Blair Labeling reports Mark Andy Digital One successes

Mark Andy Digital One features a toner-based digital CMYK print engine with in-line flexo converting, supporting growing global demand for smaller run sizes and quicker turnaround times for prime label work.

The Mark Andy Digital One was installed at the company’s Denver facility in fourth quarter 2016 and has been driving growth ever since, as Lourdes Solis, Blair Labeling CEO explained: ‘Our customers kept requesting low volume, high mix work, which made adding digital printing to our business a no-brainer. We saw an opportunity to better serve our customers with the newest technology on the market.’

The ability to match color and free up capacity on full-production flexo assets have been the biggest benefits of the new multi-platform workflow, according to Blair Labeling. Since the December installation, the digital press has been running 1-2 shifts per day to alleviate strain on flexographic equipment also acquired through Mark Andy. For the first time in eight years, scheduled preventative maintenance can be conducted on flexo machines without the cost implications of unforeseen downtime.

Marco De La Vega, accounting and finance manager at Blair Labeling, said: ‘Overtime is non-existent, sales are up and plate spend is down 18 percent.’

Digital One is Blair Labeling’s first foray into digital printing, and in a short time has proven to be a lucrative investment for the future. Blair Labeling is committed to continuing its digital journey with Mark Andy, and by the end of 2018, Blair is expecting to add another digital asset to the its assets, which may be either a full production digital press, such as the Mark Andy Digital Series, or another entry-level standalone.

‘Saying we have digital capability has opened so many doors. Top it off with the fact Digital One is a hybrid backed by Mark Andy and both our employees and prospects were sold,’ said De La Vega. ‘In the end, the print industry is tough, and competition is hot. Our customers can’t love the product if our employees don’t love our company and technology we invest in.’