Tailored Label Products Inc. (TLP), a Menomonee Falls-based designer and manufacturer of high performance labels and precision die cut adhesives, recently expanded its manufacturing space from 28,000 to more than 52,000 square feet. TLP’s makes labels and precision die cut products for automotive lens shields, DNA test vials, wristbands for hospitals and theme parks, biomedical equipment, specialized computer and telecom equipment, and many other applications.
The expansion is TLP’s third in four years. It grown to 64 employees from 28 in 2004, and expects to hire about six more workers by the end of the year, said Mike Erwin, president of the company. The company’s revenues have grown in the same way. "Our revenues have more than doubled since 2004," Erwin said. "We’re in the mid 20’s (percent) annually." TLP’s revenues will be slightly lower this year, because of its significant research and development investments, Erwin said. However, the company projects significant revenue growth in 2009 and 2010.
While many of its peers have struggled in recent years, TLP continues to grow because of its emphasis on R&D, Erwin said. "Our specialty is the creation and invention of new products," he said. "We’re not just making commodity products – we tend to be higher end. Invention is a big part of our process. We have six patents under way now across four clients for new processes, new materials and new science for markets that tend to be more reliable in challenging (economic) times such as the medical and hospital markets."
The company’s expansion includes a vacant area in the middle of its manufacturing space, which will be used for future expansion, Erwin said. "Our patents will change the mix and face of who we are," he said. "That’s why we’ve left that center area open so we can create a line in the bowels of the business with its own offices, utilities and everything."
TLP’s facilities have been laid out in similar fashion. With the assistance of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), the company has paid close attention to the layout of its supplies, machinery and office locations. "Our goal was to build mini plants with their own specialization, each with their own shipping and receiving," Erwin said.
The expanded plant is also more energy efficient, and uses light fixtures built by Orion Energy Systems, based in Manitowoc. "We’ve got all new Orion lighting, which gives us 50 percent more light at the printing press," Erwin said. "It uses 50 percent less current than our prior lighting and the energy savings allowed us to power three new presses. It was a literal tradeoff."
For more information, visit www.tailoredlabel.com.
