Label Insights

GEW continues growth with addition of Jeff Stone

May 13, 2025

GEW, which specializes in the design and installation of UV LED systems for the label and package printing industry, has seen strong growth recently. The company has launched new UV LED products that include AeroLED2 and LeoLED2.

To support its growing product line, GEW has hired Jeff Stone as Sales Manager for the Midwest. L&NW caught up with Stone to learn more about his appointment and GEW’s plans for the future.

L&NW: What can you tell us about your role at GEW and what you will bring to the team?

JS: Thanks very much Greg, I am very pleased to be here. As the new Sales Manager for the Midwest at GEW, my primary focus will be on fostering and expanding our relationships with both existing and future clients across the region. This involves understanding their unique needs, showcasing how GEW’s innovative Arc UV and LED solutions can help them achieve/exceed their business goals, and ultimately driving growth for both GEW and our partners.

What I bring to the team is a blend of extensive experience in the printing industry, a deep understanding of the Midwest market, and a passion for building strong, collaborative partnerships. I’ve spent years working closely with printers, so I understand the challenges and opportunities they face. My approach is very much about listening first, understanding, and then tailoring solutions that make a difference. I’m also a firm believer in a proactive and strategic sales approach, always looking for new ways to add value and explore untapped potential.

L&NW: What challenges are customers in the label and narrow web market currently facing, and how is GEW placed to solve these issues?

JS: Customers in the label and narrow web market currently face a range of challenges that impact their productivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability efforts. We believe our ArcLED compatible products, particularly our industry leading E2C and our next generation LED system, AeroLED2, give us an edge over competitors, in the market. To learn more about AeroLED2, go to www.gewuv.com/aeroled2

Overall, at GEW we believe the challenges for printers in this sector are:

Rising costs: Increased prices for raw materials like paper, film, and adhesives, along with rising energy costs, which are putting pressure on profit margins.
Supply chain disruptions
Demand for shorter runs and more SKUs: Brand owners increasingly require shorter print runs and a greater variety of stock-keeping units (SKUs), demanding more frequent job changeovers and reducing overall efficiency.
Environmental regulations and sustainability: Growing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, reduce waste, and comply with environmental regulations.
Workforce challenges: Difficulty in finding and retaining skilled operators.

Overall, printers are facing a number of challenges, and I’ve not even mentioned everyday issues like substrate compatibility and color consistency, but we believe that the above mentioned GEW systems, and particularly the LED systems we offer to this market, can help to battle some of these challenges.

L&NW: How has GEW’s latest LED provided an edge in the market?

JS: GEW’s latest advancements in UV LED curing technology, particularly the AeroLED2 system, provides label and narrow web printers with a significant competitive edge in several key areas. Firstly, AeroLED2 is now compatible with machines up to 70cm wide, meaning that it’s appropriate for all label and narrow web applications.

Secondly, the system is compatible with GEW’s renowned ArcLED technology, meaning that printers can use AeroLED2 with our industry leading Arc UV system, E2C, to allow printers to switch between the two technologies depending on their printing needs.

Thirdly, once printers upgrade to AeroLED2, they will enjoy up to 55% energy savings compared to a full mercury Arc UV curing system. Due to the energy efficiency of the system, an AeroLED2 upgrade also allows printers to free up mains capacity, allowing them to install more systems in their factory, improving productivity.

Lastly, while the system offers great savings, it’s also our most powerful air-cooled UV LED system for the label and narrow web market. AeroLED2 offers a 30% increase in electrical power (70W / cm), a 30% increase in UV dose (170mJ / cm²) and a 40% increase in UV irradiance (26W / cm²) compared to its predecessor, AeroLED, meaning that printers can be reassured that they will get the best cure for their substrate.

L&NW: Is ArcLED technology still a standout USP for GEW in the North American market?

JS: Yes Greg, and here’s why. The label and narrow web market is still transitioning to UV LED. Many companies are still invested in mercury arc UV and want certainty before switching over – GEW’s ArcLED technology allows these printers to make that switch at their own pace, with peace of mind that they can always go back to the tried and tested mercury technology if they encounter any issues.

There are other benefits to the technology. Firstly, GEW holds a patent over this technology in North America, meaning we are the only company that can legally provide this benefit to customers. Secondly, the technology allows printers to print across a range of applications and materials, if they wish to expand their customer offerings; this is particularly valuable in the diverse label and narrow web sector, where different inks, coatings, and substrates may require different curing characteristics. For instance, a printer might use LED for energy-sensitive substrates and arc for specialized varnishes or adhesives. Lastly, for those customers who already have a GEW mercury arc system installed, the retrofit to GEW’s AeroLED2 can be pretty seamless – all they will need is the new cassettes and a system upgrade (as well as the relevant staff training), and they are ready to go.

In summary, while the market is increasingly leaning toward UV LED, ArcLED’s unique ability to provide a flexible, cost-effective transition and cater to a wide range of applications continues to make it a strong and differentiated offering for GEW in the North American label and narrow web market, and I look forward to putting this solution in front of my customers in the Midwest.