Blair Labeling, a pressure sensitive label converter based out of Colorado, has experienced success with Mark Andy’s latest digital hybrid innovation, Digital One. Purchased by the family-owned business when the technology debuted at Labelexpo Americas 2016, Digital One was installed in the company’s Denver facility in the fourth quarter 2016 and has been driving growth ever since.

Digital One is the newest standalone label press from Mark Andy. A toner-based digital CMYK print engine with inline flexo converting, the hybrid press supports growing global demand for smaller run sizes and quicker turnaround times for prime label work. Its low investment level and zero click charge model make it a suitable investment for label printers entering the digital printing market.

When asked what the primary driver for the new digital technology was, Lourdes “Luly” Solis, CEO and matriarch of the family-operated company, provided the following statement, “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.”

Blair shares that the ability to match color and free up capacity on full-production flexo assets have been the biggest benefits of their new multi-platform workflow. 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 the company’s flexo machines without the cost implications of unforeseen downtime. When speaking to the efficiency of the press, Marco De La Vega, financial arm and Digital One guru of the company says, “Overtime is non-existent, sales are up and plate spend is down 18%.”

Digital One was the company’s first foray into digital printing, and in a short time has proven to be a lucrative investment in their future. “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,” explains 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.”

By the end of 2018, Blair expects to add another digital asset to its repertoire, striving to maintain a hard earned competitive edge in a rapidly evolving print market. Whether the converter grows into a full production digital press such as the Digital Series, or adds another familiar entry-level standalone to its workflow, Blair is committed to continuing its digital journey with Mark Andy.