L Ramanathan: Procrastination is a trait I most deplore in our industry

What is your idea of a perfect print firm in India?
A perfect firm is the one which by its services and products takes away customers’ problems or shoulders the burden of their needs.

What is the trait you most deplore in our industry?
Procrastination is something which is hindering the growth of SMEs in our industry.

The current fact file (turnover / people / machines) of your press?
We have planned to achieve 20 crores this year, 100+ people, three locations, digital to offset, commercial to publication to packaging all under one roof. We are a multi-brand printhouse.

What is the trickiest colour that you have had to print?
I always had difficulties in printing neutral grey areas with process colours.

When and which print job or project made you the happiest?
A trial which we did for a leading distillery which later got converted into a huge quantity recurring job.

One job you wish you had printed?
Kingfisher calendar. I have seen it being printed when I was working in Mumbai.

What is the quality you seek when you hire?
I don’t mind zero talent. But I look for a person with thirst to learn and adapt to changes.

One print blunder you made?
Once, long ago a walk-in client wanted the same invitation card which we had printed for someone else. We designed it and forgot to change the name of the bride. The reaction of the groom when he saw the invitation is still in my eyes.

What is your most ‘wow’ moment?
A person like me who never passed in physics during school but ended up as a University topper in BE Printing, Pune University.

If you could change one thing about your printing plant, what would it be?
Right now, it is the location since we are on the verge of becoming a full time packaging solution provider.

Which print technology, according to you, is the future? Why?
I feel a combination of flexo and offset for mono cartons will dominate the market in the future.

What is the greatest strength of your printing firm?
We don’t say ‘no’. We say ‘yes’ for the impossible and make it possible.