Having invested in Ireland’s first Mark Andy Digital One toner/flexo hybrid press in 2017, leading Irish trade house JR Labels has recently taken delivery of Mark Andy’s latest version, the Digital Pro MAX, to cope with its growing demand for short-run work.

Established by Ron Carson in 1978, and now under third-generation family management with grandson Robbie at the helm, who succeeded his father Andrew, JR Labels is a fine example of how you don’t need to grow big to be successful.  A strategy of careful and considered investment over the years, largely with Mark Andy technology, has seen the business keep pace with changes in demand and market trends, none more so than its latest investment in more digital print capability.

Conscious that as a trade printer, security and confidentiality are paramount, JR Labels prides itself on hitting quality and delivery deadlines first time, every time.  Having long depended upon the reliable performance of their flexo presses, JR Labels saw Mark Andy as the logical choice to understand the needs of a label printer looking to ‘go digital’. The resulting installation of a Digital One press in 2017 was key to building in-house capability as run lengths were declining.  Nine years on, and the Digital One is still in daily production and delivering high-quality commercial work.

According to Robbie Carson: “Digital One showed us what a hybrid could do in one pass.  In addition to CMYK, it has a flexo unit to print another color or add varnish or cold foil, and then die cut before delivery – so efficient!”  As demand for digital work grew, JR Labels became aware of the need for higher speeds and even greater production capability.  “We knew toner/flexo hybrid was the right way to go, so turned to Mark Andy for advice,” he added.

The result was a decision to invest in the press manufacturer’s latest version, known as the Digital Pro MAX.  In addition to CMYK, it features an innovative white dry-toner and is capable of print speeds up to 39m/min across a variety of stocks from paper to BOPP, PET, PP, vinyl, and foil on web widths from 254 to 330mm.  

In addition, the DPro MAX comes with two flexo stations for print, lamination or cold foil, and varnish, and a semi-rotary die station that Robbie Carson describes as: “brilliant, because it allows

us to run 21” repeat jobs with ease.”  Usefully, it also has a bypass function that allows JR Labels to run the line with or without the digital engine, which provides additional production flexibility.

General Manager David Duffy takes up the story: “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.  It’s also a perfect match for the work we do on our flexo presses – in fact, I’d say the color management on the DPro MAX is fantastic.”  

The company’s years of experience with the Digital One has given it good knowledge of the different workflow patterns between flexo and digital production, and with both print capabilities in-house, it can select whichever press is most suitable for each new job.  This is further facilitated by the interchangeable tooling with its other Mark Andy presses.

Speaking for Mark Andy, UK & Ireland Sales Manager Antony Coton commented: “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 capitalized 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!”

Today, JR Labels offers an extensive range of low-cost self-adhesive plain labels, a suite of food & beverage labels compatible with the latest legislation, a range of robust outdoor labels for use in harsh environments, along with chemical and sanitizing labels, cosmetic and beauty product labels, and precision labels for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors – all delivered on a roll or sheeted if required.