Labelling firm expands global footprint with acquisition

Mansfield-based labelling firm The Reflex Group has bought Macfarlane Labels of Kilmarnock, and its subsidiary companies, Macfarlane Group Ireland and Macfarlane Group Sweden from Macfarlane Group.

The acquired businesses will bring sales of around £22mn to add to Reflex’s current run rate of £135mn. All of the 109 people who presently work at Macfarlane Labels will join Reflex’s current staff of around 800.

Macfarlane Labels Limited was originally founded in 1948 as N.S Macfarlane. In 1988 it acquired Ayrshire Labels and Adhesive Labels. In 2000 it acquired Abbott Labels in Ireland and Resealit in Sweden.

Ian Kendall, chief executive of The Reflex Group, said: “We are delighted to have made this acquisition and we welcome our new colleagues and customers. We are aware of the heritage and importance of the business to all its stakeholders. As always Reflex will focus on sustainability, both environmental and financial, the aim being to create financial strength combined with the lowest level of environmental impact.

“With this move we expand our operational footprint into Scotland, Ireland and Sweden.”