In a strategic move to accelerate growth, expand production capabilities, and offer unmatched print quality, Cover Label has installed the Domino N730i digital UV inkjet label press. This decision marks a significant milestone for the Los Angeles-based label converter, which has grown from a modest flexographic print shop into a cutting-edge operation. The company serves diverse industries that include food and beverage, cosmetics, health, and other consumer packaged goods.

Co-CEOs Pat Wafer and Ryder Fyrwald acquired the business, then known as Alros Label, seven years ago with the goal of transforming it into a modern label printing powerhouse. “We were looking for a solid business to grow in the packaging space,” says Fyrwald. “Since then, we’ve rebranded as Cover Label, expanded into digital with Domino, added multiple flexographic presses, acquired Crown Label, and moved into a significantly larger warehouse.”

Today, Cover Label operates with a team of under 20 employees across staggered shifts, running one Domino digital press and four flexographic presses: a 17″ Nilpeter FA-7, a 13″ Mark Andy 2200, a 7″ Mark Andy 2200, and a Webtron 7550. Finishing capabilities include a Grafotronic laser diecutter.

“Fast turnaround, excellent service, and technical capability are our trademarks,” adds Fyrwald. “We serve customers who value speed, reliability, and standout embellishments like foils and spot UV.”

Digital driving demand

Digital printing has become central to Cover Label’s value proposition. The company initially installed a Domino N610i in early 2020.

“At the time, we were doing under a million in revenue and took a big risk investing in digital,” Wafer explains. “But it paid off immediately. Covid created unexpected demand, and we doubled our business that year.”

The Domino digital press didn’t just serve short runs—it opened new doors. “We saw multi-SKU work driving demand,” adds Wafer. “Having digital allowed us to win customers who later gave us flexo work, too.”

Their business has been growing at such a fast pace, Cover Label decided to transition to the Domino N730i. The decision was driven by three key factors: speed, resolution, and efficiency.

“We went from 600 dpi to 1200 dpi, and from 25–30 m/m on the N610i, to 60–70 m/m on the N730i,” says Wafer. “That alone doubled our capacity. The improved resolution also lets us print small text and fine gradients with unmatched clarity.”

With enhanced capacity, Cover Label has shifted longer jobs to digital. The Domino N730i also created new workflow opportunities. “We noticed our finishing equipment couldn’t keep up,” states Wafer. “We’re now adding a semi-rotary diecutter to complement the laser system.”

Customer feedback has been positive, even if not formally solicited, too. “We have a health and beauty customer with fine four-color process text that we struggled to run well on flexo,” says Fyrwald. “With the N730i, we delivered digitally printed samples that were spot on. That job is now fully digital.”

Beyond operational improvements, Cover Label views the new press as a strategic sales tool. “We notified customers and prospects that we’re investing in the best digital technology,” remarks Wafer. “It gives them confidence. When they visit and see the press, it reinforces that we’re serious about quality.”

The Domino Difference

Working with Domino has been a highlight for the team. “They genuinely care,” says Frywald. “Their service is best-in-class. Other equipment vendors don’t even come close.”

Wafer agrees, saying, “From financing to training and support, Domino is our best equipment partner. We’ve got the tools and the support to keep evolving.”

A bright future

Looking ahead, Cover Label sees continued expansion, both in operations and technology. “We want to grow to full capacity, then expand outside of California,” says Frywald. “We’re also exploring other packaging formats like shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, and folding cartons.”