Is Your Labelling Machine Ready for the Future?

At Premier Labellers, we know your labelling machines are the heartbeat of your production line. That’s why we’re committed to keeping them running smoothly for as long as physically possible.

We actually don't specify a maximum time period that we support machines for. Instead, we support them until we are no longer unable to get hold of critical components and/or software support finishes. Mechanical parts we can essentially support forever, but there is always a point in time where manufacturers stop producing electrical components, and software becomes a non-runner for modern IT platforms. Even then, we can often replace individual components, such as sensors, with modern equivalents, but not always.

It's best practice to plan for machine obsolescence well in advance to avoid any unforeseen downtime during production should something fail. This is why it's important to take notice if any of our team start to mention critical obsolescence. Prevention is always better than a cure!

What Premier Labellers Machines are Considered Obsolete?

P400 - Fully Obsolete

The P400 labelling machines are now completely obsolete, with official support having ended in 2020. P400 machines used logic boards to control their functions way before the days of PLC programming. The machines were built incredibly well, and understandably, customers are reluctant to replace something that is still "working", but it's incredibly important that any Premier P400 labelling machines are replaced as soon as possible if they're still running in production. We cannot get hold of any new logic boards whatsoever, so if one dies, your production line will be down for months until a replacement machine can be built-to-order. If you have a P400 in your production, we recommend replacing with it's modern equivalent, which is our P250 labelling machine https://www.premierlabellers.co.uk/labellingmachinery/p250 

P200 - Electrically Obsolete

The P200 machines are electrically outdated, but many mechanical parts remain compatible with the P250 series. This allows us to continue supporting the mechanical side of your machine, giving you time to plan an upgrade without disrupting your operations.

However, P200 machines are almost exclusively controlled by S7-200 PLC modules, and we can no longer get hold of new modules; Siemens ended production of these modules in 2013 (SEE MORE INFO BELOW). At the time of writing this (November 2025), you may still be able to find used or reconditioned ones, but we cannot provide these ourselves because they do not have a warranty, and we have no way to test them.

We can no longer support any programme changes or apply programmes to replacement PLC units, should the software fail in your machine. This is because the software required to complete the actions can only run on Windows XP, which is a massive cybersecurity risk. Our service engineers can reprogramme the latest systems on site, so we highly recommend replacing the P200 labelling machine with a new P250 labelling machine to ensure full support is available.

Can Premier Labellers Upgrade Older Machines to New PLC Systems?

The short answer is no.

Logic board-controlled systems have nothing in common with modern PLCs, so upgrading from a logic board labelling machine to a new PLC-based system is not possible. It needs all new electrics and all the latest mechanical components to work, along with the correct frame to house everything. In summary, that's a new machine. It's far simpler and far more cost-effective to do a straightforward swap of the entire machine.

Upgrading from a Siemens S7-200 PLC to a Siemens S7-1200 PLC system is possible, but the reality is that it's far more expensive and time-consuming to do this than it is to just replace the whole machine. This is because of two major reasons:

1. Compliance

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 state that a substantial modification of any machine will require a new safety conformity assessment for the entire machine. This means that if we replace the PLC system, we also have to bring all the wiring, safety circuits, screen, mechanical components, air service kit, isolator switch, power supply, and guarding all up to the latest standards. Doing so effectively means everything on the machine, bar a few mechanical parts and the frame, will need to be replaced and retested.

It's incredibly important to note that the new EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 is also now in force (from 2023), but will be mandatory from 2027; it replaces the current Directive 2006/42/EC. This is important because it states that: anyone who modifies anything on a machine, including you as the customer or any third parties, will now be responsible for updating whole machine compliance, CE marking, and risk assessments. It also specifies clearly that replacing the control systems (including new software) is a “substantial modification”.

2. Downtime

By performing a machine upgrade, we are effectively doubling our labour time by having to strip down an old machine on top of building all new parts and re-fitting everything. We would need the machine returned to us for 8-10 weeks to allow the time for strip-down, build, and re-testing. A new machine would be a straightforward one-in, one-out swap, which usually takes less than a day to complete.

Can You Help With Advice For Replacing Old Labelling Machines?

Absolutely. We are always happy to advise what replacements are available. We recommend chatting to our sales team about your specific production requirements, as these may have changed since the old machine was first installed. This will also help us understand any future needs to help secure your investment for longer.

What Do We Do With Our Old Machine?

We offer a trade-in value against old machines to help your business build a case for replacement.

What Improvements Will I See in A New Machine?

If your old machine is creating problems due to its age, then you will see a production efficiency increase with new equipment, as well as a saving in maintenance costs and the cost of lost production.

In Summary

Upgrading old labelling machines to modern PLC systems isn’t a practical option — it’s more efficient and cost-effective to replace them entirely. Modern PLCs require new electrical systems, updated safety components, and full compliance with current and upcoming machinery regulations, making an upgrade essentially a rebuild.

Replacing an old system avoids long downtime and costly compliance work while delivering a faster, more reliable machine with improved efficiency and lower maintenance needs. Premier Labellers also offers trade-in options and expert guidance to help you choose the right replacement for your production line.

Get in touch with our experts

At Premier Labellers, we don’t just provide spares and service. We guide you through the best options for your business. Whether it’s extending the life of mechanically supported machines or replacing obsolete models, our team is here to help every step of the way.

Keep your production running at peak performance! Our expert team is ready to help with spares, service, or advice on upgrading your machine, get in touch with our Service Team today.

Looking for a new labelling machine? Explore replacement options here and find the perfect fit for your line.

Learn more about our Spares & Service solutions and keep your operations running smoothly with minimal downtime.

We're always happy to chat over the phone to discuss options. We firmly believe in creating relationships with real people, so don't hesitate to call us on 01255 553822, and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.