A SWINDON label printing company has expanded its premises and invested in a new digital printing machine after experiencing a 25 per cent increase in sales.

Eclipse Labels specialises in creating adhesive and security labels, working predominantly with companies in the food, drink, cosmetic and manufacturing sectors.

With support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, the management team bought a 3,000 sq ft workshop next to its current premises, doubling the size of its site.

The workshop now contains a new digital printing machine, which is expected to boost production by more than 40 per cent before 2017.

To help deal with the upturn in sales the company has employed a further three full-time staff and will be creating an additional two full-time roles within the next six months.

Darren Abbott, founder of Eclipse Labels, said: “We’ve built a strong customer base over the past 14 years, working with food and drink companies that supply goods to some of the UK’s largest supermarkets. Due to the upturn in sales we needed to invest in both our workforce and our machines, and the new digital printing machine will now enable us to react quicker to our customers’ changing needs.

“As a result of the investment we now expect to achieve a turnover in excess of £1.25m by the end of the year.”

Steve Higgins, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “For businesses to keep their competitive edge, continued investment in machinery and staff is vital. So when the chance for Darren to expand into the additional unit arose, it was obvious that he should seize the opportunity.

“We provided a £250,000 funding package which included an asset finance facility to support the purchase of the new machinery.

“Specialist funding products like asset finance are ideal for companies that are looking to expand, as it enables them to invest in new equipment without affecting day-to-day cashflow.”

Lloyds Bank is dedicated to supporting businesses like Eclipse Labels with their expansion plans, and has increased its lending to small and medium sized businesses by 26 per cent since 2011, while the market has contracted by 13 per cent.