Mepco Label Systems
Mepco Label Systems is a privately held, family-owned label and flexible packaging converter founded in 1912, operating two US facilities with flexographic and digital printing capabilities to serve food, beverage, cannabis, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods brands nationwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1912
- HeadquartersLodi, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Mepco Label Systems does
Mepco Label Systems, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned label and flexible packaging converter founded in 1912 and headquartered in Lodi, California, with a second manufacturing facility in Horn Lake, Mississippi. The company produces custom pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, pouches, promotional labels, thermal labels, and blank labels for customers in food, beverage, wine, spirits, craft beer, agricultural, cannabis, chemical, household products, beauty/personal care, and pharmaceutical industries. Mepco operates both flexographic printing (10 presses supporting up to 14 colors, including a Nilpeter FB 4200 8-color servo press) and digital printing (HP Indigo 20000, HP Indigo WS6800, and EFI Jetrion UV Inkjet), holding Esko Graphics HD Flexo certification as one of only 27 printers in the United States with that designation.
The company runs a quote-based pricing model with a 1,000-label minimum order quantity, supported by a direct sales team of dedicated inside and outside sales representatives assigned to each customer. Revenue streams span custom label printing, flexible packaging production, equipment and supplies distribution (Zebra, Sato, Intermec, Avery Dennison, Datamax), and ancillary services including prepress, design, and inventory management. Its customer base ranges from Fortune 500 enterprises (Wal-Mart, Sam's Club) to mid-market brands (Eternal Water, Grand Teton Distillery) and small craft producers, reflecting a deliberately broad vertical approach.
The business is led by the second generation of the Gassner family—Jennifer Tracy as President (since 2009), Karl Gassner as Executive Vice President and VP of Sales & Marketing, and Phillip Tracy as VP of Operations—with Jennifer Tracy also serving on the Avery Dennison Customer Council for Sustainability and as a TLMI sustainability chair. The company has pursued a multi-decade capacity expansion strategy (2012 Lodi relocation, 2014 Nilpeter press, 2015 HP Indigo WS6800, 2016 Mississippi facility, 2020 HP Indigo 20000) and has no external investors, having grown entirely through organic reinvestment.
Mepco Label Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mepco Label Systems
- Legal name
- Mepco Label Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://mepcolabel.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1912
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Mepco Label Systems is a privately held, family-owned label and flexible packaging converter founded in 1912, operating two US facilities with flexographic and digital printing capabilities to serve food, beverage, cannabis, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods brands nationwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mepco Label Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Label and Flexible Packaging Manufacturing
- SIC
- Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pressure-Sensitive Labels (PSL) (IMALAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Flexible Packaging Printing (Film/Poly/Paper Print) (IMALAKAG), Labeling, Coding & Marking Equipment (Labelers, Inkjet, Laser) (IMALAOAD)
Keywords
Where Mepco Label Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lodi
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Mepco Label Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Custom Label Printing: Production of custom pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, and promotional labels. Includes digital and flexographic printing services with varying run lengths from 100 to 50,000+ units.
- Flexible Packaging: Printed flexible packaging for food and snack industries including stand-up pouches, side seal bags, 3-side seal pouches, center seam bags, laminated films, and foil laminations.
- Labeling Equipment & Supplies: Sale and distribution of label applicators, thermal transfer printers, thermal ribbons, and related equipment. Company is a distributor for Zebra, Sato, Intermec, Avery Dennison, and Datamax.
- Services: Design and prepress services, inventory management services, customer service support, and online services including proof tracking and invoicing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom label quotes based on specifications |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Digital printing for short runs |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Mepco Label Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mepco Label Systems is a custom manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeve labels, flexible packaging, pouches, promotional labels, blank and thermal labels, and supporting labeling equipment. Production is built around flexographic printing (up to 14 colors) and digital printing (HP Indigo 20000, EFI Jetrion UV Inkjet), with complete in-house capability from concept design and prepress through printing, finishing, and label application.
Product overview
Mepco Label Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of label and flexible packaging products centered around two core printing technologies: flexographic printing (8 presses, up to 14 colors) and digital printing (HP Indigo 20000 and additional digital presses). The product line includes Blank Labels, Pressure Sensitive Labels, Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Pouches (stand-up and lay flat), Promotional Labels (IRCs, ECLs), and Thermal Labels. These products serve diverse industries including food, beverage, beer/wine, agricultural, chemical, household, beauty/personal care, pharmaceutical, and cannabis. The company provides complete in-house production from design through printing, with additional offerings in labeling equipment and finishing services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pressure Sensitive Labels Custom pressure sensitive labels with adhesive backing that bonds when pressure is applied, produced from paper, vinyl, BOPP, PET, and foil materials. Labels are durable, water-resistant, and suitable for outdoor use across food, beverage, household, chemical, and other consumer product applications.
- Shrink Sleeve Labels Full 360-degree coverage shrinkable plastic film labels that conform to container shapes, providing waterproof protection and maximum on-shelf impact with high-quality graphics. Available in PETG, PVC, and PLA materials, including sustainable PLA options.
- Flexible Packaging Printed flexible packaging for food and snack industries with printing up to 8 colors and 30 inches wide, including laminated films, paper, foil, side seal bags, stand-up pouches, 3-side seal pouches, center seam bags, and foil laminations.
- Custom Pouches Custom printed barrier pouches — both lay flat and stand-up — for product freshness, available as single use or resealable in roll stock or pre-formed formats with various substrates and barrier features.
- Promotional Labels Promotional labels including Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRCs), Extended Content Labels (ECLs), and folded coupons for maximizing promotional offers and extended product information.
- Blank Labels Thermal transfer and direct thermal blank labels for barcodes, shipping, and product labeling. Thermal transfer variants offer longer-lasting images resistant to fading and abrasion.
- Thermal Labels Thermal transfer and direct thermal labels with various adhesives and colors for thermal or direct thermal printers, including freezer adhesive options. Available in the most commonly used sizes.
- Digital Printing Labels Digital printed labels and packaging on the HP Indigo 20000 press with liquid ElectroInk technology, up to 7 ink stations, and ability to emulate 98% of PANTONE colors. Handles short runs from 100 to 50,000+ units with no plate costs.
- Flexographic Printing Labels Flexographically printed labels running up to 14 colors on multiple substrates including paper, plastic, metallic papers, and films, with options for hot stamp, emboss, silk screen, and specialty coatings. Mepco is one of only 27 Esko-certified HD flexo printers in the US.
- Labeling Equipment & Supplies Distribution and sale of semi-automatic applicators, PLU produce label applicators, print-and-apply systems, high-speed applicators, label dispenser guns, roll-fed labeling systems, thermal transfer printers, thermal ribbons, and related equipment, including as a distributor for Zebra, Sato, Intermec, Avery Dennison, and Datamax.
Quantifiable outcome
- Achieves 98% PANTONE color matching with HP Indigo equipment
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Mepco Label Systems
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Mepco Label Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Mepco Label Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- HP (Hewlett-Packard)coreHP provides digital press technology including HP Indigo 20000 and WS6800 digital presses. These presses enable high-quality digital label and flexible packaging production with HP Indigo's liquid ElectroInk technology.
- EFI (Electronics for Imaging)coreEFI Jetrion 4000 UV Inkjet System serves as the company's digital press workhorse, running two shifts daily. EFI Fiery color management system provides color matching and proofing.
- Avery DennisoncoreAvery Dennison supplies label materials including Fasson pressure-sensitive materials and adhesives. Jennifer Tracy serves on the Avery Dennison Customer Council for Sustainability.
- NilpetercoreNilpeter supplies flexographic presses including FB 4200 8-color servo press. The company's last three new presses have all been Nilpeters, representing a preferred equipment partnership.
- CEI (Conversion Equipment International)majorCEI provides finishing equipment including BOSS 130 finisher capable of semi-rotary diecutting, rotary diecutting, sheeting, UV flexo and hot air printing, and BOSS rewinders running up to 1,800 fpm.
- Zebra, Sato, Intermec, DatamaxminorCompany is a distributor for thermal transfer printers and related equipment from these major manufacturers, offering printers, software, parts, and ribbons to customers.
- California Craft Brewers AssociationminorActive member of the CCBA, providing industry networking and credibility in the craft beer market segment.
- Avery Dennison (Materials Supplier)coreSupplies pressure-sensitive label materials including Fasson 1.6 mil metalized BOPP and clear BOPP for premium applications like Eternal Water labels.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Mepco Label Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- CCL Industries: World's largest label converter (CCL Label, Innovia, Avery) operating across pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging globally. Comparable because it serves the same brand-owner customers across food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care, but at vastly larger scale and with multi-region manufacturing.
- Avery Dennison: Global leader in pressure-sensitive label materials (Fasson-brand facestocks and adhesives that Mepco actually uses) and label solutions. Comparable as the dominant upstream supplier and downstream converter of pressure-sensitive labels, providing benchmark pricing and technology direction for the segment Mepco operates in.
- Multi-Color Corporation: Global label converter (acquired by Platinum Equity in 2024) historically one of the largest wine, spirits, and beverage label specialists. Comparable as a pressure-sensitive and shrink sleeve label converter serving the same beverage and food brand owners, though at significantly larger global scale.
Direct peers
- WS Packaging Group: Mid-market label and packaging converter offering flexographic and digital labels, shrink sleeves, and extended content labels across multiple US facilities. Direct peer to Mepco given overlapping product offerings, customer verticals (food, beverage, household), and US regional manufacturing model.
- Hammer Packaging: US-based privately-held label and packaging printer specializing in flexographic and digital printing for food, beverage, and consumer products. Similar scale and product portfolio to Mepco with comparable technology stack (Nilpeter presses, digital presses).
- Fortis Solutions Group: US-focused flexible packaging and label converter serving food, beverage, and consumer goods markets. Comparable to Mepco in its combination of labels and flexible packaging production, mid-market scale, and US geographic focus.
- Resource Label Group: US-focused pressure-sensitive label converter serving food, beverage, health and beauty, and industrial customers with flexo and digital printing across multiple US facilities. Comparable in scale, product mix, and customer verticals to Mepco, making it a direct competitive peer in the mid-market label segment.
- Smyth Companies: Family-owned US label and packaging converter serving food, beverage, and consumer goods with flexo and digital printing. Highly comparable to Mepco in operating model (private, family-run), product mix (pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging), and customer verticals.
Emerging players
- Inovar Packaging Group: Growing US-based label and packaging converter serving consumer products with flexo and digital printing, particularly strong in shrink sleeves. Comparable to Mepco's shrink sleeve and pressure-sensitive label offerings, though newer and at slightly smaller scale.
Regional players
- Valley Forge & Blue (VFB): US East Coast-based label and packaging manufacturer serving food, beverage, and consumer goods. Comparable in product mix (pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging) but with primary concentration on the East Coast, overlapping with Mepco's Mississippi expansion territory.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mepco Label Systems social profiles
Digital presenceMepco Label Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mepco Label Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Mepco Label Systems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Mepco Label Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mepco Label Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mepco Label Systems
What does Mepco Label Systems do?
Mepco Label Systems is a custom manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeve labels, flexible packaging, pouches, promotional labels, blank and thermal labels, and supporting labeling equipment. Production is built around flexographic printing (up to 14 colors) and digital printing (HP Indigo 20000, EFI Jetrion UV Inkjet), with complete in-house capability from concept design and prepress through printing, finishing, and label application.
Is Mepco Label Systems a public or private company?
Mepco Label Systems is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Mepco Label Systems founded?
Mepco Label Systems was founded in 1912. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Mepco Label Systems based?
Mepco Label Systems is headquartered in Lodi, United States, in the North America region.
How does Mepco Label Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Custom Label Printing is the primary driver. The others are flexible Packaging, labeling Equipment & Supplies and services.
Who are Mepco Label Systems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are CCL Industries, Avery Dennison and Multi-Color Corporation. Direct peers are WS Packaging Group, Hammer Packaging, Fortis Solutions Group, Resource Label Group and Smyth Companies. Inovar Packaging Group is listed as an emerging player. Valley Forge & Blue (VFB) is listed as a regional player.
Does Mepco Label Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mepco Label Systems.
What industry is Mepco Label Systems in?
Mepco Label Systems's product category is Label and Flexible Packaging Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAKAA, Pressure-Sensitive Labels (PSL), with a secondary code of IMALAKAG, Flexible Packaging Printing (Film/Poly/Paper Print). Its SIC code is 3081.