NEWS Great Lakes Label Installs Digital Retrofit Module
Great Lakes Label adds Mark Andy DSiQ-R powered by Domino digital retrofit module
Michigan-based label manufacturer Great Lakes Label has become the first company in North America to install the new Mark Andy DSiQ-R digital retrofit module, developed in collaboration with Domino. The retrofit was added to the company's 10-colour, 13-inch Mark Andy Performance Series P5 flexographic press.
The DSiQ-R is designed to enable digital printing on an existing flexo press without requiring additional floor space. It incorporates Domino's N610i digital UV inkjet print engine, offering CMYK + white output and supporting multiple print modes including full hybrid, digital-only, and flexo-only. The compact design aims to increase production flexibility and efficiency, particularly for jobs with varied SKUs and shorter run lengths.
Great Lakes Label, which supplies custom label solutions for industries including food, beverage, automotive, and horticulture, says it has has long emphasised innovation in its production capabilities. The shift toward digital comes as customer demand grows for more customised labels and quicker turnaround times.
"With growing demand for shorter runs and variable printing, we knew digital was the next logical step," said Tony Cook, founder and CEO of Great Lakes Label. "But we wanted to add that capability in a way that worked with our existing setup without disrupting our efficiency."
The company evaluated various digital printing technologies before selecting the Domino-powered DSiQ-R. The deciding factors, it said, were print quality, system reliability, and ease of integration with current operations. The retrofit allowed Great Lakes Label to enhance its production capabilities without replacing or heavily modifying its existing equipment.
"Our relationship with Mark Andy was also a key part of the decision," Mr Cook noted. "When they introduced a retrofit solution in partnership with Domino, it offered exactly what we needed – digital capabilities added to our existing flexo infrastructure."
According to both Domino and Mark Andy, the DSiQ-R is aimed at converters that want to add digital functionality without expanding their production footprint or investing in an individual digital press. The companies say it supports high-resolution printing with strong durability, aligning with industry standards for a range of applications.
"This new capability allows us to respond faster to our customers' needs while maintaining the finishing and embellishment options we're known for," said Mr Cook. "It strengthens our position in a competitive market and prepares us for the future of label production."