Wim Kersten develops label holder for extra large labels

A label holder for extra-large labels. That was the specific request from Wim Kersten of Fruithof Nursery. No problem for Bato. "We’re always happy to develop new products with our customers. We engage in discussion, identify their needs, create a product drawing and then create a prototype or even a sample mould. As soon as every detail is correct, we start production." Now Wim Kersten has a label holder which he can use to attach the extra-large labels with photos firmly to the pot.

Edwin van Dorst and Wim Kester

Open collaboration for innovative label holder
"A good label holder is an important part of the marketing of our products," Wim Kersten says. He is the owner of Fruithof and grows fruit trees and fruit plants for the consumer market. "Our products are purchased very early in the spring and they’re still almost bare then. A beautiful, easily visible label with a big photo triggers the consumer to buy the tree regardless. The old system with a label on a rubber band wasn't enough, because you can't always see it. The same goes for a label that you stick into the soil."

Developing it together
Wim decided to develop a better alternative. "Then you need a partner who knows what you're talking about and who has experience with this sort of product. That's why Bato was a logical choice – and also because we have great contact with salesman Edwin van Dorst." Together, Bato and Fruithof developed the label holder that you clip onto the edge of the pot. "We really researched how high the label holder needs to be, at how many degrees it needs to stand to really catch your eye, and how to make sure that the holder stays clipped onto the thin edge of the pot. And we did all of that for each of the three different pot sizes we use."

Win-win
In Bato, Wim found a partner who could think along with him in all of these areas. "They also brought their own knowledge to the table: this fits well, we've already tried that, this might be a good solution. And of course they have a great deal of experience with different types of materials, so we now have a holder that's exactly right: not too stiff and not too bendy. With an extra pin to stick into the soil and a closure on the top of the label to stop it from falling out. This open way of working on something together is also reflected in the very reasonable price agreements that we've made. It's really an excellent collaboration, one in which both of us enjoy the benefits."

For more information:
Bato Plastics BV
Munterij 2
4762 AH Zevenbergen
Maaike de Lange
T: 0168-331 030
E: [email protected]
www.bato.nl