We are currently looking for:

• Trainee Digital Label Printer
• Account Manager (posted 3 May 2012)

Looking for talent that is passionate about innovate manufacturing

We are an ambitious, growing and successful business that is passionate about manufacturing innovative British packaging products.

We regularly add to our talent pool as our growth demands additional skills and capacity.  We look for people with a track record in their area, and value training, qualifications and experience to deliver the best for our customers.

We welcome speculative applications to our Managing Director and enjoy the opportunity to talk in confidence to talented people looking for a promotion or career change to see if there may be a future opening for them in the Group.  We do relocate senior people for specialist roles on occasions.

We particularly look for people with excellent skills in the following roles: product innovation specialists, managers in any relevant field,  production supervisors, internal sales coordinators, field key account managers, label printers, dispatchers, open source IT staff, graphic designers and internal accounts / credit control staff.

How to get hired by Mercian Labels

We always prefer to recruit talent from a pool of people who have already made an approach and expressed an interest in working for us when a suitable role is, or can be made available.  Please email your interest to our MD if this is the case – adrian.steele@mercianlabels.com .

If we need to advertise, then our first approach is to advertise on this site, our blog, on twitter, and on linkedin.  Next, we undertake proactive online searches using professional networks such as linkedin and through the many CV databases such as totaljobs.com. Finally we advertise using online job boards such as monster.com and the job centres when necessary.

Search companies should read our engagement policy below before contacting us.

Working environment

Our working environment is modern, professional and enjoyable to be in.  Our Cannock site was refitted in 2011 and is pictured above.

Why not join us for a no obligation trial day?

We welcome professionals who are considering a career change to come and spend a day with us, shadowing one of our team to see what it is like to work at Mercian Labels.  We find this one of the best ways to determine if we are right for you, and you are right for us.

Work experience and undergraduate placements

We offer placements to work experience students, undergraduates and masters level postgraduates doing sandwich course s and thesis projects in technical and business disciplines every year.  Please contact Lynne Hathaway with your CV and requirements if you wish to secure a placement with us.

About Mercian Labels’ Culture

Please read the section below about our culture.  You must find this culture attractive to work for us, as if it conflicts with your aspirations then we may not be the best employer for you.

Introduction : Deciding to join The Mercian Labels Group is as much a lifestyle choice as a career decision. We know that there are many opportunities open to people like you who want to balance the many different aspects of your chosen lifestyle. This is why we have developed a workplace culture to attract and keep quality people on our team.

Individualism : Gone are the days of rigid management structures and archaic rules. Our staff present themselves with professionalism in the workplace, earn respect amongst their peers and be proud of their autonomy. You will be given training, and as much decision making responsibility as you can handle comfortably.  Our managers earn respect as team leaders and enjoy autonomy to run their team in their own style with support form the Board.

Flexibility : We know you have a life outside work, and that sometimes this conflicts with your professional commitments. Thats fine, we try to work around this. Whilst maintaining essential levels of service, you can fit in late notice holiday breaks, child care, term time working, your sports team, working from home, even extended unpaid leave for overseas traveling. Whatever your aspirations, if you feel that you would like to join us, dont let your other commitments deter you from speaking to us.

Job security : We are not a hire and fire company, and the majority of our team  have over 5 years service. We have been voted one of Staffordshire’s top 25 employers. Our record speaks for itself.

Professional challenges, not stress : The world of small business is dynamic, evolving and challenging. Being busy making customers happy keeps us in business, but stress is nobody’s friend. We aim to constantly bring new ideas to the business to learn from that challenge us all in a positive way. Yes, a conscientious person thinks about work outside the workplace, but extended hours working is rarely required. When we close at 5pm, pretty much all of us head home. Constantly working late every night isnt’t be required by anybody outside board Directors.

Training and career progression : The downside of being a smaller business is that we dont have a traditional corporate ladder for you to climb. This business structure is pretty outdated anyway. What we have is better: freedom for you to create workplace challenges that offer learning opportunities that interest you. If we dont have a skill we need to develop an interesting and prospectively lucrative business idea, then we will train someone to do it. We are not an apprenticeship factory, but we do get great satisfaction for nurturing individual talents.

Respect : We operate in a culture of openness, respect and fairness in line with our company values. Our values mean something to us, so please read them before applying to us.

Share the success : We have a very clear bonus scheme that pays out a clear percentage of our profits to all staff twice a year, before xmas and before the summer holidays. When we make a profit, we all get a fair share of it. This forms a substantial and growing part of the remuneration package for all staff.

Recruitment policy : It goes without saying that we are an equal opportunities employer. Sometimes we have specific vacancies to fill, other times we are quite happy to find a role for quality people who feel they have something special to offer.

Remuneration policy
Our policy is to pay at or above market rate, plus profit related bonus for everyone and commission payments for appropriate sales executives.

Note for Search Firms…
Please be aware that we have a strict policy on unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. We have an effective recruitment approach and an extensive database of CVs from relevant candidates. We usually hear from candidates before you do and often already have their CV. Therefore, sending us an unsolicited CV does not give you any claim over that candidate and we will not acknowledge any such claim.

The Mercian Labels Group will only use recruitment agencies with whom we have agreed terms and conditions in advance. We require all agency/search firms to request and return to the Director’s PA a written fee agreement prior to any CV submittal.

Mercian Labels will not be responsible for payment of any fees in the absence of a mutually agreed upon fee agreement.  Any unsolicited CVs from other recruitment agencies submitted to us (including individual members of staff) will be considered Mercian Labels Ltd property and we will be under no obligation to pay any referral fees.

We apologise to high quality recruitment agencies for this approach, but we receive an unacceptable level of unsolicited contact and will strictly apply this policy in order to contain this challenge.

South African Surprises

Click here to download the full article in the April 2012 edition of Digital Labels & Packaging Magazine.

Labels firm seals new acquisition

The Mercian Labels Group was covered in The Business Desk – West Midlands on 24 April 2012 .  You can read the article here.

Security Labels International announce acquisition of Geoffrey Waldmeyer Associates Ltd

Security Labels International, a leading manufacturer of world-class tamper evident security devices, is pleased to announce that it has today, 23rd April 2012, acquired Geoffrey Waldmeyer Associates Ltd, suppliers of plastic and metal C-TPAT security seals, asset labels and tamper evident bags.

This acquisition will add significantly to the Security Labels product portfolio, particularly its Label Lock ™ range of labels and tape. Used extensively by the police as well as logistics and security managers, Label Lock ™ products can be applied to everything from vehicle doors and windows, aircraft hatches and panels, and shrink-wrapped pallets to laptops, CD and DVD cases and almost all boxes and packages.

Commenting on the acquisition, Security Label’s Managing Director, Dr Adrian Steele, said:

“The acquisition of Geoffrey Waldmeyer Associates, an important player in our market, will enable us to build even further on our ability to meet customer expectations. The security label industry is constantly evolving and the level of R&D required to address the ongoing technical challenges calls for a scale of operation that this acquisition will help us to achieve.”

Hugo Gell, Sales Director, commented:

“This acquisition significantly adds to the portfolio of products we will offer to our global distributor and customer base, further enhancing the Label Lock ™ brand and its continued successful penetration of the security market.”

Geoff Waldmeyer added:

“I should like to thank our customers for the pleasant way in which we have conducted business over, in some cases, nearly 25 years.  In Security Labels International we have found a company that will work to the highest standards to provide the level of service our customers are entitled to expect.  Although I shall now retire, I remain available to the company to ensure the smoothest of transitions. I wish our customers and business associates every success in the years ahead.”

- Ends –

Notes to Editors

Press office

T: 07739-461-061

E: abigail@singletonpr.com

About Security Labels International

http://www.securitylabels.com

Security Labels International, based in Staffordshire, UK, was established as a subsidiary of The Mercian Labels Group in 2007.

Unlike its competitors, Security Labels International manufactures its labels in-house from a factory in the Midlands, thereby providing flexibility and without compromising confidentiality.

The company is not tied to using any one proprietary technology, instead using a wide range of techniques in combination to develop a solution for each individual application.

The Label Lock ™ range of non-residue tamper evident security seals was launched in 2008, followed by Dual Layer labels in 2009 and tamper evident tape in 2011.

About Geoffrey Waldmeyer Associates Ltd

Geoffrey Waldmeyer Associates Ltd, was founded 26 years ago and operates from Bexley in Kent

The company’s product range covers Asset Labels, Surface Mount Security Seals, Plastic and Metal Security Seals, Security Marking and Tamper Evident Packaging.

New Digital Cartons Service

Click here to download the full article in the April 2012 edition of Digital Labels & Packaging Magazine.

"Labels with no baggage" article in the A|D|S magazine

Security Labels International’s Label Lock™ product range was featured in the A|D|S magazine ADVANCE recently .  You can read the article here.

• Job title - Trainee Digital Label Printer
• Full time, permanent post based in Cannock, Staffordshire
• Salary commensurate with the role (not restricted to a formal Apprenticeship package)
• Advertised 5 April 2012 to start immediately
• Closing date is Monday 23^rd April 2012.

The Job:

Supporting continued growth, the Mercian Labels Group are looking for a Trainee Digital Label Printer to operate its flagship Xeikon 3300 digital printing line installed in December 2011.  This is a technical production role in a successful high tech’ manufacturing company with good long term career prospects for the right individual.  The role will involve on the job training in the manufacture of digital labels by experienced operators and will report to the Operations Manager.  Since the role involves a significant training investment in the individual, we are looking for an exceptional candidate for this position with drive, commitment and a superb work ethic.

Please read our careers pages and understand our values before you consider applying for this role.  You must find this culture attractive to work for us, as if it conflicts with your aspirations then we may not be the best employer for you.

Desired Skills and Experience:

Please see the detailed Job Description below.

Applications

If you feel you have what it takes to fulfill this role please send covering letter and CV to Tara Warner, HR Consultant to The Mercian Labels Group –  tara@warner47.fsnet.co.uk

NO AGENCIES - PERSONAL APPLICATIONS ONLY WILL BE CONSIDERED

LABEL PRINTER JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary: The role of a label printer is to manufacture labels to our customers’ requirements by providing printing services operating digital label printing machines and finishing equipment. Perform daily/weekly/monthly maintenance on equipment as required. 100% factory based.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate high-speed Xeikon digital label printers. Program and prepare jobs for printing using the software applications. Act as a backup to perform Re-winder duties. Maintain daily print job production logs and daily delivery manifests. Setup, program and release jobs from print queue. Monitor quality of job output for correctness and image quality.
• Operate cutters and other finishing equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems. Perform daily/weekly/monthly maintenance on equipment as required.
• To accurately manufacture labels to a very high standard, with no products returned due to quality issues.
• Communicate with supervisor / manager on job or deadline issues and any other pertinent information.
• To maintain a safe and efficient working environment, seeking productivity improvements where possible.
• To solve problems by liaison with other staff.
• Other tasks to support the business plan as and when required including working extra hours if required to ensure company business objectives are met.

IN DETAIL

JOB DUTIES & TASKS:

• Pushes buttons, turns handles or moves controls and levers to start printing machine or manually controls equipment operation.
• Turns, pushes or moves controls to set and adjust speed, temperature, inkflow, and position and pressure tolerances of press.
• Selects and installs printing plates, rollers, screens, stencils, type, die, and cylinders in machine according to specifications, using hand tools.
• Loads, positions and adjusts unprinted materials on holding fixture or in loading and feeding mechanisms of press.
• Reviews work order to determine ink, stock and equipment needed for production.
• Discards or corrects misprinted materials, using ink eradicators or solvents.
• Dismantles and reassembles printing unit or parts, using hand and power tools, to repair, maintain or adjust machine.
• Cleans and lubricates printing machine and components (e.g., rollers, screens, typesetting, reservoirs) using oil, solvents, brushes, rags and hoses.
• Removes printed materials from press manually and transports them to storage or finishing areas.
• Inspects and examines printed products for print clarity, colour accuracy, conformance to specifications and external defects.
• Pours or spreads paint, ink, colour compounds and other materials into reservoirs, troughs, hoppers or colour holders of printing unit.
• Blends and tests paint, inks, stains and solvents according to type of material being printed and work order specifications.
• Monitors and controls operation of auxiliary equipment, such as cutters, folders, drying ovens and finishing equipment.
• Keeps daily time and materials usage reports and records identifying information printed on manufactured products and parts.
• Packs and labels cartons, boxes or bins of finished products, as required.
• Monitors feeding, printing and racking processes of press to maintain specified operating levels and detect malfunctions.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE OF:

Production and Processing

• knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mechanical

• knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• operating digital printers
• operating finishing equipment

Operation & Control

• Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring

• watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Equipment Selection

• Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Quality Control Analysis

• conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

ABILITIES

• Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions.
• Visual Colour Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
• Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulae to solve a problem.
• Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Have the ability to:

• learn various software applications within 3 months after commencing position.
• manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• make independent decisions within parameters
• work in a fast-paced environment
• maintain confidentiality on sensitive / confidential documents as well as in all aspects of the job
• work well in a team environment
• communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all people including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• recognise the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilise appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate person

Mercian Labels Group launches digitally printed folding cartons

Mercian Labels’ new digitally printed folding cartons service was covered in Labels and Labelling recently.  You can read the interview here.

Mercian diversifies into digital cartons

Mercian Labels’ new digitally printed folding cartons service was covered in Packaging Today recently.  You can read the article here.