MK9 Cigarette Maker Replacement Options
With the Molins MK9 now long out of production, operators face a critical decision: upgrade to a modern machine, refurbish existing MK9 units, or continue with aftermarket support. Each path has different cost profiles, downtime implications, and spare parts requirements. This guide compares all three options.
Path 1: Upgrade to PROTOS 70/90
- Investment: High — new machine €800K-€1.5M depending on configuration
- Benefits: Higher speed (7,000-8,000 cpm vs 5,500), lower energy consumption per cigarette, modern PLC/servo control
- Spare parts: Readily available (we stock both PROTOS 70 and 90 parts)
- Training: Operators need retraining for servo control systems
- Installation: 4-8 weeks including line re-commissioning
- Best for: High-volume production facilities with 3+ years payback horizon
Path 2: MK9.5 Refurbishment Program
- Investment: Medium — €200K-€400K for full refurbishment
- Benefits: Extends machine life 8-12 years, retains existing operator skills
- What's included: Complete tear-down, replacement of all bearings/seals/seals, garniture rebuild, control system modernization
- Spare parts: All MK9 parts remain available through aftermarket channels
- Downtime: 3-5 weeks
- Best for: Medium-volume production with good MK9 operator expertise
Path 3: Aftermarket Support (Keep Running)
- Investment: Low — €50K-€100K/year in consumables + occasional major repairs
- Benefits: Lowest upfront cost, no production disruption
- Risks: Increasing parts scarcity for some components, rising machine failure rates as components age
- Spare parts: Most consumables (knives, tapes, tongue assemblies) readily available. Drum assemblies and proprietary parts becoming scarce
- Best for: Low-volume production, backup/surge capacity, or gradual transition planning
Cost Comparison Summary
| Option | Upfront Cost | Annual Spares Cost | Downtime | Life Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROTOS Upgrade | €800K-€1.5M | €30K-€50K | 4-8 weeks | 15+ years |
| MK9.5 Refurb | €200K-€400K | €50K-€100K | 3-5 weeks | 8-12 years |
| Aftermarket | €10K-€30K | €50K-€100K | Minimal | 3-5 years |
Our Recommendation
For most MK9 operators, the optimal path is mid-term refurbishment (Path 2) with a long-term upgrade plan (Path 1). This spreads the capital investment while maintaining production reliability. Whichever path you choose, we supply spare parts for MK9, MK9.5, and PROTOS systems.
Contact our technical team for MK9 replacement planning support.
