Behind the Build: How Our Collaboration with Yara Redefined Labelling Efficiency

An interview with Damian McGloin, Our Managing Director at Premier Labellers.

When Yara, a global leader in crop nutrition and sustainable agriculture, set out to develop a new purpose-built production facility, labelling wasn’t an afterthought. It was a priority. In this exclusive Q&A, Damian McGloin, Managing Director, discusses how early collaboration, engineering innovation and a commitment to communication made this one of the most significant projects in our company’s 31-year history.

About Damian McGloin

As Managing Director, Damian McGloin brings more than two decades of experience in automation, engineering and project management. Known for his hands-on leadership style and deep technical insight, Damian has overseen the successful delivery of complex industrial automation projects for global clients. His focus on customer partnership, continuous improvement and team collaboration has been instrumental in positioning the company as a trusted leader in industrial labelling systems and production line automation.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about this project and why it’s significant for Premier Labellers?

Damian: Normally, labelling is one of the last things customers think about when assembling a production line, so our input tends to come at the end of a project. But with Yara, it was completely different.

Labelling had been a major headache in their existing production setup, with issues around machine efficiency, quality and label changes having a huge impact on output. Simply changing a reel of labels was costing them mid-six figures in lost revenue annually.

Because of that, we were involved right from the start, as early as May 2023, during the initial project kick-off meetings. That early involvement made all the difference and allowed us to design a truly customer-centric solution.

Q: What were the biggest challenges in bringing this machine from concept to reality?

Damian: The scale. Not just of the labelling machines themselves, but of the overall project.

We have a lot of experience in product handling and automation, but it’s rare for us to project manage an entire production line because labelling is usually just one small part. In this case, though, it was the customer’s biggest bottleneck, so we took the lead.

Personally, I relished the chance to get hands-on with project management again, something I did for nearly ten years for multiple global customers. The fact that this was a greenfield, purpose-built site, combined with the excellent Yara project team led by Joe Kidd, made the process smooth and collaborative from day one.

Q: How did you and the team ensure the project stayed on track, on time and on budget?

Damian: One word: communication.

It’s the backbone of every successful project. We had weekly catch-ups with John from E&B, who coordinated with other suppliers such as Breitner, Lita, and Fams. We maintained regular check-ins with our supply chain to keep everything on schedule and held monthly progress reports with Yara to review milestones, discuss any changes to scope and tackle potential issues early.

That consistent communication kept everyone aligned and the project moving forward efficiently.

Q: Were there any breakthrough moments during the design or build process?

Damian: Absolutely, and it came during the design phase.

We proposed a zero downtime labelling machine to eliminate the lost revenue caused by label reel changes. It was a significant innovation designed to boost efficiency and ensure continuous production.

After multiple design reviews, we finalised a concept that everyone understood and believed in. When it came time to build, the team executed it with military precision.

Q: How did different departments such as engineering, production and testing work together on this project?

Damian: Collaboration has always been one of our strengths.

We make it a point to involve people early, from software and commissioning engineers to toolmakers and designers. When you have that level of experience and knowledge under one roof, you’d be crazy not to use it.

Before this even became an official order, we discussed it as a team, ensuring that every department had input. Every suggestion shaped the final proposal that went to Yara, and that’s why the outcome was so successful.

Q: What does this project say about the capabilities of our team?

Damian: It showcases what true collaboration can achieve.

Our success comes from listening to the customer, understanding their real challenges, and then building a solution that fits, not forcing them into an “off-the-shelf” box. We’re flexible. We adapt, reconfigure or reinvent where needed.

The components we use might be standard, but the final machine is always unique, tailored to the customer’s exact requirements. This project really highlights that philosophy in action.

Q: What features or aspects of the machine are you personally most proud of?

Damian: Honestly, the craftsmanship. The attention to detail across the build was exceptional.

There’s an old saying, “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” But the finished product here surpassed every expectation. The precision, the quality, the pride the team took in their work, it all shows in the final machine.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of managing this project?

Damian: Without question, it’s the scale and the trust Yara placed in us.

This was the largest order in our company’s 31-year history, from a monetary, resource, and logistical standpoint. We were competing against industry giants for this tender, and Yara chose us because they believed in our people and our approach.

I always say, “people buy from people.” When the Yara team visited our factory during the tender process, they saw who we are, no frills, no polish, just honesty, passion, and a deep sense of pride in what we do.

That same spirit carried through to the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), where they commented on the team’s professionalism and enthusiasm. And of course, our relationship doesn’t end when the machine leaves the factory. We continue to provide ongoing customer support and care long after installation.

Q: Finally, what does this project mean for the future of our company?

Damian: It reinforces what we’ve always believed, that partnership and innovation are at the heart of success.

This project has pushed us to new levels of technical capability, teamwork, and customer engagement, and it’s something we’ll carry forward into every project we take on. It’s proof that when you listen, adapt, and deliver with precision, great things happen.

About the Project

The Yara project represents a new benchmark in industrial labelling and automation, featuring a zero downtime system designed to reduce waste, eliminate production halts, and improve efficiency across the line.

It’s a testament to what can be achieved when engineering excellence meets customer-driven design.

Interested in Optimising Your Production Line?

Whether you’re tackling downtime challenges, looking to modernise your labelling systems or planning a greenfield automation project, our team can help.

We specialise in automated labelling technology, production line optimisation and customer-specific engineering solutions that deliver measurable results.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help you achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance. Fill out our form: Contact Us