QLM builds $1.5m Cambodia factory

QLM Label Makers (QLM) is continuing its expansion in South East Asia, opening its $1.5m site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

Simon Pugh, CEO, QLM Group says, “We have looked to Cambodia as a market with exciting growth potential. We will be providing quality materials and converting equipment, something the market has been wanting for some time.”

The new facility combines digital and analogue label printing equipment, as well as a range of equipment targeted specifically to the garment industry, which QLM says is one of Cambodia’s largest industries.

It also is host to the country’s first HP Indigo Digital Label Press, as QLM looks to the premium embellishment market, and roll-to-roll printing to shake up print work in the region.

Lindsay Nutley, marketing manager, QLM, says, “This is our first factory in Cambodia. Through our Vietnam factory we have had a number of sales enquiries and this was to satisfy that demand.

“The market is divided into two main areas: FMCG and garment. Some of the garment labels and tags may be used to supply to companies from Vietnam.

“The HP Indigo Press was about providing full-colour, high quality and fast printing options. The HP Indigo is ideal for the garment industry where serialisation and sequential numbering and barcodes are used extensively. The HP Indigo was installed and is supported by Rieckermann.

“The new site currently adds 20 employees to the group. There are plans for further equipment upgrades during the peak season.”

Sokun Tep, general manager, QLM Cambodia site, says, “The market is highly competitive and to compete our facility needs to be modern, efficient and of world class standard. We are looking forward to providing the Cambodian market with a new quality option.

“QLM has installed Cambodia’s first HP Indigo Label Press. Digital print technology is seen as the perfect tool to complement a range of industries, particularly the garment industry, where personalised and variable data are an essential part of their requirements.  With the ability to provide premium embellishments like foil, raised-screen varnish, embossing and die-cutting, QLM are looking to provide roll-to-roll solutions in a way not seen before in the region.”

Established in 1973 QLM Label Makers is an Australian company with headquarters in Brisbane. It has 600 staff across eight plants in six countries around Asia Pacific, the others including Thailand, Bangladesh and Malaysia, and it operates in the UK.