Impression Label invests in Mark Andy DSiQ

US-based converter Impression Label has installed a Mark Andy Digital Series iQ to handle mid-volume work between 10,000 and 100,000 labels and relieve pressure on its flexo presses.

The Colorado-based converter, which was founded in 1986 and is now led by brothers Christian and Marco De La Vega, operates five flexo presses ranging from seven to 17 inches wide and two Mark Andy Digital Pro toner-based digital presses. The company has 33 employees and generates annual sales of more than 11 million USD.

'We're buried,' stated Marco De La Vega. 'This new Mark Andy press will give us the ability to get back to our roots: fastest turnarounds, highest quality and best pricing. It will also open up capacity on our flexo assets, which are currently running massive volumes.'

The DSiQ investment was driven partly by unpredictable ordering patterns from the company's largest account, with orders ranging from 1,600 labels to 1.6 million for the same product.

'I received an email from them recently asking for a quarter of a million labels in two weeks' time. They ordered 20 rolls only a month ago, it's just the nature of their business and their demand,' explained Marco De La Vega.

The new press features four flexo stations, two before and two after the inkjet engine, plus lamination, turn bars and full rotary die-cutting. 'This new press enables us to lay down primer, add a spot color like a custom metallic, print opaque white and CMYK digitally, and then finish entirely in-line. The result is a more streamlined, end-to-end process that reduces setup times and waste,' added Marco De La Vega.

Impression Label's relationship with Mark Andy dates back to 2008, when the family acquired the business and installed its first 2200 press. The company has since standardized its operation around Mark Andy technology, investing in Performance Series P3 and P7 flexo platforms.

The company handles complex work, including 96-page pharmaceutical booklets, unsupported film constructions and intricate industrial or consumer applications. Marco De La Vega estimates that roughly 40 percent of the company’s work involves challenging or unconventional formats.