As label converters worldwide face rising demand for shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and greater levels of customisation, many are reassessing how best to expand their production capabilities. Replacing an entire press line can represent a major financial and operational commitment, prompting growing interest in digital retrofit technology as a more flexible alternative.
Digital retrofits allow converters to integrate digital printing into existing flexo lines without increasing their production footprint. Against this backdrop, the Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) N610i-R digital retrofit module has been developed to help converters add digital printing capability quickly and cost-effectively. Domino spoke with two converters that have recently adopted the technology to understand why they selected this solution and how it has influenced their businesses.
In the US, Great Lakes Label installed the N610i-R as part of a Mark Andy DSiQ-R digital retrofit solution, adding digital capability to its existing Mark Andy Performance Series P5 flexo press. In the UK, Jenacre Labels integrated the same module on one of its Nilpeter presses. Tony Cook, Founder & CEO, Great Lakes Label, explains the rationale behind the decision: “With growing demand for shorter production runs and variable printing, we knew digital was the next logical step. But we wanted to do it in a way that complemented our existing capabilities without compromising efficiency.” Jenacre Labels’ Managing Director David Duncan identified a similar market trend, particularly in demand for short-run, multi-page peel-and-reveal labels featuring complex variable data. He says, “Digital printing was the obvious answer, but a standalone digital press that would require additional offline finishing processes was out of the question – both from a cost and logistics point of view. We wanted an inline solution for our existing Nilpeter presses.”
Great Lakes Label became aware of Domino’s collaboration with Mark Andy on a retrofit solution and saw it as a close fit with its requirements. Cook says, “It was exactly what we had been hoping for – an innovative hybrid approach that would allow us to maximise our existing press investments while adding digital capabilities. With this new capability, we’re not just keeping up with industry trends – we’re setting them.” Duncan also found the N610i-R aligned with Jenacre Labels’ operational needs, highlighting supplier support as a key factor: “Domino’s technology, expertise, and support gave us the confidence to move forward. From initial contact through installation and training, ongoing support has been crucial to the success of this project.”
Both converters report strong outcomes following installation. Duncan notes, “From day one, the ability to efficiently run multiple SKUs has been an asset and print consistency has been excellent. Being able to do pre- and on-press adjustments without having to remix inks or wait for plates has made a substantial difference, boosting production time, efficiency, and reducing our lead times.” Great Lakes Label reports that the retrofit has freed up around 30 percent of capacity on its other presses, with Cook adding, “We were thrilled to be the first North American label converter to implement this technology. This partnership is a game-changer for us, enabling us to better serve our customers with high-quality, high-efficiency digital printing while maintaining all the benefits of flexo production.”
Michael Matthews, Product Manager – DP Colour, Domino Printing Sciences, says the results demonstrate the value of the approach: “At Domino, we’re proud to support converters in boosting production flexibility, reducing lead times, and streamlining operations. By integrating digital printing capabilities directly into their existing lines, Jenacre Labels and Great Lakes Label have been able to be more responsive to customer demands. Projects like the N610i-R demonstrate our commitment to delivering practical, high-performance solutions that help our customers stay competitive and future-ready.” Both converters agree that the Domino N610i-R represents more than a retrofit, describing it as a strategic upgrade that positions their operations for the future of label printing.
