Empower Label

What Empower Label does

Empower Label (formerly Brandywine Label Printing / Brandywine Drumlabels, LLC), founded circa 1990 and headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, is a vertically integrated manufacturer of pressure-sensitive industrial safety and compliance labels. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wausau Coated Products, Inc. (acquired end of 2020) and operates a new 72,000 sq ft converting center of excellence and distribution facility opened in March 2025. Its proprietary product portfolio centers on the ARMA durable label line (ARMA LT for laser toner, ARMA IJ for inkjet, ARMA TT for thermal transfer), the Poly-Twin BS5609-certified GHS label family, Brandywine Prime glossy paper labels, and Twin-Tag bulk tags, all designed to withstand chemical exposure, abrasion, UV radiation, and seawater submersion.

The underlying technology platform combines in-house adhesive coating and converting with certified label formulations (BS5609 Sections 2 and 3, UL 969 authorized, GHS/OSHA HazCom/DOT compliant). Empower Label distributes an authorized-reseller portfolio of seven printer OEM lines — Epson ColorWorks, NeuraLabel, Afinia, Canon, Zebra, Ricoh, and Lexmark — bundled with proprietary label media, plus Loftware NiceLabel design and label management software (cloud and on-premise) with implementation services including SAP/GLM and BarTender integration. The company's go-to-market is direct enterprise sales supported by industry trade show presence (ILMA, NACD ChemEdge, SCHC, ISSA, HPCA) and a no-obligation free label trial funnel.

Empower Label generates revenue through durable industrial label sales (primary), printer hardware resale, Loftware NiceLabel software licensing/subscription, and implementation and technical support services. It serves 1,300+ client sites across 50+ countries with primary verticals in chemical manufacturing and distribution and lubricant manufacturing, plus secondary verticals in cleaning products, paint and coatings, agrochemical, electrical equipment, and household/commercial products. The company employs 51–100 people and operates as a private subsidiary of family-owned Wausau Coated Products, with no external institutional investment disclosed.

Name

Empower Label

Legal name

Empower Label

Website

https://empowerlabel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Empower Label is a Plymouth, Minnesota-based vertically integrated manufacturer of BS5609-certified durable industrial safety and compliance labels, sold alongside authorized-reseller label printers, Loftware NiceLabel software, and implementation services to chemical, lubricant, cleaning, paint, and agrochemical manufacturers across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Safety and Compliance Labels

NAICS

Packaging and Labeling Services (561910), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255), Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993)

SIC

Plastics Products, Nec (3089), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Pressure-Sensitive Labels (PSL) (IMALAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Functional Labels (Linerless, RFID/NFC, Braille, Smart) (IMALAKAK), Tapes, Labels & Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (IMAEAGAJ), Label Application Systems & Print-and-Apply (Equipment) (IMALAKAO), Labeling, Coding & Marking Equipment (Labelers, Inkjet, Laser) (IMALAOAD)

Keywords

• Industrial safety labels
• GHS compliance labeling
• BS5609 certified labels
• On-demand label printing
• Pressure-sensitive label manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Plymouth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Durable Industrial Label Sales: Empower Label generates primary revenue through the manufacture and sale of pressure-sensitive durable industrial labels. Products are sold directly to end-user companies in the chemical, lubricant, cleaning, paint, coatings, and household products industries. Labels are available as standard stocked items and custom-engineered to specification. Revenue is derived from per-roll and per-unit label pricing, with customers purchasing blank label stock for on-premise digital printing or ordering pre-printed custom labels.
2. Label Printer Resale: Empower Label acts as an authorized reseller for multiple label printer brands including Afinia, Epson (ColorWorks), NeuraLabel, Canon, Zebra, Ricoh, and Lexmark. Revenue is generated through the sale of hardware platforms and associated accessories such as rewinders, unwinders, and tension controllers. Printers are sold alongside consumables and supplies.
3. Loftware NiceLabel Software Distribution: As a Loftware Authorized Partner, Empower Label distributes Loftware Cloud, Loftware Cloud Designer, and Loftware NiceLabel Label Management System (LMS) software. Revenue is generated through software licensing fees, subscription fees (for cloud solutions), and implementation and support services.
4. Free Label Trial and Sample Program: Empower Label offers a free sample roll of blank or printed labels to prospective customers for testing with their in-house printer and auto-application equipment. This serves as a customer acquisition and qualification tool, allowing customers to confirm product quality before committing to purchase. No obligation is required for the trial.
5. Implementation and Technical Support Services: Empower Label provides implementation services including on-site printer installation, training, virtual support during travel restrictions, and coordination of technical resources (e.g., BarTender labeling software integration, SAP/GLM connectivity). The company also coordinates with third-party service providers for Ricoh/Lanier printer implementations, including online ordering portal setup and remote printer supply management.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Empower Label is a vertically integrated manufacturer of pressure-sensitive safety and compliance labels sold as blank stock for on-demand digital printing. Its ARMA™ line covers durable industrial labels for laser toner, inkjet, and thermal transfer printers, complemented by Poly-Twin® BS5609-certified synthetic labels, Brandywine Prime™ glossy paper labels, hazmat placards, and Twin-Tag® bulk tags. The company also resells and implements label printers and Loftware NiceLabel label design software as a complete on-premise labeling solution for chemical, lubricant, cleaning, paint, and household product manufacturers.

Product overview

Empower Label (formerly Brandywine Label Printing) is a vertically integrated safety and compliance label solutions provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. The core offering includes ARMA™ branded durable industrial labels (ARMA™ LT for laser, ARMA™ IJ for inkjet, ARMA™ TT for thermal transfer), Poly-Twin® GHS/BS5609-certified labels, and Brandywine Prime™ paper labels. These are complemented by a full range of label printing hardware including Epson ColorWorks inkjet printers, NeuraLabel HP PageWide printers, Afinia Memjet printers, Canon printers, Ricoh and Lexmark color laser printers, and associated accessories (Labelmate and DPR rewinders/unwinders). The company also resells and implements Loftware NiceLabel label design and management software (cloud and on-premise versions). Solutions are focused on chemical, lubricant, cleaning products, paint/coatings, and household/industrial product industries with emphasis on GHS compliance, BS5609 certification, and print-on-demand capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ARMA: Durable industrial label product line designed for harsh environments with resistance to abrasion, UV radiation, chemicals, and seawater immersion. Includes ARMA LT (laser toner), ARMA IJ (inkjet), and ARMA TT (thermal transfer) labels.

Products and services

• ARMA™ LT (Laser Toner) Durable Labels Premium laser toner-compatible durable industrial labels available in polyester (PET) and vinyl (PVC) face stocks, BS5609 certified for harsh industrial environments including chemical exposure and seawater submersion. Designed for chemical manufacturers, lubricant producers, and other hazardous product packagers needing GHS-compliant durable labels printed on standard laser toner printers.
• ARMA™ IJ (Inkjet) Durable Labels Industry-standard durable inkjet labels optimized for aqueous pigment ink on digital inkjet platforms, featuring proprietary polyolefin blend face stock and tough ink-receptive topcoat. Designed for chemical, lubricant, cleaning, and household product manufacturers needing vivid full-color durable labels.
• ARMA™ TT (Thermal Transfer) Durable Labels Durable thermal transfer printable labels for demanding safety and compliance applications including hazardous chemical labeling, made of rugged polyester film optimized for resin ribbons. For chemical manufacturers and industrial product producers requiring durable compliance labels on Zebra and other thermal transfer printers.
• Poly-Twin® GHS/BS5609 Synthetic Labels GHS and BS5609-certified synthetic label stock designed for chemical packaging including drums, barrels, and totes, meeting all requirements for GHS and CLP labeling for chemical products. For chemical manufacturers and distributors shipping products via ocean transport.
• Brandywine Prime™ Glossy Paper Labels High-quality glossy paper labels suitable for color inkjet printing, providing vivid full-color labels with distinctive shelf appeal for consumer and industrial products. For cleaning product, lubricant, household, and consumer goods manufacturers needing vivid on-demand color labels.
• Twin-Tag® Bulk Tags Print-on-demand bulk tags for laser and inkjet printers in 2-OUT, 3-OUT, and 4-OUT configurations per sheet, perforated for easy separation with hole punch for standard plastic tie-wraps. Meets GHS, OSHA HazCom, CLP, ANSI, DOT, and BS5609 standards for bulk transportation containers, totes, deck tanks, and valves. For chemical and lubricant bulk product manufacturers.
• Hazmat Safety Placards and Signs Visual warning systems including hazmat placards, signs, and labels compliant with DOT, IMO/IMDG, and IATA requirements for transportation and storage of hazardous materials. For chemical distributors and hazardous materials shippers requiring compliant transportation placards.
• Epson ColorWorks Label Printers Complete line of Epson color inkjet label printers including C6500 (8 inch), C6000 (4 inch), C8000, and C4000 models featuring MicroPiezo and PrecisionCore technologies with durable pigment inks for on-demand color label printing. For industrial product manufacturers needing on-demand color labels with BS5609/GHS compliance.
• NeuraLabel High-Volume Color Label Printers High-volume continuous color label printers including the Callisto model built on HP PageWide technology, capable of print speeds up to 90 feet per minute with resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. For high-volume industrial label printers requiring BS5609-approved and GHS-compliant labels.
• Afinia Label Memjet Printers Memjet-based color label printers including L901 (industrial), LT5C, L801 (commercial), L502 (industrial duo ink), and DLF 220L digital finisher and laminator for various production requirements. For mid-volume industrial label producers needing fast digital color printing.
• Canon LX-P5510 Color Label Printer High-quality color label printer for vibrant, long-lasting on-demand labels. For commercial and industrial product manufacturers needing continuous color labels.
• Ricoh IP C8500 Color Laser Label Printer Color laser printer for sheet-fed label printing with speeds up to 45 ppm, up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, and paper capacity up to 4,850 sheets for high-quality color labels. Supports Empower Label's Poly-Twin® LX label stock for GHS labeling. For chemical manufacturers and distributors needing high-volume sheet-fed GHS labels.
• Lexmark CS735de Color Laser Label Printer Color laser printer for mid-to-large workgroups at speeds up to 52 ppm, certified for use with ARMA™ LT PVC and PET GHS-compliant labels for IMDG international shipments. For chemical manufacturers and distributors shipping internationally requiring IMDG-compliant labels.
• Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5390 Sheet-Fed Inkjet Printer PrecisionCore Heat-Free inkjet printer with DURABrite Ultra pigment ink, BS5609 compliant when printed on ARMA™ IJ PO label stock, with up to 50% lower cost than color laser. For chemical manufacturers seeking lower-cost-per-label BS5609 inkjet printing on sheet-fed platforms.
• Loftware NiceLabel Label Design and Management Software World-class label design and management software offered as an Authorized Partner, including cloud-based solutions (Loftware Cloud, Loftware Cloud Designer) and on-premise options (Loftware NiceLabel LMS) for enterprise label management. Integrates with SAP, MS Dynamics, Workday, and NetSuite. For mid-market and enterprise manufacturers needing integrated label design, variable data, and ERP-connected labeling.
• Labelmate Rewinders and Unwinders Label rewinder and unwinder accessories including CAT-3, UCAT-40 (powered unwinder), ZCAT (tensioning loop), and CAT-3SA models with 5-year parts and labor warranty, designed for worry-free 24/7 operation. For industrial label printers needing roll-to-roll unwind and rewind capacity.
• DPR Roll-to-Roll Rewinders and Unwinders Roll-to-roll unwind and rewind systems specifically designed for Empower Label's supported printer platforms including Epson C6000/C6500A and C7500 printers, with tension arm for steady winding action. For Epson C6500A, C6500P, and C7500 inkjet printer users.

Quantifiable outcome

• Solved a critical labeling failure (label bubbling on extruded plastic containers) within two weeks through custom geometry engineering
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LoftwarecoreTechnology or IntegrationEmpower Label is a Loftware Authorized Partner, offering complete label design and print productivity solutions across the widest range of print technologies. The partnership provides access to Loftware Cloud (cloud-based label design and management), Loftware Cloud Designer (for small businesses), and Loftware NiceLabel Label Management System (LMS, on-premise). Loftware Cloud integrates with SAP, MS Dynamics, Workday, NetSuite and other business systems. Empower Label provides full implementation services including discovery, installation, and support for Loftware solutions.
• Epson America (ColorWorks)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for Epson ColorWorks label printers including the C6500, C6000, C8000, and C4000 models. Epson ColorWorks printers are HP PageWide and PrecisionCore-based color inkjet label printers with durable pigment inks, certified for BS5609 compliance when used with Empower Label's approved label media. These printers are core to Empower Label's recommended on-premise digital labeling solutions.
• NeuraLabel (Astro Machine Works)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for NeuraLabel printers, including the Callisto color label printer built on HP PageWide technology. NeuraLabel printers are high-speed, high-resolution options for in-house digital on-demand color label printing, with print speeds up to 90 feet per minute and resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. They support water-resistant pigment inks and BS5609-approved and GHS-compliant labels.
• Afinia LabelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for Afinia Label printers including the L901 (Industrial Memjet), LT5C, L801 (Commercial Memjet), L502 (Industrial Duo Ink), and DLF 220L Digital Finisher & Laminator. Afinia Label printers use Advanced Memjet digital technology for exceptional speed and print quality.
• Canon America (imagePRESS / imageRUNNER)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for Canon label printing solutions including the Canon LX-P5510, offering vibrant, high-quality, long-lasting labels on-demand. Canon printers are part of the continuous label printer portfolio.
• Zebra TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for Zebra Technologies label printers. Zebra thermal transfer printers are part of Empower Label's recommended printer portfolio for customers requiring durable industrial labeling solutions.
• Ricoh USA (Ricoh IM C830 / IP C8500)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for Ricoh color laser printers including the IP C8500. Ricoh color laser printers are recommended for sheet-fed label printing, offering full-bleed tabloid size output, fast print speeds up to 45 ppm, and 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. They support Empower Label's Poly-Twin® LX label stock for GHS labeling.
• Lexmark International (CS735 Series)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmpower Label is an authorized reseller for Lexmark color laser printers including the CS735de. Lexmark CS735 Series print solutions are approved for use with Empower Label ARMA™ LT PVC and PET GHS-compliant labels. The solution is certified for International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) labeling for international shipments.
• Labelmate USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLabelmate USA rewinders and unwind systems are offered as accessories for label printers sold through Empower Label. Products include CAT-3 Standard Label Rewinder, UCAT-40 Powered Unwinder, ZCAT Tensioning Loop Rewinder, and CAT-3SA with Tension Sensor Arm. All Labelmate USA products are backed by a 5-Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty and designed for worry-free 24/7 operation.
• DPR (Digital Printer Resources)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDPR (Digital Printer Resources) roll-to-roll unwind and rewind systems are offered as accessories specifically designed for Empower Label's supported printer platforms. DPR products include AD1211-S0 Label Rewinder/Unwinder, and custom-configured unwind/rewind units for Epson C6000/C6500A and C7500 printers. These are sourced to complement Empower Label's inkjet printer resell business.
• National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)coreOthersEmpower Label is a Service Provider Affiliate member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD). NACD represents 3,248 chemical distribution facilities with a total direct economic impact of $27.55 billion, serving over 750,000 end users across diverse industries. Empower Label participates in NACD's ChemEdge Conference and Trade Show as an exhibitor.
• Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA)coreOthersEmpower Label is an ILMA member and active participant in ILMA Annual Meetings and ENGAGE conferences. ILMA brings together lubricant manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and industry experts. Empower Label serves the lubricant industry with labeling solutions for drums, pails, totes, and specialty containers.
• International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)minorOthersEmpower Label is an ISSA member. ISSA serves the cleaning industry including institutional, commercial, and industrial cleaning and maintenance products. Empower Label provides labeling solutions for cleaning product manufacturers, including those requiring GHS compliance and government spec products with UV resistance.
• Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA)minorOthersEmpower Label is a member of the Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA). HCPA membership supports Empower Label's position in the household and commercial cleaning products market.
• American Coatings Association (ACA)minorOthersEmpower Label is a member of the American Coatings Association (ACA). ACA membership provides regulatory intelligence on paint and coating industry labeling requirements.
• Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA)minorOthersEmpower Label is a member of SOCMA, serving the specialty chemical manufacturing industry.
• Society of Hazard Communication Professionals (SCHC)coreOthersEmpower Label is an exhibitor at the SCHC Annual Meeting, one of the leading educational events dedicated to Hazard Communication professionals. The event brings together manufacturers, chemical distributors, regulatory experts, and solution providers to discuss the latest developments in HazCom compliance.
• Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)minorOthersEmpower Label is a member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA).
• National Safety Council (NSC)minorOthersEmpower Label is a member of the National Safety Council (NSC). NSC membership supports Empower Label's focus on workplace and community safety labeling and aligns with National Safety Month initiatives.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• 3M: 3M's Safety & Industrial segment sells durable labels, hazard communication products and signage used in chemical and industrial environments. It is a broad incumbent rather than a niche specialist, but its scale, brand and global distribution make it the dominant alternative for many of Empower Label's enterprise accounts.
• Avery Dennison: Avery Dennison is the largest pressure-sensitive label materials manufacturer globally, serving industrial, chemical and consumer durables. While its portfolio is far broader than Empower Label's compliance niche, it competes for the same converter and end-customer wallet and sets the cost benchmark for labelstock.
• CCL Industries: CCL is a global specialty label converter with strong positions in healthcare, consumer and industrial/chemical end markets. It is much larger and more diversified but addresses the same chemical-distribution and compliance-labeling accounts that Empower Label serves.
• SATO Holdings: SATO is a global manufacturer of industrial barcode and label printers, with growing presence in chemical and GHS-compliant labeling solutions. It is a printer-side competitor to the brands Empower Label resells (Epson, NeuraLabel, Zebra) and increasingly bundles software and media.

Direct peers

• Brady Corporation: Brady is the closest publicly traded direct peer — it manufactures identification, safety and compliance labels (including BS5609/GHS-rated durable labels) for chemical, industrial and laboratory customers. The product set, regulatory positioning and target buyer overlap closely with Empower Label's ARMA™ line.
• Mactac (LINTEC): Mactac, now part of LINTEC Corporation, produces pressure-sensitive adhesive labelstocks for industrial, chemical and durable labeling. It overlaps directly with Empower Label's Poly-Twin® and ARMA™ product positioning and competes for the same converter and OEM relationships.
• FLEXcon: FLEXcon manufactures pressure-sensitive films and laminates used in industrial identification, durable goods and chemical labeling. It is a key upstream materials competitor and a frequent alternative source for BS5609/GHS labelstock.
• HERMA: HERMA is a German-based label manufacturer specializing in self-adhesive labels and labeling machinery for industrial and consumer applications. It is a direct converter peer for durable and compliance labels, particularly relevant for European multinational chemical accounts.
• Identco: Identco manufactures industrial identification labels, including durable and chemically resistant constructions for chemical, electronics and component tracking. It is a smaller specialist but addresses the same harsh-environment compliance niche as Empower Label's ARMA™ line.

Others

• Loftware: Loftware is Empower Label's authorized software partner for NiceLabel LMS and Cloud, but as a leading enterprise label management platform it is also an adjacent competitor. The relationship is symbiotic on mid-market deals but potentially disintermediating on large enterprise accounts where Loftware increasingly sells direct.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/empower-label

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Empower Label