Colleagues past and present came together on Saturday the 10th of September to celebrate 75 years in business for local label manufacturers, IML Labels & Systems Ltd.
The company’s Management Team organised a family fun day at the George & Dragon in Wentworth village involving a BBQ, children’s entertainer, quiz and then, later in the evening, a DJ and magician to keep the party atmosphere alive way into the night.
IML’s long history began in 1936 when the company began supplying labels to the local steel producing giants of the era. Over the years the company has diversified into supplying labels for product identification and traceability in a multitude of other markets such as chemicals, construction, healthcare, waste-management, timber and electrical testing. However, IML’s area of expertise and innovation remains the manufacture and supply of specialised high temperature barcode tags for the global steel industry.
For many years IML shared a site with Hall & Pickles on Nether Lane, Ecclesfield before moving to a newly built factory and office building on the Thorncliffe Industrial Estate, Chapeltown in 1990. In the midst of the brutal economic downturn of 2008 IML relocated again to its current position on Brightside Lane near Attercliffe. From there the company has gone from strength to strength and has recently enjoyed its most successful sales month to date. Instead of basking in its renewed glory IML has opted to re-invest heavily in new production equipment, to improve label print quality and reduce lead-times and update its existing website, involving a full re-brand, in autumn.
IML’s owner, Mr Ken Cook, and Managing Director, Mr Shaun Higgins, cut IML’s 75th Anniversary cake on Saturday afternoon followed by a heartfelt thank you speech aimed at current and past staff for their support over its long and varied history. Ken Cook said “surviving 75 years in the manufacturing sector is a big achievement in itself, particularly with the economy being as unpredictable as it is today. We felt that it was certainly cause for celebration and, as a family company, we wanted to have an informal day involving the numerous people who have supported IML and played an active role in its longevity and success – long may it continue!”.