Top Indian CEOs provide the ultimate insight on LabelExpo: Manish Desai, Kamlesh Shah, Mahendra Shah

Kamlesh Shah, LetraGraphix
Ahmedabad

Your first LabelExpo was?
The 1993 edition of LabelExpo Europe. Since then I have been visited every edition till 2007. My nephew Nirav Shah will join me.

Your reasons for visiting LabelExpo Europe?
To get the update and complete knowledge of technology through exposure to new machines, self adhesive materials, inks, plates, screens, gears, etc. Also I hope to look at other requirements pertaining to the label industry. In short, LabelExpo Europe becomes a one-stop-shop for all solutions.

Your best experience at LabelExpo was?
Exposure to a new Gallus machine EM280 at LabelExpo Europe 2007, which is what I finally purchased in 2008.

What is your game plan for LabelExpo Europe 2011?
I will be keeping a close watch on new machinery for label inspection, rewinders and slitters.

What technology are you eyeing?
Flexo printing.

If you were gifted 10 million euros, what would you buy at LabelExpo 2011?
Are you serious? If YES, then every possible label printing machine at the exhibition.

One person with whom you would like to spend an hour at LabelExpo Europe 2011?  
With a technical person at the booth of a supplier for self adhesive materials.

For you LabelExpo means?
A place where all the needs of a label printer gets fulfilled.

One concern on your shopfloor which you intend to resolve at LabelExpo 2011  
A search for a proper label applicator, which is used to apply pre-printed, self-adhesive (pressure-sensitive) labels to products, accurately and reliably every time.

What are the game changing technologies in labels according to you?  
Digital printing.

Pressure sensitive and wet-glue v/s self-adhesive labels. Your views (costing and technology relevant for Indian market)
In India, there is a big shift from wet-glue labels to self-adhesive labels.

Your advice to a first time visitor:
Observe and buy as much as you want, but do not to forget a visit to Central Brussels.




Manish Desai, Mudrika Labels
Vasai

Your first Label Expo was?
LabelExpo 1996 in Chicago.

Your reasons for visiting LabelExpo Europe?
The first time I visited this show was when we were planning to make a foray into the narrow-web label printing.

Your best experience at LabelExpo was?
In 1996. I had placed an order for flat-bed printing before going to LabelExpo. After returning I changed my decision and instead purchased a full rotary Ko-Pack label printing press. I am proud of this decision which made it possible for Mudrika Labels to compete at a global level.

What is your game plan for LabelExpo Europe 2011?
I will be looking for the technology to modernise my shopfloor.

What technology are you eyeing?
We are interested in bigger and faster web machines which also provides value-addition. It should enable us to cater to niche markets in India like security labels, and multilayer labels.

If you were gifted 10 million euros, what would you buy at LabelExpo 2011?
Will buy a profit-making label printing company in Europe and expand it further.

One person with whom you would like to spend an hour at LabelExpo Europe 2011?
Anyone and everyone. I always enjoy a good conversation about label printing.

For you LabelExpo means?
Chalk out my development plan for coming two years.

One concern on your shopfloor which you intend to resolve at LabelExpo 2011?
To procure a MIS software for better planning and production.

What are the game changing technologies in labels according to you?
Digital and gravure technology.

Pressure sensitive and wet-glue v/s self-adhesive labels. Your views (costing and technology relevant for Indian market)
In the past five years, we have observed that costing is not the only criteria for the clients. They calculate total applied cost to the product and are looking at faster productions along with the benefits of auto-labelling and clean production environment as per requirements of ISO 9001 and 14001. The pharma companies are one of the best examples for converting cut labels into self-adhesive labels. In future, it can be assumed that self-adhesive labels are going to take over wet-glue labels.

Your advice to a first time visitor:
Do not miss this great opportunity. And keep a positive mind while taking the final decision.

Mahendra Shah, Renault Paper Products
Palghar

Your first LabelExpo was?
LabelExpo America 2004 in Chicago.

Your reasons for visiting LabelExpo Europe?
To update myself with the latest development which will help in future expansion plans.

Your best experience at LabelExpo was?
Every visit to LabelExpo has presented me with new ideas.

What is your game plan for LabelExpo Europe 2011?
To gain as much knowledge as possible on the latest packaging developments.

What technology are you eyeing?
Nothing much particular, I will be looking out for technology to upgrade my existing set-up.

If you were gifted 10 million euros, what would you buy at LabelExpo 2011?
Wow! Retire from business and enjoy the money.

One person with whom you would like to spend an hour at LabelExpo Europe 2011?
Paolo Grasso from Omet. With his kind of education in printing and the converting business, he is a Bible on label printing. Plus he has worked in this industry for 15 years.

For you LabelExpo means?
Ocean of knowledge for the label industry.

One concern on your shopfloor which you intend to resolve at LabelExpo 2011?
Waste management. I want to minimise waste at all stages of production.

What are the game changing technologies in labels according to you?
Indian market is unpredictable. The game changing technology would be the one that is sustainable.

Pressure sensitive and wet glue v/s self adhesive labels. Your views (costing and technology relevant for Indian market)
Wet glue labels are always going to be cost-effective. In fact in a country like India the prices always have to go down even if the raw material price is up. So wet glue still remains the leader among the two.

Your advice to a first time visitor
Don’t think too much before the visit. Watch out for the opportunities and grab them.