Since its launch in 2004, the DataLase range has experienced a sales growth of over 300 per cent. Much interest is being generated within the US regarding the product and the company now hopes to expand its product sales there to match those in Europe, which is currently generating about 30 per cent of the product's worldwide sales.
DataLase is a novel method for applying virtual labels, anti-counterfeiting solutions, codes and other graphics to an array of materials at full production line speeds and can be used for a wide range of marking applications, including on-product, primary packaging and labels, secondary packaging and industrial parts.
In particular the DataLase technique is proving popular for use in imaging onto backless labels, which can contribute significantly to the reduction in environmental wastage in the printing and packaging industry especially when as much as 50 per cent of a regular label (i.e. the backing) ends up as waste.
>DataLase's new US headquarters will function as a sales office, manufacturing and distribution/warehousing facility in addition to supporting customers and license partners in the US. The company currently has one US license partner for DataLase, coatings and adhesives company RadCure.
The new facility will also house a high-tech applications laboratory to demonstrate the range of possibilities for laser marking, enabling current and potential licensees and end users to test the final results of using the company's DataLase range.
Sherwood has now appointed a Vice President and is finalising a sales and technical team in order to staff the new facility.
In addition to expanding its US DataLase sales, the new plant will facilitate the company's plans to launch a series of new products in the EU and US by the first quarter of 2006 for a range of applications.
In particular, these products include DataLase CASEMARK, a label replacement solution for secondary packaging, and DataLase PHARMAMARK for on-tablet marking applications.
DataLase has already received the largest expression of interest in these particular new products from companies in the US, a company spokesperson told www.In-PharmaTechnologist.com.
"We are excited to announce the evolution of focus for DataLase from a technology company to a complete solutions provider," said Steve Kelly, MD of DataLase.
"2006 will be an exciting year for our company with the launch of our new ground-breaking products and the opening of our US facility," he said.
Along with a recent company name change from Sherwood Technology, DataLase's flagship coding and marking solution will now be branded as DataLase PACKMARK and its existing portfolio of security applications for document and brand protection, currently known as the DigiVU range, will be also be rebranded as DataLase GUARDMARK.