Roland DG’s CEO breaks down new major expansion strategy
In an exclusive interview with Print Monthly at FESPA, Roland DG’s CEO discussed some of the company’s recent strategic shifts, including its new industrial portfolio and brand identity
Route 1 Print has announced a major investment into its Stickers & Labels range, including the purchase of a HP Indigo 6K digital press
UK online trade printer, Route 1 Print, has announced an initial £1m investment into its Stickers & Labels range, with further investment planned in the coming months.
The investment by Route 1, which operates from a 300,000sq ft production facility in Rotheram, is part of its ongoing commitment to offering innovative solutions and supporting print resellers.
At the core of this investment is the addition of a new HP Indigo 6K digital press, which is designed for consistent output across a wide range of label materials while supporting flexible, short-run production and fast turnaround times.
The HP press has been complemented by further investment into finishing capabilities, including the installation of an ABG Digicon Lite digital finishing system, designed to provide precise cutting and efficient finishing in order to increase capacity and maintain quality across stickers and labels.
The business has also hinted at a major additional finishing technology set to be introduced in the coming months which it believes will further strengthen its position to create “one of the most advanced stickers and labels setups in the UK market.”
Commenting on the investment, Jack Parks, head of Route 1 Print, says: “We’re continuously investing in technology that allows our customers to offer more to their clients.
“The addition of the Indigo 6K and ABG ensures we can deliver the quality, flexibility, and turnaround times that today’s market demands. These machines are already up and running and delivering exceptional results for our customers – and with our newest addition on the way, this is only the beginning.”
In the second half of last year, Route 1 Print expanded its Stickers & Labels range to include reels alongside custom shapes and sizes.
This development has continued into 2026 with the introduction of new material options, including transparent polypropylene and silver metallic polypropylene, opening further opportunities for premium label applications.
Alongside hardware investment, Route 1 Print has focused on improving the online ordering experience, including a newly developed AI-powered Custom Shape Proofing tool that removes the need for cutter files.
The tool is designed to remove friction for Route 1’s resellers and their clients, allowing users to simply upload artwork such as a logo, with the system automatically detecting and generating the cut path.
To further support its trade customers, Route 1 Print has introduced a fully unbranded Stickers & Labels sample pack, which enables resellers to showcase the range directly to their own clients.
Parks adds: “Our focus is not just on improving print, but on making it easier for our customers to buy and sell. From simplifying the ordering process with AI tools to providing unbranded sample packs, everything we’re launching is designed to help our customers win more work and grow their business.”
