PrintWeek India

Sahil non-woven bag press

Faridabad-based Sahil Graphics has installed 2,000 presses. This includes a demand for non-woven bags, which are printed on Sahil's two-in-one press models which can print on fabric as well as paper.

"We've a tie-up with 200 schools," says Himanshu Gupta

Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran interview Himanshu Gupta, the third-generation advocate of change for S.Chand Group

“20% of our sales is monochrome,” says Tadahiko Sumitani

Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran discuss Konica Minolta’s mid-term plans with its managing director Tadahiko Sumitani, who talks about adopting a direct sales model and building a factory in India

Exhibitor speak: Gaurav Roy, managing director, Flexo Image Graphics

PWI speaks to Gaurav Roy, managing director, Flexo Image Graphics, an exhibitor at Labelexpo India 2012.

Exhibitor Speak: Anil Sharma, managing director - South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa at Avery Dennison

PWI speaks to Anil Sharma, managing director - South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa at Avery Dennison , an exhibitor at Labelexpo India 2012.

Third-generation advocate of change

Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran understand from Himanshu Gupta, how S Chand produces more than 7,000 products which are printed at multiple sites and distributed through 27 branches all over India

Printing industry in India expects a greener graph in 2013 over global cues

This week almost the whole of India was submerged in celebrating Diwali, while in the newsroom here, we were holding up a smile looking at the recent financial declarations from the printing industry giants.

Bowe Systec tows the app store model for its software solutions

Post the recent announcement of partnership between Bowe Systec and Manroland India, Bowe Systec is planning to pentrate the governmental postal services with its inserting and mailroom equiment. Supreeth Sudhakaran talks to Tim Munro, business development manager, Bowe Systec - Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa to understand the strategy of the company focusing the Indian market.

We expect positive results by the end of 2013

Manroland’s managing director Eckhard Horner-Marab was in India recently on his first international market assessment before the strategy planning board meeting in Germany. Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran engaged in a discussion to understand his vision for the new Manroland brand post-insolvency.

A preview to PrintPack 2013

PackPlus 2012 move to a venue in Greater Noida did not deter visitors from attending the show, reports Supreeth Sudhakaran

“Awards have boosted our quality”

Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran report on how the Delhi-based print specialist is launching phase three of its operations by expanding its plant – and sustaining a healthy CAGR of 20% in 2012-13

Arun Berry: For Interprint to attain a footfall of 15,000 visitors is laudable

PrintWeek India's associate editors Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran caught up with the Delhi Printers’ Associations’ president, Arun Berry for an interview about Interprint as well as other exhibitions in India. Excerpts.

The importance of CSR

A couple of years ago, I read a report about a survey carried out by the Asian Governance Association. The report said that among top 10 Asian countries ranked on corporate governance parameters, India has consistently ranked among the top three along with Singapore and Hong Kong. That was fantastic, I thought first, but then it pushed me to a thought – is the Indian printing and packaging industry concerned with CSR activities?

Why are we acting oblivious to brand management?

Often during conferences, seminars and panel discussions, people talk about huge figures of growth, contribution to GDP, turnovers, et all. But the moment the discussion spins towards brand management and marketing strategies of any company, an underlying discomfort is quite conspicuous.

Interprint Expo debuts in Delhi on a good note

Interprint Expo was flagged off on Friday, 14 September with Sheila Dikshit, chief minister of Delhi, inaugurating the exposition. The three-day exhibition was held from 14-16 September in Pragati Maidan’s Hall number 12.

Debate over the new venue for PrintPack India continues

The eleventh edition of the PrintPack India, the tradeshow to be held at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, from 23-28 February, 2013 is perhaps one of the biggest in Asia, and the fourth largest in the world, according to Indian Printing and allied manufacturers Association (IPAMA).

“Fine paper will be 20k tonnes by 2018,” says Sanjay Suneja

Noel D’cunha and Supreeth Sudhakaran in a conversation with Sanjay Suneja, managing director of Sona Commercial about the future of fine paper market in India; and how it can gain glory

We do not need more players, but big players: Alok Bharadwaj, Canon India

Alok Bharadwaj, who recently stepped in his new role as executive vice president, Canon India is gung-ho about maintaining the 21% growth year-on-year of Canon India. He spoke on a length of issues to Supreeth Sudhakaran during the first day of PrintPack India 2013.

NPES Print Business Conference 2013 Day one - session two

The technical sessions on day one of NPES Print Business Outlook Conference 2013 touched upon a series of topics.

NPES Print Business Conference 2013 Day two - session two

The post-lunch sessions on the second day of NPES Print Business Conference picked up pace as Smita Jha of PricewaterhouseCoopers India churned out statistics from the entertainment and media research report by PwC that predicted buoyant next five years for the newspaper printing industry in India.

Cottage industry? Or corporate status?

At Media Expo, Supreeth Sudhakaran looks at how OOH occupies 6.2% of the total advertising space in India; and what this portends for the future of the wide-format printers and new applications

Technology only helps to achieve an end purpose

Neeraj Sharma, executive director, Vinsak discusses why it is important to decide the USP of the company first and then work backwards to assess and compare capital investments.

Technology is dependent directly on label manufacturer

Mary Sullivan, director - global marketing, Mark Andy talks to Supreeth Sudhakaran during Labelexpo Europe.

M&A is becoming by and large an inevitable trend: Ajay Mehta

Ajay Mehta, managing director, SMI Coated Products talks to Supreeth Sudhakaran about Labelexpo Europe and trends from the Indian label industry.

‘The demand for fine paper is on the rise’

Noel D’cunha and Supreeth Sudhakaran interact with Suneet Jain, business head at Galgo Fine Papers to understand why speciality papers remains a low volume segment

Print thrives! At Aravali Printers

Supreeth Sudhakaran and Rahul Kumar find out that with their feet on the ground, the team at Aravali Printers show little sign of the doom and gloom as they keep adapting and growing

Adobe Creative Cloud: shot in the arm of software piracy?

Approximately six months after UK, USA, Australia and several other countries embraced the SaaS model from Adobe, India got its share this week when Adobe India launched its Creative Cloud offerings.

Gen X in Meerut eyes growth path

New Heidelberg SM 74 with Suprasetter A106 CTP device all set-up and further expansion plans in the pipeline, SK Offset are set to grow with their young turks at helm.

“Branding is no more an additional activity but necessity for any organisation”

In a conversation with Supreeth Sudhakaran, Rave India’s Rakesh Bhatnagar opens up about the challenges and the road ahead for Rave Scan.

"We'll target tier-2 cities aggressively"

At Interprint Expo, Creed showcased Vinsak platesetters and processors. The duo of Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran caught up with Ranesh Bajaj, the managing director, and Sankarshanan, vice president, Creed Engineers to grasp the latest at the Gurgaon-based firm

Sleepless walkers of IIMA

Publishers go under heavy chiselling at the Publishers Training Programme.

'Rave Scan has achieved a growth of 33%'

Rakesh Bhatnagar of Rave Scan talks about the the journey of 20-year old firm in Delhi and the move to Gurgaon. He tells Supreeth Sudhakaran, that branding has sustained the firm's 37% growth and ensured plans are intact.

Thought process of printers is changing in Rajasthan: YK Narula

YK Narula is not only the president of Rajasthan Printers’ Association; but also the managing director of Printers’ Emporium, which deals in several print and allied machinery and consumables. His father too was a printer and thus his veins have more ink than blood. He spoke to Supreeth Sudhakaran about the major trends of the Rajasthan, and why diversifying into packaging is a “wishful thinking”

Romancing Print 2014: Peter Rego’s eight future print trends

Peter Rego, general manager, Heidelberg India during Romancing Print 2014 touched upon various general trends that are enveloping the printing industry. From his presentation we picked up the following trends that will define the future of print industry:

Sir Speedy to add 20 outlets by 2015, partners with Xerox India

Sir Speedy India, a member of the world’s largest franchised network of printing and marketing service providers, has entered into an agreement with Xerox India to drive strategic initiatives in the Indian market. Supreeth Sudhakaran speaks to with John Bowen, vice president – business development , Franchise Services; Chandrajit Narraa, managing director, Sir Speedy India; and Pankaj Kalra, head - production systems group, Xerox India.

"Consolidation goes against principles of independent publishing"

Indira Chandrasekhar is Publisher and Managing Editor, Tulika Books, New Delhi. She began her publishing career with Macmillan India as a junior copy editor and worked for several years as a freelance editor, with brief stints at teaching in Bangalore and Delhi universities in the intervening years, before setting up Tulika Books in 1995. She has been associated with several well-known journals like Social Scientist, and Journal of Arts & Ideas. Indira is a founding partner of the Independent Pu

Digital show but not a revolution

We expected the best of technology-evolutions from Drupa to find their way to PrintPack India but were left a ‘little’ disappointed. A quick round-up of the digital arsenal at the show by Supreeth Sudhakaran and Noel D’cunha.

Edging up with new technologies

Mary Sullivan, director - global marketing, Mark Andy talks to Supreeth Sudhakaran about how her company’s performance at the Labelexpo Europe in Brussels went flying past their expectations.

Dr Batra Group turn publisher with Homeopathy & You

Well-known homeopathty treatment company, Dr Batra Group recently ventured into magazine publishing with their B2C magazine Homeopathy & You. Dr Mukesh Batra, the founder-chairman of Dr Batra’s Group talks to Supreeth Sudhakaran of PrintWeek India explaining the decision and the scope of niche magazines in India.

Chandrasekhar of Tulika: “Consolidation goes against principles of independent publishing”

Indira Chandrasekhar is publisher and managing editor, Tulika Books, New Delhi. She began her publishing career with Macmillan India as a junior copy editor and worked for several years as a freelance editor, with brief stints at teaching in Bangalore and Delhi universities in the intervening years, before setting up Tulika Books in 1995. She has been associated with several well-known journals like Social Scientist, and Journal of Arts & Ideas. Indira is a founding partner of the Independent Pu

Mergers and alliances in times of adversities

With companies in India finding a spurt in investment via M&A, joint ventures and PE/VC channels, 2012–13 is being touted as period of M&A and joint ventures. Supreeth Sudhakaran finds out.

Mishmash of new machines and trends

Amid the hustle and bustle at the 33rd edition of the four-day show, which was held from 24-27 September in Brussels, Supreeth Sudhakaran traces and taps noteworth trends and launches.

“46bn sq/m of labels converted every year”

The global label industry has shown slight dip in the growth rate but the per capita consumption of labels in Asia is also expected to double in next 10 years, reports the duo of Noel D’cunha and Supreeth Sudhakaran.

1.8bn new consumers to be added by 2015

Experts address key issues about release liners which are used in self-adhesive labelling during the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2013 at Brussels. A report by Supreeth Sudhakaran.

A blend of ideas from Pink City

Jaipur’s young print CEOs explain why print is here to stay, and share how a league of young entrepreneurs is exploring ways to redefine print business. Words Supreeth Sudhakaran

Delhi book printers get a crash course in cost estimation

The members of, Delhi Bookbinders Association, the apex body of 400-plus bookbinders in the National Capital Region were introduced to the methods of scientific calculation of costs by Dinesh Ingawale of Welbound.

Industry stalwarts remember late R N Dutta Baruah

The current and past president of AIFMP, Govind Bhargava and Ranjan Kuthari, respectively remember their association with late RN Dutta Baruah.

HP aims to grow its large format printing business in India

With a focus on innovations that effectively address the challenges faced by the AEC industry, Hewlett Packard recently announced its strategy for its large format printing business.

Delhi NCR gets a crash course on colour mechanics at Demystifying Colour Seminar

Delhi NCR till recently believed that the world of colours was a hard shell to crack. “I always believed understanding colour management should be left to those who are experts in the field and I should rather concentrate on getting the right artistic elements to the creative piece,” says one of the delegates from creative agency who attended the Demystifying Colour Seminar.

Janus Packaging: focusing on value-add

Janus Packaging has been always lauded for its long-term vision and philosophy of step-by-step growth is better than exponential growth.

Capital Group’s Imagenation stores open retail commercial printing shop in Delhi

Yestar India Retail, a subsidiary of Capital Group has ventured in to the retail commercial printing segment with its first shop in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi. The chain of retail shops has been named Imagenation stores. Xerox India will assist the company’s incubation in India and support it as a technology partner in this retail photo space..

Kern launches K91 card affixing machine

Mailing equipment manufacturer Kern has launched its latest card affixing machine, the K91, at the Cartes show in Paris earlier this month. Rohit Mital, Managing Director, Mital International, the sole India distributor of Kern equipment told PrintWeek India that the K91 will be available in Indian markets in a Q1, 2013.

Fire at Poysha Packaging costs three lives

A devastating fire at a packaging printing company, Poysha Packaging (on NH 58) on 4 November has shocked the industry, pushing it to deliberate on the need for adequate human asset and fire safety measures at units. This is the seventh such fire reported by PrintWeek India in the last 11 months.

KBA gets a Rapida boost during economic slowdown

While the industry debates on the effect of the economic slowdown in Europe and its effect on the Indian print industry, KBA has been humming the song of content with its new line of Rapida presses. “Rapida 105 established the KBA in to the Indian market. However, it can gone through a period of transition,” was the comment from Aditya Surana, managing director, Indopolygraph Machines, dealers of KBA sheetfed presses in India during a post-Drupa interaction with PrintWeek India.

FESPA expands its event portfolio in Asia

FESPA is expanding its event portfolio in Asia, with the launch of FESPA China in 2013. The first FESPA China event will take place from 18-20 November 2013, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

Printing industry in India expects a greener graph in 2013 over global cues

This week almost the whole of India was submerged in celebrating Diwali, while in the newsroom here, we were holding up a smile looking at the recent financial declarations from the printing industry giants.

Rave and Heidelberg to battle it out on the pitch

Over the last decade, the tussle between the manufacturer and printer has remained on the professional arena. On 2 December, a prominent printing company of Delhi, Rave Scan and offset press manufacturing giants, Heidelberg are planning to transport this tussle to the sports arena with a friendly cricket match between the two companies.

MWV completes acquisition of India-based Ruby Macons

MeadWestvaco Corporation, a global leader in packaging and packaging solutions, has completed purchase of Ruby Macons.

International Papers to reportedly buy stake in West Coast Paper Mills

On 4 December, a media report claimed that US-based paper manufacturer is trying to buy a majority stake in West Coast Paper Mills for $220 mn. West Coast Papers have, however, denied information of any such developments vide a notice to Bombay Stock Exchange.

Kumar Labels launches rotary die-cutting machine at Labelexpo India

Noida-based Kumar Labels launched its rotary die-cutting machine under its brand Hassle Free Technologies on the first day of Labelexpo India 2012.

Avery Dennison demonstrate how labels can be redefined

Demonstrating the 360 degree product basket, Avery Dennisonn has divided its stand at Labelexpo India 2012, in six subsections: durables, pharmaceutical, food, beverages, home and personal care, and variable information.

IEEC is upbeat about market for Corona Treatment systems

IEEC is showcasing its Corona Treatment Systems for pre-printing stages of production at Labelexpo India 2012. The company, established in 1969, is quite upbeat about the market of corona treatment in India.

Ludhiana’s photobook specialist Dulari Digital installs KM C8000 Bizhub press

Dulari Digital Photo Services, Ludhiana installed a Konica Minolta C8000 Bizhub press to boost their photo-album business. In one month, the photo-book specialist has already churned out one lakh A4 prints from the machine and hopes to achieve the target of three lakh prints by January.

HP to focus on packaging and labels printers at PrintPack India

HP will showcase its strength in commercial and packaging segment during Printpack India.

Ecobliss India showcases its strength in blister packaging at PackPlus 2012

At PackPlus 2012, one of the most attractive booth designs was of Ecobliss India. Staying true to its line of business, the stand had a huge pillar that was filled with plastic.

Xerox India to step in PrintPack as a ‘solution provider’

Xerox India will be present at PrintPack India with its fleet of mono and colour digital production presses for the commercial printing segments.

Heidelberg predicts good business in 2013

Heidelberg recently released its figures for the second quarter and first half of the current financial year stating that the figures were in line with its expectations.

Rave thwart Heidelberg by 62 runs in a friendly cricket match

Over the last decade, the tussle between the manufacturer and printer has remained on the professional arena. On 2 December, a prominent printing company of Delhi, Rave Scan and offset press manufacturing giants, Heidelberg transported this tussle to the sporting ground with a friendly cricket match between the two.

BST Sayona showcases Renova products at Packplus

For the first time in India, BST Sayona, leading inspection systems manufacturers, showcased a range of products from Italy-based supplier of web tension control systems, Renova at Packplus.

Visitors defy distance, PackPlus garners mixed response

The organisers of the four-day packaging and converting industry’s show, PackPlus 2012, put forward a brave foot by transporting the show to India Exhibition Centre, Greater Noida.

Manroland India and Bowe Systec ink partnership deal

Manroland India and Bowe Systec announced the launch of their new partnership deal for mail insertion and sorting systems in India at a recently held event in New Delhi.

Carbon footprint is one of the most abused terms in our industry: professor Narayan

Integrate, collaborate and ideate across packaging value chain, say packaging experts during International Packaging Conclave held concurrently with Packplus 2012 exposition at Greater Noida. Supreeth Sudhakaran takes the elixir out of the panel discussion.

NPES to host Print Business Outlook Conference in conjunction with PrintPack India 2013

While India Exposition Centre would be abuzz with leading names of the printing, packaging and converting industry making their presence felt at PrintPack India 2013 exhibition, NPES will be setting the stage for serious deliberation over the current trends prevailing in the global markets.

Agarwal Print Media in Meerut hosts Heidelberg open house

Agarwal Print Media, which was in news in 2011 for phasing out its three offset presses and replacing them with a brand new four-colour Heidelberg SM 74 offset press, has done over three-and-a-half crore prints on its press in less than 10 months of its installation.

Creed Engineers shifts from Mumbai to new facilities in Rabale, Navi Mumbai

Creed Engineers has shifted its existing branch location in Mumbai to new facilities in Rabale, Navi Mumbai.

AGS to display fleet of solutions from its principals at PrintPack

At PrintPack India, colour management solution provider, Advanced Graphic Systems (AGS) will display a fleet of solutions launched at Drupa by its principal partners such as Xrite, Alwan, ColorGate and Ink Pre-setting (CIP3) connections.

Manroland India bets on its Cromoman 4-1 press

Manroland web systems will showcase its revolutionary product range at PrintPack India 2013, which includes web presses, sheetfed presses, print consumables, and mailroom and sorting equipment from Böwe Systec.

IIP Hyderabad conducts launch programme of Indiapack 2013 and ISPI 2013

The final and fifth launch of Indiapack 2013 took place in a grand manner at Hyderabad on 28 December, 2012. More than 160 delegates from both buyer and converter segments attended and participated actively in the event.

Ricoh India still contemplating its decision to participate in PrintPack

In the last few exhibitions, Ricoh India has been making a strong impact with its product launches and associations.

HP strategises for digitising the folding carton market in India

Since Drupa 2012, HP has been working on its strategy to capitalise on the trend of digitisation in packaging and labels.

PEW showcase its Glory G30 side gathering machine

Pramod Engineering Works (PEW) organised an open house in Delhi NCR to showcase its new 30-station Glory side gathering machine for the Italian publishing and packaging house Edis Publishing. The open house was attended by 40 invited guests including printers, Delhi Printer’s Association members, and representatives of Edis Publishing.

BST Sayona’s Tapan Patel feels it’s time for the India moment

A majority of the live flexo presses which are being showcased at Labelexpo India had one common factor: BST Sayona inspection systems.

Weldon Celloplast clocks three sales in two days

Weldon Celloplast’s Harveer Sahni couldn’t be more content than this. In the first two days of the Labelexpo India, Weldon Celloplast has booked three orders for the equipment displayed at its ‘Technology Bar’.

Spectrum Artcomm pumps photo-printing plans with Ricoh 751EX

South Kolkata-based Spectrum Artcomm (SAPL) has been trying to successfully venture into the photobook printing segment since last several years. However, the previous attempts didn’t click as Mridul Kotriwal, managing director, Spectrum Artcomm told PrintWeek India in an interaction. “We wanted to add more value to the photobooks that SAPL would produce.”

Narsingh Dass Group brings Innovia Films to India

Innovia Films (Asia Pacific) have appointed Shivananda Marketing, a part of the Narsingh Dass Group, as its Indian agent. It will be authorised to sell NatureFlex and Cellophane film ranges as well as Propafilm ream wrap grades of innovative packaging materials.

Glassine growing at double rate compared to SEK penetration in India

The Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2013, conducted by AWA Alexander Watson Associates brought together over 30 delegates from the label industry in Europe, UK and US on 23 September. The one day seminar was scheduled a day prior to the inaugural day of Labelexpo Europe. The seminar was held at NH Hotel du Grand Sablon, Brussels.

“Lack of available skilled talent a continuing drag on business performance”

At the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2013 (Brussels), Mikko Rissanen, product manager, paper business group, UPM-Kymmene, talked about various global trends impacting global release liner business. Not surprisingly, many of the trends and concerns expressed by him seem to find a tangent connection with the issues that continue to persist in India too.

"There is a disruption happening in the niche markets"

“Thinner films and labels is one of the most predominant trends. Not only thinner in caliber but also in weight. You have to embrace the trend or risk being left out.” These were the opening remarks of Robyn J Buma, global procurement director - paper, Avery Dennison materials group, at the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2013. Sharing her perspective on the release liner trends as a laminator, she touched upon various topics that are a common discussion point at every label in

Linerless: breaking the code

At this edition of Labelexpo Europe, Ritrama, ILTI, and Prati created a buzz for its Core Linerless Solution which offers to eliminate the liner wastage totally. Harveer Sahni, who himself is a well-known Indian labelstock manufacturer engaged in a quick chat with Tomas Rink, president, Ritrama Group and Tarcisio Scapinelli, president and CEO, ILTI to discuss and decode Core Linerless Solution technology.

iSys appoints Indian distributor for its label machine at Labelexpo Europe

US-based iSys Label announced that it has appointed Gujarat-based Caterpillar Signs as its Indian distributor.

BST International highlights Nyquist digital strobe for print inspection

BST International and Nyquist system together exhibited TubeScan, the world's first digital stroboscope for the label control, at Labelexpo Europe. TubeScan uses a modular PC system and a high quality digital image recording unit. Thus, the system allows for convenient coarse monitoring, that reliably detects defects such as labels, grid residues and missing ink even with reflective and metallized surfaces.

“Market reacts slow, understanding faint signals critical”

Alan Hazlewood, materials quality and technical support manager, of Norway-based Skanem, threw in his over 30 years of experience in the industry to provide a label maker’s perspective during the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2013. His views held particular importance for India as Skanem has a majority stake in Vasai-based label printing and converting company, Interlabels. Interlabels is now a joint venture between Skanem and the Indian promoters of Interlabels. The company is oper

Over 51.7 bn sq/m of labels will be converted by 2015: Michael Fairley

Labelexpo Europe team has returned with a bigger and better show this year at the Brussels Expo Centre. Covering over 31,000 sq/m, the show has received visitor registrations from 65 Indian converting and label printing companies. “We are looking at 30,000 visitors. The show is bigger and better than ever before. Visitors will also witness the highest number of product launches at the show,” said Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series.

Pragati Pack wins two awards at Flint Annual Narrow Web Print Awards 2013

Hyderabad-based Pragati Pack won two awards at the recently held Annual Narrow Web Print Awards. The winning entries were announced during the Labelexpo Europe.

Mark Andy focuses on expertise, sustainability and productivity at Labelexpo

Mark Andy showcased several of its printing and converting technologies at Labelexpo Europe this year. At its stand, the company demonstrated Mark Andy P5 and P3 presses. In addition, its award winning die-cutting platform, Quick change Die Cut (QCDC), ProLED curing solution and VersaMax mid-web servo press were displayed at its stand.

Cosmo Films plans to enter PS label market in China

After several recent capacity expansions in their facility, Cosmo exhibited a range of its products at Labelexpo with the intension of creating a buzz in the international market.

Screen launches Truepress Jet L350UV digital label press in Europe at Labelexpo 2013

Dainippon Screen launched its Truepress Jet L350UV digital label press at Labelexpo Europe, that is aimed at the growing inkjet label printing market in Europe. The press can also handle security printing to ensure product authenticity to fight counterfeiting.

RTI Digital launches Memjet-powered Vortex 851R, hints at signing an Indian distributor

RTI Digital, formerly OWN-X, launched Vortex 851R label printer powered by Memjet technology at Labelexpo Europe that was extensively talked about during last Drupa. The machine can printing up to 30 cm per second and priced RTI claims that it is the fastest and most affordable inkjet printer of its kind. The machine has two speed options— 6inches per seconds in 1600x1600dpi and 12in per second in 1600x800dpi modes. Currently, the machine operates only on a windows driver.

UPM Raflatac speaks the language of sustainability at Labelexpo Europe

At Labelexpo Europe, UPM Raflatac has reiterated its commitment to sustainability by exhibiting under the theme ‘Engineered with Raflatouch’. Among the highlights of the offering from UPM is its Label Life concept which offers printers and end-users a user-friendly tool to understand the life cycle impacts of different labelstock products and get credible information on the environmental performance of their labels.

Glunz & Jensen launches compact unit for flexo plate processing

The Italy-based Glunz & Jensen (G&J) has introduced its latest compact all-in-one unit, Concept 205 C at Labelexpo Europe. The unit can expose, process, dry and finish, all at one go.

UV Graphics celebrates Labelexpo with order from South Africa

UV Graphics has announced sale of two machines to a South African based customer named Price and Pack at Labelexpo Europe. The company has also confirmed that they have received several orders for its video plate mounting machine.

Labelexpo Europe 2013 — biggest ever and refined, say exhibitors

Labelexpo Europe 2013 had the biggest show in the last 33 years at Brussels this year.

Epson showcases the power of digital at Delhi roadshow

On the Teacher’s Day (5 September), a delegation of over 30 printers from Delhi NCR attended the Epson roadshow powered by PrintWeek India at Taj Vivanta Hotel to discuss how they can be sure about the future of print.

Dow Corning and Henkel share studies and discuss trends

At the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2013, Ingrid Brase, market segment director, Henkel, shared an in-house technical silicone-adhesive release study with the delegates. Similarly, Geoffrey Debaugnies, senior AETS Professional mainly focused his attention on Activ V release paper.

Harlequin Digital Hub debuts at Labelexpo Europe

The new Harlequin Digital Hub for label printing made its debut at Labelexpo. Global Graphics Software has worked since 1988 to develop front end software for conventional pre-press film and plate-making systems and digital proof printers across many sectors including newspapers, commercial print and wide format.

Five days to register for PrintWeek and Epson roadshow

With less than a week for the Epson roadshow, to be held in Taj Vivanta New Delhi on 5 September, the packaging and label printers of Delhi NCR are gearing-up to attend the knowledge-impart seminar.

The letters are not threatening in nature: Umang Bedi, managing director, Adobe South Asia

Last week Offset Printers’ Association Ludhiana issued a press statement alleging that Adobe Systems India has been sending “threatening letters” to the printers, time and again. The press release states and I quote, “They have been sending these letters asking the printers to send some internal technical information about the company and usage of Adobe software in computers.”

Ursula Burns inaugurates facilities at Xerox research centre in Bengaluru

Ursula Burns, chairman and CEO, Xerox, inaugurated the XRCI facilities in Bengaluru and did a walk through the facility and addressed the researchers. Burns was in India as the chief guest for a conclave that honoured women entrepreneurs in India.

Develop competencies beyond the normal call of duty, Leonard Fernandes advises printers

Leonard Fernandes, the organiser of PublishingNext conference, which will be held on 20 and 21 September in Goa this year, talks about publishing industry trends and explains why PublishingNext is important for printers too.

Manipal, SNSP and MSP compete for international cheque printing tender

Three security printing companies from India have submitted their final bids for the international cheque printing tender issued by National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). Shree Nidhi Secure Printing (SNSP), Madras Security Printers (MSP) and Manipal Group have submitted their bids for the tender floated in May this year. The three Indian companies have confirmed the reports and said that they are confident of winning the bid.

Indian publishers get their due at Frankfurt Book Fair

World’s largest book fair, Frankfurt Book Fair will be held from 9 to 13 October, 2013. The biggest news for the Indian publishers is that their long struggle of getting a space at Hall 8 (demarcated for English language publishers) has now been accepted. The move to assert India’s right to be recognised as one of the world’s leading English language publishers started bearing fruits since FICCI organised a business lunch session at Frankfurt Book Fair 2012 titled India: the Op

30 member delegation of Ludhiana printers head to Pack Print International 2013

A delegation of more than 30 printers from Ludhiana will be leaving for Pack Print International 2013, which will be jointly organised by Messe Dusseldrof (Asia), Thai Packaging Association and Thai Printing Association, at Bangkok from 28 to 31 August, 2013.

OPA Ludhiana urges printers to hike prices by 20%

The Offset Printers’ Association Ludhiana has urged printing and packaging converters to increase their prices by 15-20% as reports of another increase in the price of paper is being contemplated by leading paper manufacturers in India.

Paras Milk introduces seven colour packaging for its milk variants

This monsoon, milk and dairy product manufacturers have taken it to mass media to promote the packaging of their products. Delhi-based Paras Dairy recently launched and publicised new seven-colour packaging of its milk variants. The older package design comprised of a single colour film with product variants being identified based on designated colour.

Kerala’s Indot Color World installs its third HP Indigo digital offset press

Chalakudy-based digital photobook specialist Indot Color World has installed its third HP Indigo digital offset press. The latest addition to their fleet is the new HP Indigo 7600, a 13x19 inch format digital sheet-fed press.

HP celebrates 20 years of HP Indigo press with Indigo 10000 success

HP has celebrated the 20th anniversary of HP Indigo press with the announcement of 60 HP Indigo 10000 digital press installation across 20 countries, including the second installed at Coimbatore-based Glo Color Lab in India. India’s first Indigo 10000 was installed at Mazda Imaging in Mumbai.

The reigning champions and first-timers bag top honours

The fifth edition of PrintWeek India Awards 2013, which celebrated the 144th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and his print legacy, saw a close tussle between the reigning champions and first-timers competing for the prism. The ceremony, which was held at Grand Hyatt (Mumbai) on 2 October 2013, was attended by 350 print CEOs.

Precision Graphic Engineers eye export markets for Eagle presses

Faridabad-based Precision Graphic Engineers was set up in 1992 by Yash Pal Taneja, a mechanical engineer, who saw potential in the sheetfed market in India. Taneja, who spent the early days of his career as marketing personnel in a well-known press manufacturing company, later begin Precision with the aim of producing indigenous presses under the brand name Eagle that suited the needs of the market and at the same time was economical. “ Our first Eagle machine was sold to SJ Malhotra Print

Xeikon packs a punch with new management and product announcments

At Labelexpo Europe, Xeikon confirmed that Bencis Capital has acquired the company, and GIVMV invested in a minority stake. “Xeikon is a public company, so Bencis initially has bought 65% shares from the market for an undisclosed amount. Within next few weeks, the rest of the shares too will be bought. There have been some management changes in the organisation. Two directors from Bencis and one from GIMV have joined the company,” said Wim Maes, who has again assumed the role of CEO

17 exhibitors to highlight brand India at Labelexpo Europe 2013

17 Indian companies have confirmed their presence at the forthcoming Labelexpo Europe series which will be held from 24-27 September in Brussels. In 2011, the show had witnessed 13 exhibitors from India making their direct presence at the show with a stand. Here is what Indian exhibitors will be highlighting this year:

Ricoh demonstrates clickable paper at Drupa 2012

Ricoh demonstrated Clickable Paper at Hall 08a / B46-1 Hall 08a / B46-3, a new planned cross-media service enabling consumers to point an iPhone or Android smartphone at any printed surface and receive related online content.

Kama cuts embossing to stamping changeover times with its new Pro Cut 76

Dresden-based engineering company Kama (Hall 2/Stand B32) has revealed a larger format for its stamping and embossing systems at Drupa 2012.

Narain Printers boosts 20% capacity with a pre-owned Heidelberg SM 102

Delhi-based Narain Printers recently commissioned a pre-owned five-colour Heidelberg 102 SpeedMaster to boost its book printing production by at least 20%.

The Print Bazaar to raise Rs 100-crore plus investment for expansion

The Print Bazaar (TPB) is planning to raise more than Rs 100-crore investment through private equity in the next few months.

Romancing Print 2012 imparts optimism for the Indian print industry

The second edition of Romancing Print opened its gate to the gushing winds of optimism in the Indian printing industry.

Pinmark's pre-press aspirations at Drupa

Ahmedabad-based Pinmark, a third generation pre-press trade shop recently installed India’s first and Asia’s second, Kodak Flexcel NX wide flexo technology.

GASC organises luncheon preview of Print 13 at Drupa

The Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) is organising a luncheon preview of Print 13 exposition on 7 May at room 27, CCD South/Stadthalle, Congress Centre Düsseldorf.

Presstek infuses variable data capability in customisable 75DI digital offset press

At its Drupa stall in Hall 04 / B03, Presstek announced a hybrid printing system for the Presstek 75DI press which would facilitate inline application of variable data.

Ricoh organises pre-drupa networking meet for printers in Delhi

Ricoh India organised an altruistic pre-drupa networking meet for the printers in Delhi on 9 April.

Manipal Technologies partners with Quad/Graphics

Indian print major, Manipal Technologies (ManipalTech) has entered into a strategic partnership with Quad/Graphics, Inc. a global leader in print and related multichannel solutions.

Patna-based Mahajan Arts honoured during centenary celebration of Bihar

Hindustan newspaper recently honoured 100 entrepreneurs for their contribution to the state of Bihar and its respective industries during its centenary celebrations

Danaher acquires X-Rite

Danaher has entered into a merger agreement with X-Rite by making a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of X-Rite for an enterprise value of approximately $625 million, including debt assumed and net of cash acquired.

Sobana Offset Printers installs Xerox Color 1000 digital press

Sobana Offset Printers, a commercial printer based in Karnataka’s Sultanpet, recently installed a Xerox Colour 1000 digital press.

Kolor Kode to compete with offset with India’s first HP Indigo W7200 digital press

Bengaluru-based Kolor Kode Digital Press has installed India’s first HP Indigo W7200 digital offset press with an optional inline Hunkeler cutter and offset stacker to enhance its digital printing capabilities.

HP launches Wall Art with Arun & Rajive, targets home decor with Scitex LX 850

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has launched a wall decor solution that uses HP latex printers and HP PVC-free wallpaper under the brand name, HP Wall Art, in India.

Pankaj Kalra talks about Xerox’s expectations and offering for Drupa 2012

Drupa 2012 has time and again been called the litho-slayer, with a definite focus on digital and especially inkjet production printer manufacturers. We spoke to Pankaj Kalra, head - graphic communications business, Xerox India about Xerox’s expectations and offerings at Drupa 2012.

NAEP awards gets Ricoh India as sponsors for 2012

Ricoh India has agreed to be the main sponsor for this year’s National Awards for Excellence in Printing (NAEP) awards organised by the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP). Speaking on the occasion, Avijit Mukherjee, chief executive officer of Ricoh India said, “It will be a tribute to the printers producing quality and at the same time to encourage the others to follow."

Ipex India to host India Happy Hour at Drupa

Ipex India, the satellite edition of Ipex, is hosting an India Happy Hour on 9 May 2012, at booth CO2 Hall 5 at Drupa, to exchange and deliberate views on the Indian print business.

UPM Raflatac-Gascogne deal has no impact on India

UPM Raflatac, one of the world’s leading suppliers of self-adhesive labelstock, has acquired the business operations of Gascogne Laminates Switzerland. Gascogne Laminates Switzerland is the labelstock business of Gascogne Group, a major player in the French wood industry.

Indian print firms win seven awards; Pragati, Thomson and Manipal Tech make India proud at Sappi Printer of the Year awards; Five Sappi awards for Pragati

With several prestigious awards being announced at the crucial month of June, printers from India bagged seven out of 22 honours at the Pinter of the Year awards. It was for the first time that the coveted award, organised by the international trading division of Sappi, Sappi Trading, was held in India.

Khanna Paper Mills inferno causes Rs 150-crore loss

A major fire at the Amritsar-based newsprint manufacturer, Khanna Paper Mills, has reportedly cost the company a loss of approximate Rs 150-crore.

Power Finance Corporation floats tender for printing its annual report

Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Power, has floated a tender worth Rs. 83.7-lac for printing annual report of PFC for the financial year 2011-12.

Pitney Bowes opens R&D centre in Pune

Pitney Bowes is opening another R&D centre in Pune. This will be the second centre for the company in the country, and will focus on research and development for its global portfolio, including Volly – a digital mailbox solution.

PR Packaging targets 100-crore turnover

Faridabad-based PR Packaging has targeted a Rs 100-crore turnover over the next two years, adhering to its continual investment in equipment and newer facilities.

Sethi Art Press installs a Bizhub C452 and two Autoprint Colt Model presses

Inching towards its 25th anniversary, Jammu -based Sethi Art Printers (SAP) is on its path towards being a major digital printer catering to the region.

Wan-Ifra shows solidarity with the Ukrainian press

The 64th World Newspaper Congress, 19th World Editors Forum and Info Services Expo 2012 will be hosted from 2-5 September by the two major Ukrainian newspaper associations, the Ukrainian Association of Press Publishers and the Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine.

Textile drives print at Bansal’s third unit

New Delhi-based Bansal Electrostat has established its third printing facility in March at Panipat, Haryana.

Paper Bind sees a PUR wave at Drupa

Paper Bind received a PUR boost in Drupa this year. Anuj Mehta, CEO of the firm said, “The show has been good from both domestic and international markets.

Pune-based Apex Digital Color Lab credits its Xerox Color 1000 for 25% volume increase

Pune-based Apex Digital Lab, which had installed a Xerox Color 1000 press in December 2011, recently reported a 25% increase its volume within the first four weeks of installation. Apex, is managed by the father son duo Kamruddin and Azim Chikodi.

UPM focuses on ecological message at Drupa

Finland-based paper specialist UPM who are exhibiting jointly with PrintCity Alliance at Hall 6, Stand D60 have been focusing on an ecological message.

Kaeser Compressors display its new fluid-cooled compressors

Pune-based Kaeser Compressors (India), along with other subsidiaries of the parent company Kaeser Kompressoren, is displaying its recently released fluid-cooled CSD and CSDX rotary screw CSD and CSDX compressors in Hall 13, Stand C 50 at Drupa.

Print Bindaas powers e-commerce business with Xerox 700

Print Bindaas, an e-commerce website that enables online users to design and order office stationery and marketing collaterals, recently installed a Xerox 700 at its office in Mumbai.

Delhi romances with print trends

Supreeth Sudhakaran and Rahul Kumar report from the one-day seminar organised by Press Ideas and the All India Federation of Master Printers which was hosted at the India Habitat Centre

Creed Engineers signs strategic tie-up with Lombardi

Creed Engineers has launched an extensive range of flexographic presses and converting machines in India after it recently tied-up with Italy based Lombardi Converting Machinery.

Delhi and north race ahead with 26 nominations

Delhi NCR have this year, broken all previous records and captured 26 nominations under various quality and performance categories for this year’s PrintWeek India Awards 2012.

Media Expo 2012 closes curtains with healthy visitor turnout

The Delhi edition of Media Expo 2012, which closed curtains on 6 July, saw the advertising and signage solution providers come together for the three-day event and witnessed a footfall of 19,365 visitors,

Need to understand the power of regional media

The head honchos of the newspaper industry feel demographics and consumption patterns are rewriting the newspaper growth story in India, reports Rahul Kumar and Supreeth Sudhakaran

Bengaluru firms show the way ahead in Creative Repro Company of the Year category

Three Bengaluru-based companies are in close fight in the Creative Repro Company of the Year category in this year’s PrintWeek India Awards.

Canon notches a hundred with installation at Dharam Reprographics

Canon installed its hundredth colour Imagepress 7010 VP in India at Dharam Reprographics unit in Okhla in New Delhi.

First-timers and smaller cities leave their mark

The printing industry doffed its hats in respect of the print industry marvels who clinched the prism of print excellence this year at the fourth edition of PrintWeek India Awards.

HP to grow its digital commercial printing business in India

Hewlett Packard through a press conference on 23 August announced its go-to-market strategy for the Graphics Solution Business (GSB), with a sharpened focus on environment-friendly and innovative printing solutions in the commercial market.

Epson launches SureColor SC-S30670 eco-solvent wide format printer

Epson has launched a new 64-inch eco-solvent wide format printer targeting the in-house print service providers.

The Print Bazaar plans to expand in north India through franchise-model

The Print Bazaar is planning to expand to the unexplored areas of Delhi NCR and north India through a franchising option.

Knowledge Conclave along side PrintWeek India Awards Night

The premier PrintWeek India Conclave will be hosted on 30 August 2012 at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai.

Johnston Press outsources advertisement production to Express KCS

Express KCS, one of the largest independent providers of newspaper advertisement production outsourcing, has signed an exclusive contract with UK-based multi-platform community media groups, Johnston Press for the provision of print and digital advertisement production services.

PrintWeek Awards jury say entries were exceptional, brilliant and outstanding

Under the cloudy weather of Mumbai, PrintWeek Awards 2012’s jury day opened arms to a jury panel of strong industry stalwarts on 28 July at Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Neopost acquires GMC Software. Will help us diversify, says GMC India

Neopost, the European supplier of mailroom solutions, has acquired GMC Software Technology.

HP shows-off its latex technology at Media Expo 2012

HP showcased the power of its Latex printing technology with its Designjet printers at the three-day Media Expo which was held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Ainan Enterprises buys Mutoh Valuejet wide-format

On the last day of Media Expo, Kota-based Ainan Enterprises bought a Mutoh Valuejet 1604 S2 eco-solvent wide format machine from Mutoh’s India distributors, Negi Sign Systems and Supplies.

Thomson Press bolsters POD with Canon ImagePress 1135

Thomson Press installed a Canon ImagePress 1135 mono-colour digital printing press to strengthen its Print on Demand (POD) books division.

PWI Awards Jury to judge print samples from 116 print firms

116 top firms have submitted their print entries for the PrintWeek India Awards for 19 quality categories and six performance categories.

Super Cassette Industries rides high on growth in packaging

Super Cassette Industries, part of the T-Series group, a well known marquee in the Indian music Industry, which has been printing covers for audio CDs and cassettes for a quarter of a century, started taking up third-party printing jobs from the market since the last two years.

MSME sanctions Rs 23.85 lakhs for development of printing and packaging cluster in Ludhiana

A proposal made by the Offset Printers' Association (OPA), Ludhiana for the development of printing and packaging cluster in Ludhiana, has been sanctioned Rs. 23.85 lakhs by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Kerala-based Indot Color World invests in two HP Indigo 5500

Indot Color World has installed two HP Indigo Digital 5500 presses at its printing unit in Palakkad, Kerala.

Dot Digital wins Gold at HP Digital Print Awards

The Mumbai-based advertising company, Dot Digtal has bagged an award at the third HP Digital Print Awards - Sign and Display, Asia Pacific and Japan.

Manas Saikia announces retirement; CUP acquires all shares of CUP India

Manas Saikia, founding partner and managing director of Cambridge University Press India, has announced he will be retiring at the end of April 2014. Cambridge University Press has taken full ownership of CUP India ahead of his retirement, saying the move will accelerate further investment for growth. Recruitment for a new Managing Director will start immediately.

Chennai’s Book Man KS Padhmanabhan fades away

On 13 July, the Indian publishing industry was in for a shock when the news of the sad demise of KS Padhmanabhan, founder of Westland Books, hit the industry circuits.

Media Expo Delhi registers 9,800 visitors on Day Two

On the second day of the on-going Media Expo Delhi at Pragati Maidan saw over 9,800 visitors register for the show, according to the organiser, MEX Exhibitions.

Ricoh India aims for Rs 1,000-cr business in FY2013

Ricoh India on 26 July announced its aggressive expansion plans in a press conference held in Delhi, and added two new presses and one upgraded variant of Ricoh Pro C901/901s press into the production printing portfolio.

Media Expo Day One pulls-in visitors despite rain plays spoiler

The first day of Media Expo Delhi kicked-off with a convincing number of footfalls despite heavy rains in the capital today.

Media Expo Delhi crosses the 20,000 visitors mark

The third and final day of Media Expo Delhi was visited by 5,650 visitors, taking the total footfall for the three-day advertising and signage show to 22,050 visitors. Several exhibitors expressed content with the footfalls and few even finalised orders at the show.

KBA sprints ahead in China Print with ten contract signings

After announcing several new orders during Drupa, KBA has started on a high ground in China Print. The company recently announced that it has received more than ten contracts on the first day of the show.

Surat’s Tasveer Digital eyes doubling its volumes with its Xerox iGen4

Surat-based Tasveer Digital Press has recently completed 16 lakh prints (14x20 and 14x26-inch) on its Xerox iGen press installed less than six months ago. Tasveer ventured into digital CMYK printing after spending three decades in the photography colour lab business.

Screen Print India to make its North India debut

After 10 editions in Mumbai, Screen Print India, an exhibition focusing on the screen, digital and textile printing industry in India, will make its North India debut in September this year. The show will be held in NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla from 19-22 September.

Surat’s Tasveer Digital eyes doubling its volumes with its Xerox iGen4

Surat-based Tasveer Digital Press has recently completed 16 lakh prints (14x20 and 14x26-inch) on its Xerox iGen press installed less than six months ago. Tasveer ventured into digital CMYK printing after spending three decade in photography colour lab business.

Second Cromoman 4x1 press at Ei Samay

The Bangla newspaper market is abuzz with the Bennett and Coleman group’s Bangla daily Ei Samay taking on the traditional leader Anandabazar Patrika (ABP). The paper was launched in October 2012 on the auspicious day of Mahalaya; shortly after the ABP group had announced E Bela. And nearly six months post its launch, Ei Samay has been driving innovations on print with the second Cromoman 4x1 press in India.

Printawallpaper.com announces its arrival in the interior decor market

Eye Candy Visuals, which has its creative base in Safdarjung Enclave (New Delhi), began as a small business that specialised in DTP operations and in creating 30mm slides for the corporate in 1985. Over the years, the company kept on adapting to the latest digital technologies, be it solvent printers to the latest latex printing technology.

Surat’s digital print specialist Tasveer Digital eyes doubling its volumes with Xerox iGen4

Surat-based Tasveer Digital Press has recently completed 16 lakh prints (14x20 and 14x26-inch) on its Xerox iGen press installed less than six months ago. Tasveer ventured into digital CMYK printing after spending three decade in photography colour lab business.

[China Print 2013]: Nuova Gidue launches M3 digital flexo machine

Nuova Gidue, a manufacturer of printing and converting machines for the label and packaging industries, has launched its new M3 digital flexo at China Print 2013. The machine is being highlighted at Gidue's stand E4-032 in Area B.

HP strengths its AEC market product line with T920 and T1500Designjet ePrinters

HP has added two new models, HP Designjet T920 and T1500, to its web-connected HP Designjet ePrinter series with the objective of transforming large-format printing process in the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) segment.

Dot N Pixel aims to touch two lakh A4 prints a month with Ricoh Pro C901

For Delhi-based Dot N Pixel (DNP), the path to printing was highly influenced by the zeal of working with graphics.

Aakruti Digipress installs first HP Indigo 5600 in Vijayawada

Vijayawada based Aakruti Digipress, has installed its second HP Indigo digital offset press and the first Indigo 5600 in Vijayawada in its new facility named Aakruti Printex India. The press was inaugurated by leading Telugu actress Richa Gangopadhyay in the presence of the directors of Aakruti – R Kiran, P Madhusudhan Reddy and P Sambasivarao.

Ajay Agarwal voted as the leader amongst India's print traders

Ajay Agarwal, director and CEO of Insight Print Communications has been voted as the leader amongst India's print traders. All through the month of May, visitors to www.printweek.in were asked to vote for the best print trader who does a better job in the sale and servicing of kit.

Paperbind to participate in PrintExpo Chennai

Paperbind, one of the leading print finishing solution providers in India, will participate in PrintExpo Chennai (from 21-23 June 2013) at its stands C11 and C12, with the objective of reinstating its commitment to the southern India print market.

PrintWeek India tweets about Awards

PrintWeek India has started an exclusive handle on Twitter to keep its readers and print enthusiasts abreast with the latest updates about the fifth PrintWeek India Awards. The twitterati can follow the latest tweets by following the handle @PWIAwards. The new handle is in addition to the existing official Twitter handle: @printweekindia

Max Specialty Films and Treofan Group deal called off

Germany-based Treofan Group announced today it is not going to acquire Max Specialty Films, a subsidiary of New Delhi-based Max India. Both parties have, in mutual consensus, called off negotiations that had been ongoing since about two years.

Tetra Pak inaugurates Rs 700-cr plant in Chakan

Tetra Pak, one of the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company, inaugurated its 45-acre factory at Chakan (near Pune) in last week of May.

Print Bindaas, Xerox tie a knot to offer printing solutions to consumers and businesses

In March this year, there were reports of a possible tie-up between web-based commercial printing solution providers Print Bindaas and Xerox India. Both the companies have today confirmed the reports and issued a press release to the media stating the tie-up will enable Print Bindaas to offer unmatched print quality for an array of products. Print Bindaas plans to take mileage of Xerox’s pan India presence to deliver the prints at the minimum shipment cost and faster speed. The tie-up has

Historical Mint Press’ godown gutted in fire, 100 tonnes of paper destroyed

On the morning of 5 June, the 200-year-old historical Old Mint Press caught fire after a suspected electric short circuit led to a massive fire at the press, gutting about 100 tonnes of scrap paper stored in its 4000sq/ft godown. The fire and smoke was spotted by several employees who acted quickly and alerted the fire and rescue services on time.

Goethe-Institut honours Naveen Kishore of Seagull Books with Goethe Medal

Naveen Kishore, founder and managing director of Seagull Books, has been awarded Goethe Medal 2013 along with Iranian translator and author S Mahmoud Hosseini Zad and Greek writer Petros Markaris. He is the sixteenth Indian to win this award since 1955.

Noida’s Golden Print and Pack powers shopfloor with Ricoh Pro C901

Noida-based Golden Print and Pack might look like any other digital printing company, but what sets it apart is the internal functioning of the organisation. Less than five months back, Golden Print Pack upgraded its digital pressroom with a Ricoh Pro C901 digital production press with EFI's Fiery system software, and in these five months the company has reached a monthly print cycle of over 1.6 lakh A4 sheets every month.

Paper Bind installs thirteenth PUR System

Since its launch at IPEX South Asia in September 2011, Paper Bind has installed 13 PB PUR System 444 series machines at various parts of the country.

Mark Andy launches SRL 4.0 digital label printer

Mark Andy has expanded its press product offering to address shorter runs by launching SRL 4.0 digital label printer.

Delhi and north bags six PrintWeek India 2012 Awards

Delhi and North sent a clear message to the printing fraternity at this year’s PrintWeek India Awards 2012 by winning six prisms. Last year, the region had won four awards.

Narsingh Dass Group to hold knowledge-sharing seminar in Delhi

With the advent of Kindles and iPads, the publishing industry has become more intricate and competitive. All this has led to greater need for knowledge and competencies in paper buyers, production managers and printers.

Interprint Expo debuts in Delhi on a good note

Interprint Expo was flagged off on Friday, 14 September with Sheila Dikshit, chief minister of Delhi, inaugurating the exposition. The three-day exhibition was held from 14-16 September in Pragati Maidan’s Hall number 12.

QuadTech ends lawsuit with Print2Finish

QuadTech and Print2Finish announced on 11 September that they have reached an out-of-court amicable settlement of the claims and counter-claims pending between them in the case of Quad/Tech versus QI Press Controls. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

ITC increases stake in EIH

ITC has not given up hopes in acquiring EIH stated a prominent news media after ITC announced that it has bought an additional one percent stake in EIH for Rs 42 crore through open market transactions through its subsidiary Russel Credit.

Print Bazaar opens store at CR Park

The Print Bazaar has expanding its horizon and opened a new store at CR Park in Delhi on 10 September. The inauguration ceremony was attended by around 120 customers.

JMD Colour Scan enters digital printing

JMD Colour Scan, after contemplating to venture into digital printing since the last couple of months, signed up for a Xerox 770 press at the recently held Interprint Expo.

Xerox launches D95A and D125 mono production printing presses

Xerox launched its two light medium mono production printing presses Xerox D95A and Xerox D125 at Interprint Expo 2012.

HP launches web-connected series of Designjet

Targeting the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry professionals, HP has introduced web-connected, entry-level wide format printing solutions.

Packaging stalwarts discuss regulation, standards and growth

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) organised a Packaging Summit in Delhi to deliberate on various issues that plague the packaging industry in India. The event, which was held in Le Meridian Hotel on 17 October, was attended by over 120 delegates from the packaging and allied industry.

Polar to showcase high-speed cutting systems

Polar and Heidelberg will be presenting high-speed cutters and cutting systems at the eighth edition of China Print trade fair in Beijing, from 14 to 18 May 2013.

Nuova Gidue to launch M3 digital flexo machine

Nuova Gidue, a manufacturer of printing and converting machines for the label and packaging industries, will launch its new M3 digital flexo at China Print 2013. The machine will be highlighted at Gidue stand E4-032 in Area B.

Siegwerk to put its ink, heart and soul at China Print 2013

At the eighth Beijing International Printing Technology Exhibition, popularly known as China Print 2013, Seigwerk plans to put forth the colour, safety, service and innovation aspects related to the company’s product line.

Government of India Press celebrates 150 years of existence

Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs, Kamal Nath has urged the government presses to achieve excellence in the field of printing and to have a competitive edge in the market.

Glo Colour Lab installs India’s first Indigo 5600, eyes Indigo 10000

Coimbatore-based Glo Colour Lab has installed India’s first HP Indigo 5600 digital production press in its printing facility in Madurai.

Manroland chooses seminar to reach newspaper publishers at PrintPack India 2013

Manroland India has a number of reasons to clinch the limelight at PrintPack this year.

Manroland Sheetfed reports pre-tax profits of €72.4mn

Manroland Sheetfed group recently published its trading results for the period ending 31 December sending a wave of optimism at its worldwide offices. For the 11 month trading period Sheetfed Holdings (SFHL), which consolidates 47 companies around the world that comprise the Manroland Sheetfed Group, recorded revenues of €346.4 and pre-tax profits of €72.4 million. Net assets at the year-end were €81.4 million and net cash €46.4 million.

Second Cromoman 4x1 press at Ei Samay

The Bangla newspaper market is abuzz with the Bennett and Coleman group’s Bangla daily Ei Samay taking on the traditional leader Anandabazar Patrika (ABP). The paper was launched in October 2012 on the auspicious day of Mahalaya; shortly after the ABP group had announced E Bela. And nearly six months post its launch, Ei Samay has been driving innovations on print with the second Cromoman 4x1 press in India.

KBA heats up the show with Rapida 145’s Asian debut

Following its launch at Drupa 2012, the large-format Rapida 145 with a maximum sheet format of 41.7x57-inch and maximum speed of 17,000sph will be showcased to an Asian audience on the 1,000sqm KBA stand (stand no - W1-008) at China Print 2013.

Printers hike rates following rise in paper prices

Under the constant strain on the printers due to simultaneous blows of price war and rising cost of raw materials, Offset Printers Association, Ludhiana (OPA) has urged its members to increase the prices by 15%.

Ainan Enterprises honoured at Indian Leadership Award for Industrial Development

Kota-based Ainan Enterprises was honoured with the Excellent Business in Graphic Designing and Printing in India award at the Indian Leadership Award for Industrial Development. Instituted by the All India Achievers Foundation, Delhi, the award was conferred during National Seminar on 'National Economic Development & Social Responsibilities' on 9 March at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The colour specialists: X Rite in India

PrintWeek India caught up with Vishwa Shukla, vice president of X-Rite and Pantone in Bengaluru in order to understand what the the global leader has to offer in terms of colour measurement technology. Today, X-Rite is a part of Danaher's Product Identification group along with Esko and Videojet.

Is OOH finally moving to the centre-stage?

The third edition of the OOH Conference and Awards in Delhi brought together the three prime stakeholders of the Out Of Home advertising industry – brands, media planners and creative agencies – to talk about the status quo of the industry and discuss the future of the medium.

Canon India promotes Alok Bharadwaj to the position of executive vice president

Canon India has promoted Alok Bharadwaj to the post of executive vice president of its India operations, effective January 2013.

Toyo Ink and Heubach Colour to form a joint venture in India

Toyo Ink has announced that it will establish a joint venture in Ankleshwar, Gujarat in collaboration with Heubach Colour.

NPES Print business Conference 2013, day two: speakers discuss trends in packaging and newspapers

The early morning sessions of NPES Print Business Conference 2013 focused upon the latest trend in the global newspaper printing industry. The speaker list featured head honchos of leading newspaper publishing business.

HCL Infosystems launches Konica Minolta Bizhub 1052

HCL Infosystems, one of the distributors of Konica Minolta Business Solutions in India, launched Bizhub 1052 mono digital production press at PrintPack India.

Laxman Print-O-Graphics invests in C7010VP and Oce VP 2110

Noida-based Laxman Print-O-Graphics has been planning to upgrade its pressroom capabilities to tap the photo and commercial printing markets of north. At PrintPack India, the company bought two digital presses – C7010VP and Oce VP 2110.

HP mixes art, décor and printing to show digital wide format printer’s capabilities

Last year, HP India had announced that several of its print partners like Arun and Rajive would offer a web-to-print solution for wall art and home décor using digital printing. In 2013, HP’s wide format division has taken the idea a step ahead by sponsoring a special exhibition of acclaimed photographer Rohit Chawla’s work at Religare Art Gallery, New Delhi from 8-30 March 2013.

SK Offset charts expansion and growth plans with new SM 74 on 12/12/12

Meerut-based SK Offset has installed Meerut’s second new Heidelberg SM 74 with Suprasetter A106 CTP device at their printing facility. Meerut is house of large number of book and commercial printers but most of the presses are still dependent on refurbished presses to convert the jobs.

Kapoor Imaging, RBP Chemical ink technology transfer deal

Chennai-based Kapoor Imaging announced a technology transfer deal with US-based RBP Chemicals to set-up a plant for producing press room chemicals in India. According to the contract, RBP will provide technical know-how and chemical formulations to Kapoor Imaging for producing the chemicals at their recently expanded factory in Chennai.

Manroland and Oce bank on POD

Offset press manufacturer, Manroland believes that the trend for print on demand will soon make an impact in the newspaper industry. Thereby, the company has entered into a global tie-up with Oce to cooperate in the area of inkjet-based digital printing solutions for the graphic arts industry.

Ainan Enterprises buys Konica Minolta Bizhub C224

Kota-based Ainan Enterprises has been expanding its pressroom since last two years with a series of purchases. At its maiden visit to PrintPack India, the company bought a Konica Minolta Bizhub C224 multi-functional printer to boost the commercial print offerings of the company. The machine will be supplied by International Electronics and Communication Systems.

Picture Gallery: Sneak preview to the biggest Label show - 37 exclusive pictures

Welcome to Labelexpo Europe, the four-day show from 24-27 September, 2013. The show promises to be the largest ever in its 33 year history with more than 600 exhibitors filling seven halls at the Brussels Expo, and nearly 100 being first time exhibitors, and gives an opportunity to the visitors to know more about the latest technology and developments in the labelling and packaging segments of the print industry.

One-day workshop organised at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar

Department of Printing Technology of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, recently organised a one-day workshop on emerging trends in digital printing.

200 delegates attend Lucknow Printers Association’s first Mega Event 2013

Lucknow Printers Association held the first edition of Mega Event 2013 on 26 October at Hotel Piccadily in Lucknow. The event was sponsored by Monotech Systems and co-sponsored by Kodak and was attended by over 200 participants from Lucknow, Kanpur and neighbouring areas.

OPA organises group visit to India Corr Expo at New Delhi

Offset Printers' Association organised a group visit of member and other interested printers to India Corr Expo at New Delhi on 17 and 18 October, 2013.

Falcon Vacuum Pumps expects boost in revenues with new dry vacuum pumps

Started in 1981 as manufacturers of tractor parts, Faridabad-based Falcon Vacuum Pumps and Systems made a switch to the printing industry in 1990. Tarlochan Singh, proprietor, Falcon Vacuum Pumps and Systems tweaked the business strategy and decided to manufacture vacuum pumps in 1995. Today, the company boasts that it produces vacuum pumps that suit all the leading brands sheetfed presses. This includes: Planeta, Heidelberg, Sahil Graphics, Excel Machinery, Electro Mec, Komori, Daya, etc.

Konica Minolta reasserts its commitment to Indian print market

During his recent visit to New Delhi, Konica Minolta Japan's global head and senior executive, Jun Haraguchi held a press conference spoke about the growing opportunities in the Indian graphic arts industry and KMBS’ plans concerning the market.

Ricoh India goes full throttle at Pamex with six print zones

Ricoh India, which has set a target of achieving Rs 100cr turnover by the end of this year from its production printing segment, has strategically divided its stand at Pamex 2013 into five print zones. The print zones are: Digital Offset, Speciality Media, Jumbo Prints, Quick Print, and Software Solution.

Capital Graphic Supplies installs fastest dry lamination machine at ITC PPD Chennai

Capital Graphic Supplies (AS Print Aids), distributors of Italian lamination machine manufacturer recently installed Ecosystem Costruzioni, Tresu, WD, CITO, MOLL Buhrs, Print Guard, Hunkeler and Kirk Rudy, is at Pamex 2013 showcasing the wide spectrum of machines the company offers for the Indian market.

Growth of print an amazing story: MoS EMS Natchiappan

Despite the overall sentiments being low, Pamex 2013 ushered in a wave of optimism for the industry today at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The show was inaugurated by Minister of State for commerce and industries, department of industrial policy and promotion to government of India, Dr EMS Natchiappan.

Ricoh’s stand plush with new machines

The biggest exhibitor of Pamex 2013, Ricoh India’s stand was formally inaugurated by Subhasis Ganguly, vice president production, Pearson India and Vinod Kumar Rajpal, vice president north – AIFMP. At Pamex, Ricoh India is driving innovations possible using digital printing technology with several new machines.

Riso debuts ComColor 7150 and 7050 digital inkjet cut-sheet presses

At Pamex 2013, Riso India has showcased, for the first time, its latest digital inkjet cut-sheet press which has a print speed of 150 ppm. The company claims that the machine is the fastest inkjet press available in the cut-sheet segment in India. The press uses oil-based CMYK pigment inks and can print at a resolution of 300dpi.

Datacon Technologies buys Ricoh InfoPrint 4100 CF press

Notching 27th installations of the continuous feed machine since its launch, Ricoh India has confirmed that Bengaluru-based Datacon Technologies has bought the Ricoh InfoPrint 4100 CF press at Pamex 2013.

Riso debuts ComColor 7150 and 7050 digital inkjet cut-sheet presses

At the show Riso India has showcased for the first time its latest digital inkjet cut-sheet press which has a print speed of 150 ppm. The company claims that the machine is the fastest inkjet press available in the cut-sheet segment in India. The press uses oil-based CMYK pigment inks and can print at a resolution of 300dpi.

VDMA launches ‘Quality for India’ initiative at Pamex

At Pamex 2013, the German printing and paper technology machinery manufacturers pooled together for a joint presentation. Leading companies used the joint stand of the VDMA for their presentations targeting the growing print market in India.

Pamex is the Indian Drupa: SR Sharma

Calling Pamex as the Indian Drupa, SR Sharma, chairman of Pamex managing committee claims that in the first two days, Pamex 2013 had recorded a footfall of 8,000 visitors.

Penguin India explores Bollywood with its new imprint

Taking the road less travelled, Penguin India recently announced that the company is launching a new imprint in India named Blue Salt that will focus on Bollywood and noir based books. Well-known writer and crime reporter S Hussain Zaidi will co-publish the books with Penguin India.

Globalocal 2014 adds new flavours with thematic workshops and expert tables

After four successful years of Globalocal, German Book Office New Delhi has announced that the fifth edition has been scheduled to be held on 13-14 February 2014 in New Delhi.

Vinod Vittoba elevated as NPES India’s director

NPES, the association for suppliers of printing publishing and converting technologies, has promoted Vinod Vittoba as the new director of NPES India. Vittoba will succeed print veteran Viren Chhabra who served in the role since 2005.

Ipex 2014's Open Day gets thumbs-up from the print industry

Ipex 2014’s Open Day, which took place on 20 November at the exhibition’s new home at the Excel London, has been hailed by attendees as a resounding success.

12 Indian exhibitors head to Paper Middle East 2013

The fifth edition of Paper Middle East 2013 (Paper-ME), international exhibition for paper, board, tissue and packaging industry, will be held from 28-30 November 2013 at Cairo International Convention Centre (CICC) in Cairo, Egypt.

Rising paper prices challenge printer’s profitability

Tougher times ahead for printers as leading paper manufacturers have decided to increase prices of all uncoated High-Bright and Cream Wove papers by Rs 2,000 per gross metric ton.

Over 80 Delhi printers get closer to colours at Decoding Colors seminar

Decoding Colors, a seminar jointly organised by Colourmechanics and Press Ideas, was held at The Royal Plaza hotel, New Delhi on 15 November, 2013. The conference saw over 80 delegates from the designing, printing, advertising and public relation industry.

Holography Conference held in India for the first time

The 24th Holography Conference was held in India for the first time on 8 November, 2013. The conference was held in Gurgaon and was inaugurated by NC Saha, director, Indian Institute of Packaging.

Chennai to host second NPES Print Business Outlook Conference 2014

NPES, the association for suppliers of printing, publishing and converting technologies, together with co-organiser IPAMA will hold the NPES-IPAMA Print Business Outlook Conference 2014 on 18 February, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai.

Cosmo Films inaugurates its ninth BOPP film line, doubles production capacity

Cosmo Films is one of the world's largest producers of BOPP and thermal laminating films with operations in three locations in India, as well as in South Korea and in the United States. In the last week of August this year, the company inaugurated its 9th BOPP film production line on a new greenfield site in the Special Economic Zone in Shendra, close to Aurangabad in India, approximately 450kms north east of Mumbai.

Labelexpo Asia 2013 experiences a surge of 18% in footfall

Labelexpo Asia 2013 reached new visitor heights as it celebrated its tenth anniversary edition. Held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) during 3–6 December, the four day exhibition was attended by a huge number of high quality visitors to see the largest ever floor plan of exhibitors.

Offset Printers Association of Ludhiana celebrates its silver jubilee

On 28 December, Offset Printers Association (OPA), which was formed 25 years ago with a handful of members, celebrated its silver jubilee at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan, Ludhiana. Over the years, the OPA has established itself into a dynamic and influential association for the printing packaging industry in Ludhiana.

Romancing Print 2014 to focus on motivation, health and vaastu for the industry

The third year of Romancing Print, a yearly event hosted in Delhi by AIFMP, will see a number of sessions around the core theme: Innovation to thrive. The 2014 edition of Romancing Print will be held on 15 January at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. The last three editions of the conference have seen around 900 printers from various parts of the country. This year too, the organisers are confident that they would not fall short of the 300 delegates mark.

Star Colourpark installs India's first Xerox iGen 150 press

Coimbatore-based Star Colourpark has recently added several machines to its shopfloor in the last few months. After adding a Horizon perfect binder in November, the company has now become the first digital printer in India to install a Xerox iGen 150 digital production press.

BookMark conference during Jaipur Literature Festival finds huge interest among publishers

This year, the Jaipur Literature Festival has announced a three-day conference Jaipur BookMark will run in parallel to the main festival. The idea of holding a conference was born out of the huge interest shown by the international publishing Industry. To be held between 18 and 20 January 2014, the three day conference will host six sessions, each looking at different aspects of the publishing industry, from self‐publishing to e‐books, digital content to distribution at Narain Niwas

Jaipur Literature Festival announces an interesting mix of sessions for BookMark

The Jaipur Literature Festival, one of the world’s largest free literary festivals, has announced confirmed list of speakers for its co-located BookMark conference. On 18 January, Rick Simonson will moderate a session titled Synergies of the Glocal. The panel including Alexandra Pringle, Ameena Saiyid, Jo Lusby and Ravi Deecee will discuss how South Asian publishers, within a multilingual and relatively under-resourced publishing industry, can compete with huge global players commanding im

Jaipur Literature Festival 2014: a pilgrimage for literature lovers

Biggest line of authors, an avalanche of content, engaging discussions and a tint of controversy made the latest edition of the fair exciting, reports Supreeth Sudhakaran.

Paper prices dampen printer sentiment

“The increase is inevitable,” the CEO of a pan India print firm who consumes 200 MT tonnes per month said. Today, printers are faced with the devil's choice of whether to absorb or offload the rising cost to their customers. On the one hand, there were four paper price hikes in 2013, and on the other, printers resorted to under-cutting to win clients. While it isn’t something new; it is definitely ill-timed.

Romancing Print 2014 tows the motivational theme to infuse optimism in print industry

Discussions at Romancing Print 2014 were underlined with a motivational tone and often urged the printers to concentrate on the present to build a better future. Starting with the inaugural address by Rita Menon, CMD, ITPO, who started off by saying print was a precursor to the Indian revolution in India. Disagreeing with the claims that print will be a thing of past in coming times, she said, “Print is eternal. It is one of the assets that are passed on from one generation to another.&#82

If you are prepared, there is opportunity; otherwise, risks linger around: Avijit Mukherjee

At Romancing Print, Avijit Mukherjee, COO, Ricoh India, shared his perspective on the digital trends in print. He noted that the variable content part in printed communications is growing. “Earlier the changes in variable content were limited to commercial printing, but now even packaging has embraced this trend. Customers now expect you to deliver not only hard-copy documents but provide cross-media solutions too. Transpromo will become visible,” he said.

Screen Print India launches portal to keep industry updated

Screen Print India recently held a soft launch of its website with the aim of facilitating knowledge dissemination.

Boettcher to strengthen India presence with new manufacturing plant for rubber rollers

Boettcher made inroads to Indian printing consumables market by inaugurating its first chemical blending plant in India in the industrial town of Faridabad (Haryana) in December 2013. The inauguration was attended by around 200 invitees from the newspaper publishing and sheetfed and web printing press manufacturing industries. The idea to setup a manufacturing unit in India was based on the premise that customers would have an easier access to their consumable needs.

PCRI conducts short-term training courses for combating skilled labour issues

One of the most acute problems faced by the industry is shortage of skilled labour. Recently, from 27-29 January, Packaging Clinic & Research Institute (PCRI) in association with Andhra Pradesh Flexible Packaging Manufacturing Association (APFPMA) conducted three-day basic course on flexible packaging at Hotel Aditiya Hometel, Hyderabad.

Globalocal 2014: Publishing searches for its identity

During the CEOs Roundtable session at the fifth edition of Globalocal, conclave hosted by the German Book Office, in New Delhi today, publishers and experts deliberated on several emerging issues of the publishing industry.

PCRI’s three-day programme demonstrates importance of packaging in export

PCRI, with an object to promote, support, protect, maintain and increase the export, conducted a training programme on packaging for exports during 26–28 February at Hotel Aditya Hometel, Hyderabad.

Xerox Print Bindaas take web-to-print to B2B

Reflecting the growing trend of web-to-print-based solution, Print Bindaas has deployed a B2B e-commerce platform on cloud for Su-Kam Power Systems, a power solutions provider, to manage their merchandise and marketing collaterals. The solution offered by Print Bindaas will be powered by Xerox following its recent partnership with the digital print production equipment manufacturer.

Boettcher to strengthen India presence with new manufacturing plant for rubber rollers

Boettcher made inroads to Indian printing consumables market by inaugurating its first chemical blending plant in India in the industrial town of Faridabad (Haryana) in December 2013. The inauguration was attended by around 200 invitees from the newspaper publishing and sheetfed and web printing press manufacturing industries. The idea to setup a manufacturing unit in India was based on the premise that customers would have an easier access to their consumable needs.

Jaipur’s Premier Printing Press invest in multiple machines

Jaipur’s commercial printing company, Premier Printing Press, has invested in several machines to strengthen its position as a one-stop solution provider.