IML Labels and Systems

UKTI helps label company stamp its mark in India .

IML Labels and Systems (www.iml-labels.co.uk) based in Sheffield have developed a new super heat-resistant label. The label withstands temperatures up to 1000 degrees, allowing the customer to identify products as soon as possible and giving them total traceability of quality and production movement within the steel industry. IML Labels are now successfully supplying the product into steel mills around the world.

The company began manufacturing metal labels back in 1935, enabling local steel producers to identify their products for traceability. Since then IML has developed this market and diversified into supplying a range of high performance labels with applications as varied as building and construction, chemicals, and the horticultural industry.

IML Labels was already exporting in Europe but when it came to the Indian  market -  currently one of the largest steel producing countries in the world -  the company decided on a strategic approach with UK Trade & Investment.

Gordon Dunn, International Sales Director said:

“India now produces a massive amount of the world’s steel but it’s not an easy market to penetrate. The UK Trade & Investment adviser based at South Yorkshire International Trade Centre (SYITC) suggested we commission an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) report, to give us a clear perspective of the steel industry in India.  The report was compiled by UKTI staff at the consulate in Calcutta and when we got it back we were surprised at the amount of in-depth information it contained on the Indian steel companies and their operations.”

In fact the OMIS report was so thorough that IML decided to conduct a market visit to India on the strength of it. Here, once again, UK Trade & Investment were able to help the company with funding towards their first visit to India.

Gordon added:

“During our visit to India the support we got from the UKTI staff based in Calcutta was invaluable. They arranged everything from cross-country travel to steel mill visits and meetings with the potential distributors and agents that are so vital if we want to develop business there.  Not having to worry about the logistics of   our visit enabled us to focus on the industry in India on the ground”

Back in England, IML were able to review the business contacts they had made in India and narrow them down. This led to plans for a further visit to India enabling the company to cement their business relationships there.

Jo Kelly is based at SYITC and is an international trade adviser for UK Trade & Investment. Jo said:

“This time we were able to identify Yorkshire Forward funding towards the visit. IML applied for Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS) funding which helps companies penetrate new markets or launch new products overseas. The visit was a great success and the business partners in India have now visited IML in the UK. ”

IML Labels has now applied for further funding under the TESS programme which will enable the company to exhibit at an international trade fair in Mumbai in November. Their presence at the trade fair will help develop potential business with some of India’s leading steel producers. 

IML Labels and Systems Ltd, contact: Sue Elwis, 0114 2404 325 or selwis@iml-labels.co.uk

UKTI contact: Jo Kelly on 07764 233197 or jkelly@syitc.co.uk