Me & My: Mark Andy E5 narrow-web flexo press

Please describe your company.
Ess Kay Group is a family-owned business founded in 1985 by Prem Chand Mittal, Ram Chander Mittal, and Shiv Kumar Mittal. The Group has four companies, namely Ess Kay Enterprises, Ess Kay Printpack, Mittal Enterprises, and National Print & Pack. The Group specialises in providing packaging solutions for the agro-chemical industry, which consists of HDPE bottles, caps and closures, shrink sleeves, mono cartons, and labels. Shiv Kumar and Aman Mittal manage Ess Kay Enterprises, with Shiv being in charge of laminated pouches and Aman overseeing the label business. The Group has shown consistent growth, achieving double-digit CAGR year-on-year, and serving 95% of the agro-chemical industry.

When did you start using the Mark Andy E5?
For the past few months, we have been utilising the Mark Andy E5, which is a 17-inch wide, eight-coloour narrow-web flexo press. 

What are the properties of Mark Andy E5 you like?
As the second press from Mark Andy in our armory, we found it is a maintenance-free, easy-to-use and multi-application press. 

Why did you decide to go for the Mark Andy E5?  
Our company has been involved in the label business for over 40 years. In 2018, we decided to start printing labels in-house, as previously, we had outsourced the printing to Wonder Pac. Wonder Pac used a Mark Andy machine to produce our labels, so we chose the same brand of machine. Trilok Mittal from Wonder Pac was incredibly helpful in guiding us through the selection process.

Did you look at other similar products?  
Yes, we tested other presses as well. 

What are the features that tilted the favour in this?
In 2018, we acquired our first Mark Andy press. The seamless production, responsive after-sales service and valuable expertise shared by Flexo Image Graphics, the Indian distributor of Mark Andy, were key factors that influenced our decision. Their hands-on experience was especially beneficial.

How much have these features helped you in your production?
Our new Mark Andy E5 print production press operates at 300 m/min minute, twice as fast as our current press which runs at 150 m/min. This means we can serve our customers much more efficiently and effectively. Additionally, the E5 allows us to incorporate brand protection features into our printing process.

For what applications is the Mark Andy E5 used?
Currently, we are utilising it solely for labelling purposes. However, we plan to expand its applications to include shrink sleeves, flexible pouches, leaflets, mono cartons, and other forms of flexible packaging materials in the future.

What’s the quality like? 
We have satisfied clients in the pesticide industry and are expanding into other areas like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. We are equipped to meet all necessary standards and requirements. 

How easy is it to use and handle? 
Our Mark Andy presses are both user-friendly and low-maintenance. We began printing operations in 2018 with a P3 press and later acquired an E5 in 2023. Mark Andy presses cater to all, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player in the industry.

Would you say that it offers value for money?  
Yes, it does. The press we have chosen is capable of fulfilling the requirements laid out on pesticide labels. These labels typically require special care during handling, which is why we opted for this particular press. 

Who do you think the Mark Andy E5 is right for?
It is right for label printing and other packaging printing requirements. 

Under what circumstances would you recommend it to others?
If anyone wants to enter into label production and other packaging printing applications.