SMI, Flexcon announce partnership

Mumbai-based label stock manufacturer SMI Coated Products and adhesive coating and laminating developer Flexcon have announced their partnership to provide durable label stocks across India.

Until now, SMI – one of the largest label stock companies in India – has offered a wide range of paper and filmic label stock solutions using acrylic and rubber-based hot melt adhesives. By partnering with Flexcon, SMI will offer polyester and vinyl label stocks with high-performance adhesives ideal for harsh environment labelling.

The company will initially offer eight of Flexcon’s UL-recognised base films along with one robust overlaminate. The products will complement SMI’s existing offering to provide a full range of solutions across the automotive, outdoor power equipment, power tool, appliance, and electronics markets.

Both companies are family-owned, with multiple generations actively involved in their operations. They are also certified under ISO: 9001; both maintain high integrity, strongly support local community, while striving for environmental sustainability.

“Flexcon has the capabilities to produce label materials that will enable SMI to effectively penetrate the durables market in their region,” said John Forster, VP international sales and corporate development, Flexcon. “This synergistic relationship will allow SMI and Flexcon to jointly provide exceptional products into the Indian market without the challenges of time differential or cultural barrier.”

The offering will include selections from established product lines such as Thermlfilm Nexgen and Compucal Excel as well as Flexcon’s recently launched Flexcon Nexgen line. All are UL-recognised and easily adoptable into a printer/converter’s UL file, enabling them to support equipment OEMs that sell into regions of the world that require it.

Most products also comply with both Reach and RoHS. The products utilise some of Flexcon’s highest-performing adhesives along with topcoats that optimise printability with conventional, digital and hybrid printing platforms. Products will be stocked in either 27-inch or 30-inch masters with custom finishing available from SMI.

Ajay Mehta, founder and managing director at SMI, said, “The addition of durable labelling products from Flexcon to our offering is in line with SMI’s resolve to provide consistently relevant solutions to our customers in an ever-broadening durable labels market. As solutions partners working collaboratively, our two companies can ensure that printer/converters in our region have convenient access to the highest-performing materials on the market today.”