Great Lakes Label, located in Comstock Park, MI, USA, marks the very first installation in North America of the new Mark Andy DSiQ-R ‘powered by Domino’ digital retrofit module.  

The new Mark Andy DSiQ-R was installed onto an existing 10-color 13” Mark Andy Performance Series P5 flexo press.  The DSiQ-R is a digital retrofit module, designed and built by Domino, for converters to add digital printing capability onto an existing flexographic press – without adding additional footprint.

Utilizing the Domino N610i digital UV inkjet print engine, the DSiQ-R is a compact retrofittable 3-in-1 flexible hybrid solution, allowing Great Lakes Label to maximize productivity for full hybrid printing, digital-only printing, or flexo-only printing. It is a compact, flexible solution without the need for additional space, delivering excellent print quality and production flexibility while taking advantage of quick turnaround and non-stop production for multiple SKU jobs. This retrofit is available from Mark Andy as the DSiQ-R, and from Domino as the N610i-R.

Tony Cook, founder and CEO of Great Lakes Label, recently took part in a video to provide more information about the business and the drivers for adding the Mark Andy DSiQ-R. The visit was captured in this VIDEO: Great Lakes Label.   

The Drive for Digital Printing

Great Lakes Label has built a reputation for providing high-quality label solutions across industries that include food, beverage, household goods, automotive, and horticulture. As customer demands shifted toward shorter runs, increased customization, and faster turnaround times, the need for digital printing became clear.

“We have always been focused on innovation,” says Cook. “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.”

Why Domino?  Why Mark Andy?

Great Lakes Label explored various digital printing options over the years but was drawn to Domino’s technology for its superior quality, reliability, and ability to seamlessly integrate with their current flexographic operations. The company was particularly interested in a solution that would enhance productivity without requiring a complete overhaul of its press lineup.

“Our relationship with Mark Andy played a key role,” explains Cook. “When we learned that they were collaborating with Domino on a retrofit solution, it was exactly what we had been hoping for—an innovative hybrid approach that would allow us to maximize our existing press investments while adding digital capabilities.”

The Power of Partnership

The collaboration between Great Lakes Label, Domino, and Mark Andy exemplifies the power of industry partnerships. By installing the Domino-powered Mark Andy DSiQ-R onto an existing P5 flexo press, Great Lakes Label can now offer its customers greater flexibility, enhanced print quality, and improved turnaround times while maintaining the embellishment and finishing capabilities of their traditional press setup.

Mark Andy, a long-standing partner of Great Lakes Label, played a crucial role in bringing this integration to life. With decades of experience in flexographic press manufacturing and innovation, Mark Andy provided the necessary expertise and support to ensure seamless implementation. Their continued collaboration with Great Lakes Label underscores their shared commitment to driving advancements in the label industry.

“We were thrilled to be the first North American label converter to implement this technology,” remarks Cook. “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.”

Setting the Standard

The digital retrofit module delivers vibrant print with CMYK+ W digital UV ink, crisp detail, and enhanced durability. Combined with Mark Andy’s expertise in flexographic printing and finishing, this investment positions Great Lakes Label as a forward-thinking leader in the label industry.

“Domino has been in the inkjet game for years, Mark Andy in flexo for years, and the reputation of both companies for quality and service made them the ideal partner for this transition,” says Cook. “With this new capability, we’re not just keeping up with industry trends—we’re setting them.”