Northampton-based label manufacturer Piroto has expanded its production capabilities with the installation of a Mark Andy Evolution Series E5 press where it joins two existing Performance Series P5 machines.
Managing director of Piroto Andy Clarke described the firm’s approach as centred on “building long-term working partnerships where trust and collaboration come first”.
In 2012, Piroto installed its first Mark Andy Performance Series P5 press, selected for its reliability and equipped with Domino inkjet for personalisation. A second P5 followed in 2017, supporting expansion into new markets and more complex label production, including “peel and reveal” formats. The company also strengthened its environmental focus, achieving sustainable materials certification in 2019 and implementing greener production processes.
However, increasing demand created capacity pressures at its Northampton facility. The newly installed Evolution E5 press, introduced in 2025, is designed to address these challenges. It features compatibility with existing equipment, LED/UV and hot-air drying systems, and the ability to produce labels suitable for direct food contact at high speeds.
Antony Cotton, Mark Andy European sales manager, said: “Piroto is a prime example of a narrow web converter combining a high degree of technical knowhow to meet the demands of niche markets with a highly varied production capability.”
He added: “Of their three Mark Andy presses, two have water-based capability, two have Domino inkjet units, and two have sheeting capacity at the delivery. That really is making the most of your technology, and it’s no wonder they continue to build a successful business.”
Founded in London in 1973 and relocated to Northampton in 1979, Piroto has built a reputation for label solutions, particularly in the haberdashery sector. A 1986 ownership change saw a shift to flexo printing, supporting growth and stability, while partnerships with major clients, including the Meat & Livestock Commission, strengthened its expertise in customised and traceability labels and supported expansion into fresh food labelling. Under Leigh Mann, who took over in 2003, the company secured new business, invested in numbering technology, and gained GMP and BRCGS accreditations, enabling further growth in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals.
