This year, narrow web finishing equipment manufacturer A B Graphic International (ABG) is celebrating a significant milestone – its 70th anniversary. Following the successful conclusion of Labelexpo Americas 2024 in Chicago, the company marked the occasion at a special celebration at Perry’s Steakhouse in nearby Schaumberg, IL, where ABG’s dedicated team gathered to raise a glass and toast seven decades of label industry innovation and success.

A B Graphic International was founded in 1954 by the Burton family in Yorkshire, UK. Today, Matt Burton, the 4th generation of the Burton family continues the legacy as global sales director. Matt, nephew of board director, Mike Burton, was on hand at Labelexpo Americas 2024, as well as joining the 70th anniversary bash at Perry’s Steakhouse.

During the celebration, CEO, Richard Knight, reflected on ABG’s early challenges and successes when the company was led by Matt’s great grandfather. “Entrepreneurship and innovation have always been the hallmarks of A B Graphic International, and this remains true today,” he said.

Knight highlighted the company’s early struggles in the US, which took a positive turn following the appointments of Al Spendlow and Molly Malster to lead A B Graphic International Inc., the company’s North American branch, based in Elgin, IL.

Reflecting on Labelexpo’s success, Matt Burton said: “This week at Labelexpo has been tremendous, I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone involved in the organization, marketing and set up of the event, the hard work and dedication was sensational. Thanks also to our machine builders, shippers, R&D department and technicians for their incredible contributions.” He added, “I’d like to give a special shout-out to our operators and our build-up team. This was the most relaxed I’ve ever been prior to a Labelexpo!”

Labelexpo Americas 2024 stands as ABG’s most significant exhibition to-date, with the company’s largest-ever stand at 4,000 square feet, featuring 13 machines and an array of new innovations, with an addition 640 square foot stand within the FlexPack area. The highlight was “ABG Connect,” the company’s new automated workflow solution. Other notable innovations included advanced flexo technology, non-stop equipment, the new Vectra AutoSet Turret Rewinder, the latest SRI and the highly adaptable fully modular 530 converter.

Visitors to ABG’s stand enjoyed insightful presentations on the non-stop converting line, their Digicon Series 3 with Fast Track die and new advancements on their SRI3 system to name just a few. New innovations were also on display including their patent pending Automatic Matrix Stripping and High Speed Core loader for the Vectra range. Live demonstrations on all ABG solutions allowed attendees to witness these innovations first hand.

More than 40 dedicated ABG team members attended Labelexpo, celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary with smiles and pride. It served as a fitting ending to a remarkable week and seven decades of entrepreneurship and innovation.