NBG strengthens flexo innovation with 18 installations of Starflex

Taruna Garg, chief operating officer of NBG Printographic Machinery, speaks with quiet confidence about where the company stands in its flexo journey. For Garg, the show is both a learning ground and a launch pad. “We have received strong feedback from regions where we have supplied our machines, and we want to bring that same commitment and service to Europe,” she says.

Her visit to Barcelona is also about perspective. “Labelexpo Europe is a global platform where you meet converters, distributors and suppliers. It gives a 360-degree view of the industry,” she notes. “The goal is not only to look for customers but also to learn from leaders and ensure our machines meet European standards.”

The rise of Starflex
At the heart of NBG’s current momentum is Starflex, the company’s flagship flexo press. “We launched the first Starflex in 2016 after a leading converter approached us with a specific challenge in label printing,” Garg recalls. “We worked closely with the converter to design a machine from scratch, understanding the exact production needs.”

That collaboration shaped the company’s technical culture. “We documented every trial, every substrate and every ink combination,” she says. “The result is a machine that runs efficiently, is easy to operate and delivers European-level print quality.” Today, Starflex has 18 installations, including three repeat orders from the same customer, each running continuously for three years.

“When a customer runs your machine 24×7 for that long, you get real feedback,” Garg says. “We use it to refine our design and make the next generation even better.” She adds that service responsiveness is a key differentiator. “We ensure online support so that downtime remains minimal. Clients know we are available any time.”

Precision and process
Garg explains that precision manufacturing underpins every Starflex press. The company produces key mechanical parts in-house, measuring to micrometre accuracy. “The frame and gears are critical,” she says. “By managing quality internally, we maintain register accuracy and four-colour consistency.”

NBG’s engineers are also focused on energy efficiency and reduced waste. “Our teams are working to lower power consumption at every stage. The idea is to make flexo more sustainable without compromising productivity.” Garg notes.

Automation is another priority. “We are integrating intelligent controls that help the operator and reduce errors. The aim is to simplify setup, shorten makeready and achieve stability across shifts,” she says. For Garg, these are not isolated features but part of a wider shift in mindset. “We want every design choice to make the customer’s job easier, and the press is more efficient,” she adds.

Partnerships and people
In Barcelona, Garg appears alongside NBG’s European partner, as NBG is trying to build synergies for future growth. “The market is mature and competitive, but growth now depends on people,” Garg remarks. “Machines are important, but relationships matter more. We invest heavily in after-sales, installation and long-term training because we believe in standing beside our customers.”

She explains that NBG conducts training both at its Delhi-area plant and at customer sites abroad. “We sit with operators for weeks if needed. It builds confidence and trust,” she says. That philosophy reflects NBG’s broader organisational culture. “We are a family-run company that values partnerships. Whether it is a distributor or a converter, we treat every stakeholder as part of the ecosystem,” Garg adds.

Expanding horizons
While Starflex anchors NBG’s portfolio, Garg views the future in terms of both technology and geography. “Europe offers us the chance to benchmark ourselves against the best,” she says. “At the same time, the lessons we learn here will help us serve Asian and African markets more effectively.”

She notes that short runs and rising SKUs are reshaping converters’ expectations. “Printers need presses that are flexible, accurate and economical. Our strategy is to reduce waste, simplify operations and ensure fast turnaround,” she explains. Garg’s pragmatic optimism is clear. “We want to build globally while remaining rooted in India. The strength of NBG lies in combining local manufacturing with global thinking.”

Customer-first commitment
Summing up NBG’s direction, Garg returns to what she calls the company’s “first principle.” “Everything begins with the customer,” she says. “We ensure they are comfortable, confident and productive with our presses. Our service does not end with installation; it continues through training, upgrades and long-term support.”

She believes this approach will define NBG’s next decade. “Innovation will keep changing technology, but trust and responsiveness are what keep customers with you. That is our focus at NBG.” As the exhibition floor at Barcelona quiets on the final day of the show, Garg reflects on the experience. “The show reminds us how much is possible when the industry shares ideas,” she says with a smile. “It inspires us to push harder, innovate faster and stay close to our customers everywhere.”