Labels UK, a label printing provider based in Greater Manchester, has completed the installation of the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press, marking a pivotal upgrade in its production capabilities and digital transformation strategy. Labels UK delivers premium quality, personalised label solutions while embracing cutting edge technology and sustainable practices. The investment reflects the company’s strategy to expand high value variable data printing (VDP) while advancing sustainability across its operations.



The HP Indigo 6K Digital Press is the industry’s benchmark narrow web solution for labels and flexible packaging, combining LEP print quality and One-Shot Color for precise, repeatable colour with up to seven stations and a broad ElectroInk portfolio (including white, silver and fluorescents). For converters, its production stack, including Spot Master, Automatic Alert Agent, Inline Priming Unit and the PrintOS Production Pro, translates into shorter changeovers, fewer touchpoints, lower waste and consistently high quality output. The digital press supports a wide media range (from pressure sensitives to shrink sleeves and light cartons) and integrates with inline/offline digital embellishment, helping converters win premium SKUs while turning short runs and personalisation into profitable, day to day work.

“At Labels UK, we see HP as the industry standard for digital label printing,” said David Dobson, Managing Director, Labels UK. “Investing in the HP Indigo 6K allows us to deliver the highest quality to our customers. Our trials with the technology reaffirmed our belief in its exceptional quality, and the advanced software capabilities enable us to provide high volume variable data printing to meet the specific demands of our clients. This is part of our ongoing commitment to continued investment in the latest innovations, helping us stay ahead in a competitive market and deliver the best possible products.” 
“It’s fantastic to see how the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press is enabling the Labels UK team to deliver even more value to their customers and strengthen their position in a highly competitive market.”, said Andy Pike, Marketing Manager, HP Industrial Print EMEA. “By combining exceptional print quality with advanced automation and workflow tools, the press is helping Labels UK to meet growing demand for variable data printing and personalisation while driving greater efficiency and sustainability.”

Strategic Benefits and Differentiation

The decision to adopt the HP Indigo 6K was driven by the need to overcome limitations in speed, flexibility, and output quality. Installing the HP Indigo 6K accelerates RIP (Raster Image Processing) which converts design files into print ready data so artwork is ready to print faster, and boosts VDP (Variable Data Printing, where text, images, barcodes or serialised codes change on every label). These efficiencies mean that Label UK has been able to remove any production bottlenecks, previously experienced by print operators. The digital press also delivers broad media versatility to support creative and sustainability goals, and produces consistent, premium colour - opening headroom for personalised packaging and short run, high impact campaigns.

Digital Workflow and Automation

 Labels UK has been an early participant in HP’s Jump Start programme, gaining hands-on experience with HP PrintOS. This cloud based operating system is already helping the team streamline workflows, improve job tracking, and enhance internal efficiencies. The company has also received its HP Hololens XR headset and is preparing to explore augmented reality services to further automate and simplify production processes.

Financial Enablement

The acquisition was made possible through a tailored financing solution from HP Financial Services (HPFS), which adapted lease terms to allow Labels UK to proceed with the purchase before completing its existing lease on the Konica press. This flexibility was instrumental in accelerating the company’s transition to next-generation digital print technology.

Looking Ahead

The HP Indigo 6K replaces Labels UK’s previous Konica 230 press, offering a significant leap in productivity, media versatility, and print quality. The installation was completed at the company’s Irlam facility and is already enabling the business to meet growing demand for high volume variable data printing (VDP), personalisation, and fast turnaround times.
With the HP Indigo 6K now fully operational, Labels UK is poised to deliver faster, smarter, and more sustainable label solutions to its clients across the UK and beyond. The investment underscores the company’s long term vision: to lead through innovation, exceed customer expectations, and remain agile in a rapidly evolving market.

To learn more about the HP Indigo 6K, visit: https://www.hp.com/gb-en/industrial-printers/indigo-digital-presses/labels-flexible-packaging-digital-presses/6k-printing-press.html