About Axicon

How Axicon is managing through the pandemic 19/06/2020

When the shortage of PPE was as its height, our technical department used its 3D printer together with polycarbonate sourced from a UK supplier to create face shields.  We were able to obtain the necessary design files from America, and we slightly changed the design so that it was more suitable for women to use.

We were fortunate to have feedback from a medical practitioner to help us make these subtle adjustments, and the face shields have been provided to local settings where this extra protection has been appreciated.

As with all other companies, business life changed at the end of March for Axicon, when we decided to minimise the risk of coronavirus affecting staff just before the lockdown was officially started.  So what are we doing, and how is it affecting us and our customers?

It was clear that many staff could work from home, particularly those who are involved in the company’s administration and finance departments, as well as the software engineers who develop and maintain all the Axicon software programs.  We made sure that those who required access to the main computer systems had appropriate VPN links, and those that work together still meet via Zoom to check on progress.  All of the regular group meetings take place, but now virtually.

It was essential to maintain support for our customers, whether they come to us for barcode verifiers, barcode images, self-adhesive labels, or barcode advice and support.  We have split our production staff into two teams that come in on alternate weeks, and implemented very rigorous hygiene rules about cleaning surfaces and work stations, as well as using disinfectant hand gels.  We have also been able to ensure physical distancing and new routes through our interlinked spaces.

Some staff have been furloughed, and as the government relaxes the restrictions, we will be able to ensure their safe return to work.

Orders are still being fulfilled using our normal carrier companies, and our VCAS (verifier servicing) department continues to maintain all the barcode verifiers that are returned to us for their annual checks.  We have always maintained good stocks of our components to manufacture barcode verifiers, as many of them are supplied from China, and we foresee no disruption in our ability to supply all the equipment that our customers need.

Our imaging department is still able to produce barcodes as quickly as ever, and labels are swiftly being produced and delivered to customers as they always have been.

New digital printer for Axicon Labels, 7 March 2019

Axicon Labels, the label printing division of Axicon, has installed a Mark Andy Digital One press to meet growing demand for high-quality labels.  “We have been using digital printers alongside our more traditional flexographic machines for some time but we wanted to improve our turnaround time and increase our capacity,” explained Adam Carey, Labels Manager at Axicon Labels.

The Mark Andy press prints in full colour, and can add final finishes such as spot colour, varnishes, and metallic foils, so that labels meet customers’ increasingly specialised requirements.  “We know that our customers always want high-quality labels, and our investment in this new technology means we can offer labels faster, and in smaller quantities when they need them.  Digital printers will not replace all of our printers, but this one gives us the ability to be more responsive, and still maintain the superb quality our customers know us for,” added Adam.

Axicon Labels specialises in being able to produce self-adhesive labels on a wide range of materials, from black and white to full colour, with no minimum order size and with a fast turnaround.  The Mark Andy Digital One printer is one of only four in the UK, and offers a flexibility that few other digital presses offer.