Label manufacturer JR Labels has installed the first Mark Andy Digital Pro Max hybrid digital/flexo press in Ireland, expanding its digital production capabilities in response to growing demand for short-run work.

The move follows the company’s earlier investment in a Mark Andy Digital One in 2017, which marked its initial step into hybrid digital printing.

The original Digital One press enabled JR Labels to adapt to declining run lengths by introducing in-house digital capability. Nearly a decade later, the machine remains in daily operation.

“Digital One showed us what a hybrid could do in one pass,” said Robbie Carson of JR Labels. “In addition to CMYK, it has a flexo unit to print another colour or add varnish or cold foil and then die cut before delivery – so efficient.”

The newly installed Digital Pro Max offers increased speed and flexibility, with print speeds of up to 39m/min and compatibility with a range of substrates including paper, BOPP, PET, PP, vinyl, and foil. It also includes white dry-toner capability, two flexo stations for additional processes such as lamination and varnishing, and a semi-rotary die station. Mr Carson described the machine as “brilliant”, because it allows the company to run 21-inch repeat jobs with ease.

The press also features a bypass function, enabling production with or without the digital engine, which adds operational flexibility.

General manager David Duffy of JR Labels highlighted the ease of integration into existing workflows. “Like the Digital One, the new DPro MAX is quick to make ready – it’s very much a label printer’s machine, so if you’re used to narrow web flexo, it’s an easy crossover,” he said. “It’s also a perfect match for the work we do on our flexo presses – in fact, I’d say the colour management on the DPro MAX is fantastic.”

With both flexo and digital capabilities in-house, JR Labels can choose the most suitable production method for each job. Compatibility with existing tooling across its Mark Andy equipment further supports this flexibility.

Commenting on the installation, Antony Cotton, European sales manager at Mark Andy, said: “JR Labels was one of the first converters to buy into the concept of single pass production that a digital hybrid press offers and has capitalised on their initial investment. Now, with the latest DPro MAX, they have added capacity and capability in response to the latest market trends. With their tightly-knit team and years of label industry experience, I can foresee continued growth and success for the company – and it’s well-deserved too.”