The year 1981 marked a transformative period for GML. The acquisition of a two-colour flexo press and wax coating machine represented a major capital investment that would fundamentally change the nature of the business.
New Capabilities, New Products
With printing and coating capabilities now in-house, GML launched Printed Waxed Breadwrap - a product that would become synonymous with the company name in certain markets. This vertical integration gave GML unprecedented control over quality and the ability to respond quickly to customer needs.
The 1980s Investment Boom
Being printers and coaters of papers opened up entirely new product possibilities. Throughout the 1980s, GML continued to invest heavily in equipment: high-speed sheeting and slitting equipment, a programmable guillotine, and two additional 4-colour flexo presses.
Building Relationships
The decade was about more than just equipment. GML focused on expanding relationships with independent packaging merchants while simultaneously investing in the skills base of the workforce. This dual focus on capability and relationships created a sustainable competitive advantage that would serve the company well for decades to come.