The Molins Mark 9 cigarette maker is one of the most commercially successful mid-speed cigarette making machines ever built. Its installed base, combined with an active aftermarket for refurbished and rebuilt units, makes it the most accessible mid-speed cigarette maker available to factory buyers in the USA market today. This guide provides everything a factory buyer needs to know: verified specifications from the official Molins website, the different variants in the Mark 9 family, how the Hauni Max S integration works, refurbished market pricing, and who this machine is genuinely suited for.
Molins: Company Background and the Mark 9’s Place in History
Molins was founded in the United Kingdom in 1912 and has been designing and manufacturing cigarette making machines for over a century. Today Molins operates within the Coesia Group, which also owns G.D and SASIB, while maintaining its own distinct brand identity, engineering team, and product line. Molins specializes specifically in mid-speed cigarette makers, packers, and handling equipment, serving the largest share of the global tobacco manufacturing installed base. For a broader view of where Molins sits within the global landscape, see our Industrial Cigarette Machinery Brands: Complete Manufacturer Guide.
The Molins Mark 9 Family: Understanding the Variants
Before examining specifications, it is important to understand that the Mark 9 is not a single machine, it is a family of configurations spanning multiple generations, control system upgrades, and integration options.
MK9 Classic
The MK9 Classic is the current active production model from Molins, the machine that appears on the official Molins website today. It is described by Molins as having long been recognized as the industry standard for quality and represents an evolution of the original Mark 9 architecture with a brand new PLC operating system and selected upgrades from Molins’ latest technology. The MK9 Classic features an independent hopper and elevator drive, providing better tobacco feed control and reducing blend degradation during the feeding process.
MK9.5 with Max S (Market Variant)
The MK9.5 with Max S is the most commonly traded Mark 9 configuration in the global refurbished market. This variant combines the MK9 maker with the Hauni Max S filter attachment system and a Mass Flow Tray Filler. It is found listed under several names by different dealers and rebuilders: Mark 9 with Max S, MK9 Max S, Mark 9.5 with Max S, and Molins MK9 with Hauni Max S — all referring to essentially the same integrated making-tipping configuration.
MK9.5 LSD (Lenze Servo Drives Variant)
A further variant of the Mark 9.5 platform incorporates Lenze servo drives in place of conventional mechanical drive systems. The Lenze servo drive variant provides enhanced operational precision and efficiency, servo technology allows better control over the manufacturing process and is particularly valued for energy efficiency and tighter tolerances at the upper end of the speed range.
MK9 Classic: Full Verified Specifications
The following specifications are sourced directly from the official Molins product page for the MK9 Classic, verified May 2026.
| Production speed | 5,500 cpm |
| Technology | Cigarette Making |
| Industry | Nicotine Delivery Systems |
| Segment | Cigarettes, Cigars & Cigarillos |
| Machine length | 4,757 mm |
| Machine depth | 3,230 mm |
| Machine height | 2,888 mm |
| Machine weight | 7,870 kg |
| Control system | PLC operating system |
| Hopper drive | Independent hopper and elevator drive |
| Safety standard | IEC 60204-1 |
| Format options | Standard, slim, super slim, oval, kretek |
| Plain maker option | Available (without filter attachment) |
| Hemp products | Available for hemp-based products |
| Maker/tipper separation | Available to purchase separately |
| Linked tray filler | MTF 4 Mass Flow Tray Filler (12,000 cpm capacity) |
MK9.5 with Max S: Market Specifications
The MK9.5 with Max S configuration, the most commonly traded Mark 9 variant in the refurbished market, carries the following specifications as consistently documented across multiple verified industry sources.
| Production speed | 4,500 – 5,000 cpm |
| Default cigarette length | 84mm standard |
| Cigarette circumference range | 17mm – 28.3mm |
| Filter + tobacco rod length | 65mm – 110mm |
| Filter attachment | Hauni Max S Filter Assembler |
| Tray filler | Mass Flow Tray Filler |
| Control system | PLC with touch screen monitoring |
| Weight control option | Microwave Weight Control (available as additional option) |
| Machine weight | ~7,800 kg |
| Format options | 84mm and 100mm; King Size, Slim, Demi |
How the Hauni Max S Integration Works
The Hauni Max S is the filter attachment machine, also called the tipper, that is integrated with the Mark 9 maker to form the complete MK9/Max S combination. The cigarette rods produced by the MK9 exit the rod-forming section and feed directly into the Max S tipper. The Max S receives filter rods produced by an upstream filter making machine and attaches one filter rod to each cigarette rod using tipping paper. The combined double-length filter cigarette is then cut into individual filter cigarettes and transferred to the downstream tray system.
The integration of the MK9 maker and the Max S tipper into a single physical unit means that both machines share speed synchronization, the Max S automatically adjusts its tipping rate to match the maker’s output at any given production speed. This eliminates the inter-machine transfer stoppages that occur when maker and tipper operate as separate units. The Mass Flow Tray Filler that completes the standard MK9.5 configuration receives finished cigarettes from the Max S and deposits them into standard trays for transport to the packing line.
Mark 9 Variants: Comparison Table
| Feature | MK9 Classic | MK9.5 with Max S | MK9.5 LSD |
| Max speed | 5,500 cpm | 4,500-5,000 cpm | 4,500-5,000 cpm |
| Cigarette length | Multiple formats | 84mm + 100mm | 84mm + 100mm |
| Circumference range | Multiple | 17-28.3mm | 17-28.3mm |
| Filter attachment | Separate / optional | Hauni Max S integrated | Hauni Max S integrated |
| Drive system | Independent hopper & elevator | Conventional | Lenze servo drives |
| Control system | New PLC platform | PLC + touch screen | PLC + Lenze servo |
| Weight control | Options available | Microwave option | Microwave option |
| Machine weight | 7,870 kg | ~7,800 kg | ~7,800 kg |
| Status | Current active model | Secondary market | Secondary market |
| Best for | New installation | Refurbished purchase | Precision + efficiency upgrade |
| Hemp compatible | Yes | Config. dependent | Config. dependent |
How the Molins Mark 9 Compares to the Korber Protos 70
The two most commonly compared mid-to-high speed cigarette makers are the Molins Mark 9 and the Hauni Protos 70. Understanding the differences is essential for buyers deciding which platform to invest in. For the full Protos specification guide, see our Korber (Hauni) Protos Cigarette Maker: Full Overview & Specifications.
| Factor | Molins MK9 Classic | Hauni Protos 70 |
| Max speed | 5,500 cpm | 7,000 cpm |
| Market position | Industry standard – mid-speed | Entry high-speed |
| Control system | PLC | PLC (Siemens/Beckhoff) |
| Refurbished availability | Extensive – most traded mid-speed | Strong – large global base |
| Refurbished price range | $150,000 – $280,000 | $200,000 – $380,000 |
| Parts availability USA | Strong | Strongest in market |
| OEM new price | $300,000 – $500,000 | $600,000 – $900,000 |
| Best for | SME, regional, 2-4B cigs/year | Mid-large, 3-6B cigs/year |
| USA service | Via Coesia network | Via Korber North America direct |
The Mark 9 is not a competitor to the Protos in the same speed tier, the Protos 70 produces 7,000 cpm against the MK9 Classic’s 5,500 cpm. For a factory targeting under 4 billion cigarettes per year, the Mark 9 is appropriately specified and significantly lower capital cost. For a factory targeting 4 billion or above, the Protos 70 becomes worth the premium. For the full decision framework, see our guide to High-Speed vs Mid-Speed Cigarette Manufacturing Machines.
The Refurbished Molins Mark 9 Market
The Molins Mark 9 and its predecessor the Mark 8 represent the most actively traded cigarette making machine platform in the global refurbished market. The large global installed base means that high-quality used units regularly become available as factories upgrade to higher-speed machines or close production lines.
What a Properly Rebuilt Mark 9 Looks Like
A quality rebuild of the MK9/Max S combination, as offered by specialist rebuilders like Makepak International, involves full mechanical disassembly, replacement of worn components to specification, installation of a new PLC electrical system with touch screen monitoring, calibration and testing to production speed, and delivery with a warranty on rebuild work performed.
Pricing in the USA Refurbished Market
Rebuilt MK9 with Max S configurations from specialist dealers typically range from $150,000 to $280,000 depending on age, condition, reconditioning scope, and whether microwave weight control has been installed. This compares to $300,000 to $500,000 or more for a new MK9 Classic configuration from Molins OEM channels.
What to Verify Before Buying a Refurbished Mark 9
- Confirm the specific variant, MK9 Classic, MK9.5, or MK9.5 LSD
- Verify the PLC platform and confirm it is a current or supported version
- Check garniture tape condition and replacement history
- Confirm Max S tipper condition, tipping drum surfaces and cam wear are the primary failure points
- Request a full-speed production test on your specific format before acceptance
- Verify spare parts availability for the specific serial number
- Confirm whether microwave weight control is installed or available as an option
For a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection framework, see our complete guide to New vs Refurbished Cigarette Manufacturing Machines.
Who the Molins Mark 9 Is Best Suited For
The Mark 9 suits factories that:
- Target annual output of 1.5 to 4 billion cigarettes operating on three shifts
- Are entering the market for the first time and want a proven, well-understood platform
- Have a capital budget between $150,000 and $300,000 for the making machine
- Prioritize parts availability and global service coverage over cutting-edge technology
- Produce standard 84mm or 100mm formats primarily
- Want the deepest refurbished machine supply of any mid-speed platform
The Mark 9 is not the right choice for factories that need output above 5,500 cpm, require full Industry 4.0 data integration, produce exclusively slim formats at high volume, or are planning HNB or next-generation tobacco product production alongside conventional cigarettes.
Molins Mark 9 Availability in the USA
New MK9 Classic configurations are available through the Coesia Group’s North American distribution network with lead times of 6 to 12 months from OEM channels. Molins maintains offices and manufacturing locations in the USA giving it one of the stronger direct North American service presences among European tobacco machinery manufacturers. Refurbished units are regularly available from specialist dealers in the USA — the large global installed base makes USA-based inventory far more common for Mark 9 than for most other cigarette maker platforms. For guidance on identifying and vetting Molins dealers and specialist suppliers, see our procurement guide: How to Source Cigarette Machinery Suppliers in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Molins Mark 9 cigarette maker?
The Molins Mark 9 cigarette maker is a mid-speed industrial cigarette making machine manufactured by Molins, a Coesia Group company based in the UK. The current active model is the MK9 Classic, rated at 5,500 cpm with a new PLC operating system and independent hopper and elevator drive. The Mark 9 family also includes the MK9.5 with Max S, the most commonly traded variant in the refurbished market, producing 4,500 to 5,000 cpm with integrated Hauni Max S filter attachment.
What is the production speed of the Molins Mark 9?
The MK9 Classic produces up to 5,500 cigarettes per minute. The MK9.5 with Max S variant produces 4,500 to 5,000 cigarettes per minute. All Mark 9 configurations support both 84mm standard and 100mm long cigarette formats.
What is the difference between the MK9 Classic and the MK9.5 with Max S?
The MK9 Classic is the current active production model from Molins with the latest PLC platform and independent hopper drive, rated at 5,500 cpm. The MK9.5 with Max S is the most common refurbished market variant, it combines the MK9 maker with the Hauni Max S filter attachment system and a Mass Flow Tray Filler, producing 4,500 to 5,000 cpm as a fully integrated making-tipping solution.
How does the Mark 9 compare to the Korber Protos 70?
The Mark 9 produces up to 5,500 cpm; the Protos 70 produces up to 7,000 cpm. The Mark 9 is significantly lower in capital cost, refurbished units at $150,000 to $280,000 versus $200,000 to $380,000 for refurbished Protos 70. The Mark 9 suits factories targeting under 4 billion cigarettes per year; the Protos 70 suits factories targeting 4 billion and above.
Is the Molins Mark 9 available refurbished in the USA?
Yes. The Mark 9 platform has the most active refurbished market of any mid-speed cigarette maker globally. Rebuilt MK9 with Max S configurations from specialist USA and international dealers typically range from $150,000 to $280,000 depending on condition and reconditioning scope.
What spare parts wear most frequently on the Mark 9?
The most commonly replaced wearing parts are garniture tapes, suction bands, cut-off knives, tipping drums, and cam assemblies in the Max S filter attachment unit. All are available from both Molins OEM channels and independent aftermarket suppliers, making the Mark 9 one of the most maintainable mid-speed machines in long-term operation.
Can the Molins Mark 9 produce slim cigarettes?
Yes. The MK9 Classic supports slim, super slim, oval, and kretek formats in addition to standard King Size and 100mm formats. Format changeover requires different garniture parts and configuration adjustments. The machine is optimized for standard format production and slim format capability requires the appropriate format parts to be installed.
