| 57JMB Labels Generational success backed by solid relationshipsJMB Labels’ investment in an MPS fexo press and the relationship with Rotocon has widened its scope and increased its proftability. Piotr Wnuk reportsMB Labels is one of South Africa’s leading and fastest-growing label Jconverters. Launched from humble beginnings in 1987, JMB Labels today occupies a 1,500 sqm offce and factory site in Amalgam, Johannesburg.It is currently managed and owned by brothers Ahmed and Aslam Monia, who, just like the two generations before them, attribute the company’s success to forming long-standing partnerships with customers who value a label converter that consistently provides a personal touch and high-quality products in quick delivery times.Principles of successIn 2020, JMB Labels invested in UV Ray ‘Our customers tend to be either Atom systems to increase savings on lamp The MPS EC UV, installed in 2013, still operates cooling costs and improve curing qualityperfectly and is JMB Labels’ fagship machinefamily-orientated organizations or run by hands-on owners who want to deal with someone who can update them on what’s “We’re still very much focused on doing happening with their job – not within a few hours or the next day, but when they call,’ business with independent companies says Aslam Monia. ‘I always ensure that I have access to our production schedule instead of multi-corporations. That’s because wherever I may be so that I can tell them we’re able to offer them that personal touch”exactly when the job was started, how far along it is in the printing and fnishing process or if it has been completed and call line between me and Patrick, Rotocon’s goals, and so far, we’ve reached all of them, when they can expect delivery.’ Johannesburg-based director. Some of including owning three MPS presses.’The company runs a just-in-time delivery our best conversations take place after In 2013, JMB Labels installed an MPS EC system to accommodate those who don’t hours, and we’ve developed such a great UV fexo multi-substrate press, handling want to hold much stock. Although the understanding that I even bought our third material thicknesses from 12-450 micron standard turnaround time is one to two MPS press via WhatsApp in 2019 after A 410-mm web width makes it ideal for weeks, there have been many occasions Patrick shared the deal details and price of producing self-adhesive and shrink sleeves when the company has assisted customers the EFS 430 model from Labelexpo Europe. at speeds of up to 200 m/min. with a next-day order. This press is supported by a complementary The Monia brothers considered several ‘We will do whatever it takes to assist our Ecoline RSI 430 slitting, inspection and presses that could meet their needs. customers, and they know we will deliver rewinding system from Rotocon to ensure However, in the end, it was more than just on our promise,’ adds Aslam Monia. top-quality fnishing requirements.’ technology that won the MPS fexo press The company applies the same The Monia brothers have admired the the deciding vote. principles to its relationships with MPS press technology for the last two ‘We were blown away by the press’s equipment and consumables suppliers to decades. In 2001 they saw the frst press in state-of-the-art features and the people achieve the common goal of producing action at Labelexpo Europe and appreciated who make it all happen,’ says Aslam Monia. top-quality labels. Aslam Monia recalls how the technology made printing much ‘One year after the initial installation, that his relationship with Michael more effortless. we entered new markets, attracted new Aengenvoort started long before he ‘The fact that the company was built by customers, including FMCG companies, established Rotocon in 2008 and that he a core group of friends and that co-founder and achieved a 30 percent increase in sales. has appreciated witnessing how Michael’s Eric Hoendervangers came to visit our We’re still very much focused on doing morals, values, hardworking ethic, passion facility in Johannesburg when he was in business with independent companies and pride have been passed on to sons South Africa – although we weren’t ready instead of multi-corporations. That’s Patrick and Pascal Aengenvoort, just like to buy a press yet – and started building because we’re able to offer them that they were for him and Ahmed from their a relationship left a lasting impression,’ personal touch. It’s a strong component father, Yousuf Monia. Aslam Monia states. ‘We are frm believers of our operation. We’ve built strong Aslam Monia says: ‘There is a 24-hour in dreaming and setting our targets and relationships with our customers over the Jan - Mar 2023