Adam James, currently co-managing director at CS Labels (part of the Asteria Group), has been appointed managing director of Bar Graphic Machinery (BGM), effective from the start of Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona.

The appointment follows Duplo International’s recent acquisition of BGM. Mr James will lead the business alongside BGM founders Bill and Annemarie Rhodes, who will remain involved during the transition period. He will report to a group of Duplo International BGM directors, similar to his current reporting structure within the Asteria Group.

Peter Jolly, CIO at Duplo International and a director at BGM, welcomed the appointment: “We are absolutely delighted to secure Adam as our new managing director at BGM. His extensive experience in the labels and flexible packaging sector, along with his background in leading a business through acquisition, made him a standout candidate. As a former equipment buyer, Adam also brings a valuable customer perspective that will help inform product development.”

Mr James has over 25 years of experience in the labels and packaging industry. He began his career in 2000 at Amberley Labels in Blandford, Dorset, initially working in stores and dispatch before progressing to press operator and later production manager. In 2009, he joined CS Labels in Wolverhampton as production manager, rising through the ranks to operations director, and eventually joint-managing director after the company was acquired by Asteria in 2021.

Commenting on his new role, Mr James said: “Joining BGM as managing director after Duplo’s purchase is a great opportunity. My experience managing a label company and being an end-user gives me insight into what converters really need. The team at BGM is excellent, and under Bill and Annemarie’s leadership, they’ve developed well-engineered machines. We’re small enough to stay responsive and big enough to scale production effectively.”

He added that new product developments are already in the pipeline, with a focus on improving usability and operational efficiency for customers.