m delighted that Canon will be that partner for the next stage of Edale’s development. We’re confident that the combined force of Edale and Canon will deliver tangible advantages for both companies’ customers.”

Edale, continuing to trade under the Edale brand, will remain an independently managed company, pursuing its established strategy to provide printing and finishing solutions, focused on the label, folding carton and flexible packaging segments. Grahame Barker will retire and the business will be led by the existing Edale management team under Managing Director James Boughton, reporting into Canon Production Printing through Walter Vogelsberger, VP, Digital Packaging Printing.

Canon Production Printing develops and manufactures high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market and is part of Canon, a global provider of imaging technologies and services. Canon Production Printing operates on 3 continents, with approximately 2900 employees (end 2020) and has its Global Headquarter in Venlo, the Netherlands.

Its product offering includes continuous-feed and cut-sheet printers for high-volume printing and publishing, roll-to-roll and flatbed printers for large format graphics applications and large-format printers for CAD/GIS applications. Industrial label printers for self-adhesive labels and selected flexible packaging applications have been added to the portfolio.

Edale provides printing and converting solutions to the packaging industry globally in addition to manufacturing and supplying high technology, narrow, mid-web flexographic and digital printing presses and converting equipment.

With 75 years of experience in the printing and packaging industry, Edale exports 75% of its products and specialises in four distinct areas: Cartons, Digital Web, Labels and Finishing and provides a range of standard equipment and bespoke solutions to customers worldwide.

Together with leading partners and an enviable global distribution and service network, Edale continually assesses market and customer needs to ensure machines are fully upgradeable to stay ahead of the changing demands.