Labelgraphics sticks to Clydebank £5 million expansion

Clydebank is set to benefit from the creation of new jobs following the relocation and major expansion of a local label printing firm, funded by £1.8 million of support from Bank of Scotland.

The company has also been awarded £1.25 million of Regional Selective Assistance funding from Scottish Enterprise to help fund the expansion.

Family business Labelgraphics, specialises in the printing and production of self-adhesive labels for the drinks industry, with a client base including Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Jacob’s Creek.

The company, which is managed by brothers Alex and Peter Mulvenny, had been leasing a site on Clydebank Business Park when the opportunity arose to purchase a four-acre site on the same park. With the help of £1,850,000 support from Bank of Scotland, Labelgraphics was able to acquire the site and start construction of the 50,000 sq ft facility.

As a large employer in the area, the business has invested heavily in the local community, with 80 per cent of the workforce coming from Clydebank. The purchase of the new and larger site will result in the creation of 20 new jobs.

Peter Mulvenny, projects director of Labelgraphics, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for us. We have already doubled the size of the company within the last four years, and this most recent plan for expansion has unlocked the potential for even further growth, and will boost our turnover to over £12 million this year. We are now Scotland’s largest independent label printer to the spirits and wine markets.

“Although we were keen to relocate the business to a larger site, I wanted to uphold the company’s reputation as a large local employer and by remaining within the same business park, we were able to grow the business as well as stay true to our Glaswegian roots.

“The whole project is a £5 million investment and we are currently in year three of our five-year business plan, which we couldn’t have implemented without the funding from Bank of Scotland, which has supported us since we started.”

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies are working tirelessly to strengthen Scotland’s economy and to provide a supportive business environment with opportunities for ambitious companies like Labelgraphics to grow.

“As we work to accelerate Scotland’s economic growth, it is important that access to finance does not hamper the plans of firms with strong potential for growth, particularly in international markets.

“Labelgraphics £5 million relocation and expansion is being supported by £1.8 million of funding from the Bank of Scotland and have been awarded £1.25 million of Regional Selective Assistance from Scottish Enterprise. This private and public sector investment has helped Labelgraphics take forward its expansion plans, acquire a site and start construction on a new 50,000 sq ft facility. This investment will create up to 20 new jobs in Clydebank and help the company realise their growth plans.”

Amanda Harold, relationship director for Bank of Scotland in the south of Scotland, said: “Alex and his company are a fantastic example of how businesses can maintain a strong reputation on a global scale yet remain locally focused.

“Employing people from the local area can have substantial benefits for your company by helping to integrate a business into the community and improve a firm’s local reputation. By expanding the premises but choosing to stay within Clydebank, it is clear that Alex has thought carefully about the social impact of his business.

“It is this kind of business initiative which we are proud to support. From helping the business from day one 30 years ago, we have seen Labelgraphics grow on both a local and international scale, and at Bank of Scotland we welcome funding applications from any firm with such well-thought out business plans.”

Company growth support director at Scottish Enterprise, Jim Watson, said: "This is a huge step forward for one of Scotland's most ambitious companies. The RSA award is helping Labelgraphics significantly expand its operations in Clydebank Business Park and in doing so, create new jobs for the local economy. Together with our partners, we've worked extensively with Labelgraphics over the years and Scottish Enterprise has provided an integrated package of support including account management, help with training and development and assistance from our Scottish Manufacturing Advisory service.”