Background:
Hayden has been with Upland Label for six years, evolving from a novice to an expert in digital printing. His connection to the company is personal—Dixie Labels, founded by his uncle, became Upland Label about three years ago. Reflecting on his growth, Hayden shares, “I didn’t know anything about printing when I started, but I’ve really enjoyed it. I didn’t know this industry was as big as it is, but now I’ve definitely fallen in love with working with this equipment.”
Training and Expertise:
Hayden works on the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press, which Upland Label purchased to deliver superior prints for clients seeking premium labels. Recently completing Level 2 training, which primarily focuses on maintenance, Hayden is now able to handle most mechanical issues in-house. “After Level 3 training, I’ll be able to do almost all of the maintenance on the HP, saving us a lot of time if there are any issues,” he explains. By managing upkeep on Upland Label’s equipment investments, Hayden plays a critical role in ensuring operations run smoothly, helping the company deliver products faster and save clients time and money. He adds, “I focus on regular maintenance to keep the machine running at its best and ensure it will continue to do so for its full lifespan.”
Favorite Prints and Innovations:
Hayden’s favorite label project is a Hoff & Pepper design featuring a matte black background with vibrant purple and green accents. He loves creating bold, eye-catching designs and is proud of Upland Label’s specialty printing capabilities. “I think more of our clients should take advantage of the fact that we can do bright pinks, UV-sensitive inks, and even silvers and sparkle,” Hayden says. He is also excited about working on new projects, such as pouches for Tripple X, a local distillery, which showcases Upland Label’s expanding services. “Another thing we can do that I’d love to see clients use more is reinsertion printing, which lets us print on both sides of a label—imagine clear material with one side facing out and another visible through the packaging, creating a standout product on shelves,” he notes.
Favorite Part of the Job:
Hayden’s favorite aspect of the job is the variety it offers. Even when doing similar work, each project feels fresh. “Even if you have the same job five days a week, it’s going to be different every day. That keeps things interesting and fun,” he shares. The constant challenge of creating unique prints for different clients keeps him engaged and excited about his work. He adds, “With the HP and digital printing work, even the same type of job can vary day by day, which makes it one of the most interesting aspects of my career.”
Technological Insights:
Looking ahead, Hayden believes that the future of printing will merge the speed of flexographic presses with the precision and color accuracy of digital presses. “I think a combination of the speed of the flexographic press and the digital press abilities is the future of printing,” he says. Hayden is particularly excited about the experimental Version X12 model, which is designed to integrate these capabilities and represents the next step in the evolution of the industry.
Community and Growth:
Proud of Upland Label’s growth, Hayden reflects on his roots and the company’s future. “I’m excited to see the area I grew up in and the business my uncle started continue to grow and thrive as technology and our investments grow along with it,” he says. For out-of-town visitors checking out Upland Label’s plant, Hayden recommends a visit to Chattanooga Whiskey, which offers a fun and informative tour.
