Specialized Marking Systems, an Ontario-based converter has upgraded its Digital One to the new Mark Andy Digital Pro engine to increase capacity and expand its overall digital label business.

The decision to upgrade to the Digital Pro engine came after an extremely successful 18 months working with the Digital One. Within six months of owning the press, Specialized Marking Systems was able to completely fill one shift on the digital hybrid press without making a single sales call. Along with winning new business because of the added flexo capabilities, the converter was able to migrate shorter run work off of an existing flexo presses onto the Digital One.

The hybrid elements of the Mark Andy Digital One platform have been essential to the company’s productivity and profitability. Over 75% of the labels run on the press utilise lamination or some type of flexo embellishment. Cold foil, a decorative embellishment enabled by the flexo station of the hybrid press, is a key component to the company’s ability to enter new markets, with new business generated in the competitive wine industry.

Digital Pro is the latest hybrid product line from Mark Andy and comes to market with two models, the roll-to-roll Digital Pro 1 and the advanced inline converting Digital Pro 3 model, available with semi-rotary die-cutting. Through a field upgrade program, select Digital Pro machine benefits are available to Digital One customers, enabling Specialized Marking Systems to print at speeds of 77ft/min, increase capacity, and reduce cost-to-print. 

Imran Fancy, owner of Specialized Marking System, commented, ‘Adding the Digital One gave us the opportunity to grow the business and better meet our customers’ needs. We’ve been able to say yes to rush orders, enter new markets and better serve our existing customer base.’

He continued, ‘The Digital Pro field upgrade could not have come at a better time for our business. Our current Digital One is at full capacity, and we wanted a solution that gave us more capacity along with cost savings.

‘The upgrade completely fit our needs, the 70% increase in speed and 30% lower cost to print gives us even more ability to say yes to our current and new customers’ needs.’