In the bustling landscape of South Africa’s print and packaging industry, one company stands out for its unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction: Rotolabel, a division of the esteemed Bidvest Group. Founded on principles of innovation, reliability, and superior quality, Rotolabel since its inception 42 years ago maintains being a leading player in the label production sector, catering to the diverse needs of brands across South Africa and beyond.

Nestled in Thornton, Cape Town, Rotolabel has etched its mark as a premier supplier of self-adhesive labels, crafting a legacy of integrity and ingenuity since its inception in 1982. Led by managing executive Wicus Maritz, Rotolabel epitomises a commitment to surpassing customer expectations, fuelled by a blend of cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to personalised service.

Reflecting on the company’s trajectory, Wicus emphasises: “Our goal has always been to exceed customer expectations by delivering exceptional products and service. We are driven by a passion for customer satisfaction and a relentless pursuit of ‘doing-the-right-thing-in-the-right-way’.” This sentiment reverberates across Rotolabel’s corridors, echoed by executive: national sales, Grant Watson, who underscores their customer-centric approach and emphasis on tailored solutions.

What distinguishes Rotolabel in the competitive label production sphere is its unwavering commitment to personalisation and meticulous attention to detail. Over the years, the company has cultivated enduring partnerships with leading brands, serving as a trusted ally in packaging and labelling innovation.

By harnessing state-of-the-art technology and nurturing a team of skilled professionals, Rotolabel ensures each label bears the hallmark of excellence.

A pivotal factor in Rotolabel’s ascendancy is its affiliation with the Bidvest Group, renowned for its commitment to excellence and corporate governance. Leveraging Bidvest’s resources and industry expertise, Rotolabel remains at the vanguard of innovation, continually setting new benchmarks for label production. This strategic partnership empowers Rotolabel to deliver unparalleled value to its customer base.

Moreover, Rotolabel’s commitment to reliability and consistency underscores its dedication to delivering top-tier products. By investing in cutting-edge label printing equipment and adhering to stringent quality control measures, the company upholds its unwavering commitment to excellence. Grant Watson emphasises: “Our commitment to quality is non-negotiable. We understand the importance of labelling in shaping consumer perceptions and brand identity.”

Customer-centric

Rotolabel entered the label scene in 1982 as a self-adhesive label printer, at a time when glue-applied labels were still dominant. Recognising the potential of self-adhesive labels, Rotolabel invested in cutting-edge letterpress technology, which was the best available at the time. This early adoption allowed Rotolabel to provide unmatched quality and capabilities, giving them a significant competitive advantage when self-adhesive labels were a novel innovation.

Rotolabel’s strategic investment in letterpress technology was driven by a desire to provide exceptional value to its customers. Despite the higher costs associated with this advanced technology, Rotolabel saw the potential benefits in terms of superior product quality and enhanced capabilities. ‘This commitment ensured that our customers, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, could benefit from high-quality labels that stood out in the market,’ Grant comments.

A critical aspect of Rotolabel’s strategy was the flexibility afforded by its investment in letterpress technology throughout the plant. By maintaining these advanced presses, Rotolabel was able to offer its customers rapid turnaround times, a crucial factor for businesses in the FMCG market. This flexibility allowed Rotolabel to meet tight deadlines and accommodate urgent orders, thereby supporting its customers’ dynamic needs and helping them stay competitive. Rotolabel has upheld this philosophy by transitioning to flexographic and digital printing, which are now the leading technologies in label production.

Rotolabel’s commitment to excellence extends beyond technology to its people. The company takes great pride in its long-serving staff, many of whom have been with Rotolabel for more than 10 years. This longevity is a testament to the company’s investment in its employees, fostering a professional and knowledgeable team. Grant notes that Rotolabel’s account executives exemplify this commitment with many having served for 10 to 25 years. ‘Their extensive experience and deep understanding of customers’ needs significantly enhance the company’s reputation for outstanding service and reliability.’

Rotolabel’s forward-thinking investments in both technology and people have solidified its position as a leader in the printing industry. By prioritising quality, flexibility, and customer service, Rotolabel continues to provide unparalleled value to its customers, ensuring their success in a competitive marketplace.

Cutting-edge equipment

Central to Rotolabel’s success is its investment in cutting-edge equipment and technology, ensuring the highest standards of label production. From flexographic printing presses to digital printing technology, the company leverages a diverse arsenal of machinery to cater to varied customers’ needs. Additionally, stringent quality control systems and a commitment to environmental sustainability underscore Rotolabel’s dedication to excellence on every front.

Rotolabel’s healthy balance of digital and flexo presses ensures they are able to cover all customers’ needs maintaining the highest quality and competitive pricing.

Complementing Rotolabel’s printing resources is state-of-the-art finishing that offers hot and cold foiling, silk screen, high-build, varnishing and laminating – everything you could wish for in designing a world-class label.

Rotolabel’s journey epitomises a fusion of innovation, dedication, and strategic partnerships.

As it continues to redefine label production standards, one thing remains certain: Rotolabel’s unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to drive its success for years to come. Wicus encapsulates this ethos aptly, stating, ‘Our whole business is based on the premise of going the extra mile for our customers.’

As the company marches forward, its legacy of precision and passion in label production stands as a testament to its enduring success.