What Falcontec Limited does

UEI Falcontec (legal entity: Falcontec Limited) is a UK-based specialty manufacturer of engraved metal dies, cylinders, and proprietary lock-up systems used by commercial printers and label converters to apply hot foil stamping, embossing, debossing, and product embellishment finishes. Founded in 1999 in Halesowen, West Midlands, the company was acquired in October 2012 by Universal Engraving, Inc. (Overland Park, Kansas) and now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately held UEI Group, which also owns Universal Engraving, Infinity Foils, and UEI Systems. The product portfolio spans photoetched copper dies and CNC-engraved brass dies for sheet fed and narrow web presses, flexible rotary die systems (UniFlex®, UniFlex® Plus, CopperFlex®, Econofoil® 2mm), precision rotary cylinders (UniSphere®), refractive/textured dies (Unifraxion®), and a family of patented lock-up systems (UniLock-Up®, SpeedChase®, NW SpeedChase® NXT™) that materially reduce makeready and changeover time. The firm monetizes via one-time unit pricing on bespoke manufactured tooling, with value-added services (heat compensating, cutting, drilling) bundled free and optional professional services (proofing, polishing, sandblasting) priced separately. Go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales from Halesowen across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Scandinavia, supplemented by UEI Group sister-company channels and third-party market developers in South America, Italy, and Southeast Asia; marketing is anchored on industry association memberships (FINAT, BPIF) rather than paid demand generation. Customers are concentrated in printing and label industry members, with secondary use cases across automotive, medical, security/anti-counterfeit, fashion, leather goods, book publishing, and consumer goods packaging. Reported operational outcomes — 50-80% reduction in die changes and makeready, 30% faster run rates, 12% annual die-cost savings, changeovers in as little as one minute, and 1M+ impressions per die — are central to the value proposition. No revenue figures, funding events, or AI/ML capabilities are disclosed in available sources.

Name

Falcontec Limited

Legal name

UEI FALCONTEC LIMITED

Website

https://falcontec.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

UEI Falcontec (Falcontec Limited) is a UK-based manufacturer of engraved copper and brass dies, rotary cylinders, and patented lock-up systems that serve commercial printers and label converters applying hot foil stamping, embossing, and debossing finishes across Europe, the Middle East, and Scandinavia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Halesowen

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Engraved Metal Dies (Copper and Brass): Manufacture and sale of bespoke copper and brass engraved dies for hot foil stamping, embossing, and debossing applications. Products include sheet fed dies and narrow web dies. Durability allows for over 1 million impressions.
2. Flexible Rotary Tooling: Sale of Econofoil® 2mm sleeves and mandrels, UniFlex® Plus dies, and CopperFlex® dies. Products priced on overall size, not image complexity, with Econofoil dies typically 40-60% less than engraved brass cylinders.
3. Lock-Up Systems and Accessories: Sale of proprietary lock-up systems including UniLock-Up®, SpeedChase®, NW SpeedChase® NXT™, and related steel plates and components.
4. Rotary Cylinders: Sale of UniSphere® emboss and hot stamping cylinders, available in hot stamping, embossing, and ring system configurations.
5. Value-Added Services: Additional services including Heidelberg Lip, special cutting/notching, polishing, sandblasting, gear and bearing manufacturing, heat compensating, and drilling of holes. Some services free of charge (heat compensating, cutting/notching, drilling).
6. Proofing Services: Paper press proof and digital proof services to showcase design effects before production. Small fee for paper press proof; digital proof allows customer approval before engraving begins.
7. Makeready Materials: Sale of makeready products including Silver Cover Film, Rubberskin, Tough Film, Die Mount Tape, and related supplies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

UEI Falcontec manufactures bespoke engraved metal dies (copper and brass) and rotary cylinders for hot foiling, embossing, and debossing used by printing companies across sheet fed and narrow web applications. The company also sells proprietary lock-up and rapid-changeover systems (UniLock-Up®, SpeedChase®, NW SpeedChase® NXT™, Econofoil®, UniFlex® Plus), specialty cylinders, and supporting makeready materials, complemented by value-added services such as proofing, special cutting/notching, polishing, and sandblasting.

Product overview

UEI Falcontec is a manufacturer of bespoke engraved metal dies and print finishing solutions, operating as one of Europe's largest engraving companies and a member of the UEI Group. The company's product portfolio centers on dies and tooling for hot foiling, embossing, and debossing applications, supported by proprietary lock-up systems and specialized equipment. The core product line includes Copper Dies and Brass Dies for sheet fed applications, Unifraxion® & Texture Dies for refractive effects, UniSphere® Cylinders for rotary embossing, and flexible die solutions (Uniflex®, Uniflex® Plus, and CopperFlex®). These are complemented by patented lock-up technology (UniLock-Up®, NW SpeedChase® NXT™, SpeedChase®), rotary tooling (Econofoil® 2mm sleeves/mandrels, SpeedCylinder™), Counter Forces, and Makeready Materials. The products serve diverse industries including automotive, medical, security, anti-counterfeit, packaging, fashion, and consumer goods. The company also offers value-added services including proofing, design consultation, tech support, and special cutting/notching.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Copper Dies Photoetched copper dies manufactured from a specially-developed copper alloy for sheet fed and narrow web flat foil stamping applications, capable of over 1 million impressions with proper care and use. Designed for commercial printers requiring finely detailed etched dies.
• Brass Dies CNC engraved brass dies manufactured with a special alloy for multi-level embossing, sculptured dies, and applications requiring specific bevels or depths. Suitable for foil stamping, combination, and 3D embossing by printing companies.
• Unifraxion® & Texture Dies Industry's premier refractive engraved dies using metallic hot stamping foil and fine engraved line patterns to impart definition, depth, light, and movement to designs. Available in stock patterns or custom designs for security, premium packaging, and design-led finishes.
• Counter Forces Proprietary pre-cast counter forces that nest perfectly into engraved dies, enabling maximum pressure application for detailed emboss/deboss impressions. Includes Universal Counter Pins for registration, supporting high-fidelity embossing on commercial presses.
• UniLock-Up® Die Lock-Up System Proprietary die lock-up system sold as a standalone product, designed to shorten set-up times and ensure perfect die registration using a single large steel plate. Compatible with traditional honeycomb chase systems for printers with multiple dies or repeat jobs.
• NW SpeedChase® NXT™ Narrow web SpeedChase system using UniLock-Up steel plates for pre-mounted and pre-registered dies, enabling job changeover in as little as one minute with hot or cold setup capability for narrow web flatbed presses.
• SpeedChase® Progressive changeover system replacing honeycomb chase technology with pneumatic pins and magnetic force for die plate installation. Achieves 50–80% reduction in die changes, 30% faster run rates, and 12% savings in die costs.
• UniSphere® Cylinders Precision-engineered solid brass cylinders for rotary embossing achieving depths and details comparable to sheetfed results. Available for hot stamping, embossing, and ring systems, meeting stringent TIR tolerances.
• Econofoil® 2mm Sleeves/Mandrels Patented flexible rotary tooling using customizable copper and steel-backed die sleeves on reusable mandrels. 2mm wide seam increases usable space; dies cost 40–60% less than engraved brass cylinders and weigh under 5 lbs for easy handling.
• Uniflex® Flexible Dies Flexible copper die with unique steel backing held onto heated magnetic cylinder, offering fast changeovers in 10 minutes or less. Alternative to solid rotary brass cylinders, priced by overall size not image complexity, durable for 4+ million revolutions.
• CopperFlex Dies 1mm thick copper alloy plates for semi-rotary foil stamping applications, engineered for pliability and fine image detail retention. Superior heat transfer compared to magnesium or steel; can be mounted and dismounted for multiple job reruns.
• Special Engraved Products Bespoke engraved products including shaped copper electrodes, steel engraved stamps, and personalization for vehicles, supporting custom projects that require extra creativity and expertise beyond standard die ranges.
• Makeready Materials High-quality makeready consumables including silver cover film, rubberskin, tough film, and die mount tape, designed to meet specialized foil stamping and embossing demands in print finishing operations.
• SpeedCylinder™ Heated magnetic cylinder specifically developed for use with UniFlex Plus flexible foil stamping die plates, featuring high-temperature magnets and robust design for tight tolerances in rotary narrow web hot foil stamping.
• UniFlex® Plus Advanced flexible copper die with unique steel backing secured onto heated magnetic cylinder via high-temperature magnets, enabling changeovers in 10 minutes or less with superior precision and performance for mass production.
• Value-Added Services Services including Heidelberg Lip, special cutting/notching, polishing, sandblasting, gear and bearing manufacturing, heat compensating (free of charge), and drilling of holes (free of charge). Provided alongside die orders to support print finishing operations.
• Proofing Services Paper press proof (small fee) and digital proof services to showcase design effects before production, enabling customer approval before engraving begins. Supports press-proofing and pre-production visualisation for print finishing projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50-80% reduction in die changes and makeready
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and regional.

• Universal Engraving, Inc.flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2012Universal Engraving, Inc. acquired Falcontec in October 2012, creating UEI Falcontec. The sister company relationship combines talents and processes, providing customers worldwide with decades of collective expertise in manufacturing engraved metal dies. Shared technology, support, and knowhow strengthen both companies.
• Infinity Foils, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationPart of UEI Group, Infinity Foils supplies quality stamping foils, decorative glitter and makeready supplies supporting graphic arts, plastics, home décor and textile industries. Combined with UEI Group experience for decorative foil solutions.
• UEI SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationEngraving industry's dedicated single-source engraving supply company offering engraving supplies, metal, and chemistry. Created to help grow the worldwide hot stamping and embossing industry with reliable and consistent products.
• FINATcoreOthersEuropean association for the self-adhesive label industry. UEI Falcontec is a proud member as a manufacturer of Narrow-Web product embellishment tooling and anti-counterfeit solutions. Association fosters networking and industry best practices alignment.
• BPIFcoreOthersBritish printing industry association. UEI Falcontec is proudly represented by the General Manager. Association facilitates expertise sharing, business best practices, and community participation among industry professionals.
• Excel ConvertingregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarket developer for South America representing UEI Falcontec. Contact: Walmir Rocha. Territories include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.
• Carlo Gasperini / Giampaolo Gasperini / Giulia Gasperini / Roberto FioravantiregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarket developers for Italy representing UEI Falcontec. Team of four provides local support and solutions to the Italian printing industry.
• Press Systems InternationalregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarket developer for Thailand and Southeast Asia representing UEI Falcontec. Contact: Jane Tan. Territories include Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG: Large press manufacturer with hot foil stamping and finishing modules. Comparable because Heidelberg sells into the same converter customer base and its foil-stamping-capable presses require third-party dies like Falcontec's; broader portfolio but directly intersects in hot foil/embossing finishing.
• Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG: Global leader in hot stamping foils and decoration technology with its own stamping-die capability and large installed-base finishing equipment. Comparable because Kurz competes across the same foil-stamping value chain as Falcontec (foils + tooling + decoration technology), serving the same converter and brand-owner customers.
• Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW): Diversified industrial conglomerate with hot stamping/decorating and finishing divisions (e.g., ITW Hot Stamp, Pillarhouse). Comparable because ITW participates in hot stamping tooling and decorative finishing equipment, intersecting Falcontec's category through a much broader industrial portfolio.
• Bobst Group SA: Global incumbent supplier of printing/converting and finishing equipment, including hot foil stamping presses used with engraved dies. Comparable because Bobst's hot-foil equipment and tooling ecosystem competes with and complements Falcontec's die products in converter workflows.

Direct peers

• Crown Roll Leaf, Inc. US manufacturer of hot stamping foils, dies, and machinery. Overlaps directly with Falcontec in the engraved-die product category and shares the same target customer (commercial/label converters), making it a strong direct competitor.
• Universal Engraving, Inc. Sister company under UEI Group, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. Manufactures engraved metal dies for hot foil stamping and embossing — same product category, same customer base (commercial/narrow-web printers), same end applications. The closest direct comparable within the same group.
• HELL Gravure Systems GmbH: Manufacturer of precision engraving systems for printing (gravure cylinders and direct-engraving equipment). Comparable because both companies specialize in high-precision engraving of metal cylinders/dies used in commercial printing and packaging, addressing overlapping end-market needs for premium finishing.
• Atlas Die, LLC: US manufacturer of steel-rule and special dies for the printing, converting and packaging industries. Comparable because both companies supply precision dies for finishing/embellishment workflows, serving the same converter customer base, though Atlas focuses more on flatbed/die-cutting dies than foil/embossing cylinders.

Others

• UEI Systems: Sister company under UEI Group supplying engraving chemistry, metals, and consumables to engravers. Adjacent enabling/supplier relationship — UEI Systems' chemistry is used by Falcontec's customers and the broader engraving industry, making it an ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.
• Infinity Foils, Inc. Sister company under UEI Group supplying stamping foils, decorative glitter and makeready consumables. Adjacent rather than directly competitive — Falcontec's dies are used with Infinity Foils' foils — but the relationship makes it ecosystem-relevant and provides insight into UEI Group strategy.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uei-falcontec
• Instagraminstagram.com/ueifalcontec

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 Falcontec Limited