Women to Watch: Engineers were not available, so I got my hands on the machine
Winning Factory Champion of the Year, Nalani Jaichandra has transformed a family-run flexo plate business into an inclusive workplace. Under her direction, both India and Sri Lankan brands have seen growth.
25 Sep 2025 | By PrintWeek Team
Q: What do you consider the most significant factor in achieving Factory Champion of the Year, and how do you maintain those standards daily at Veepee Graphic Solutions?
Nalani Jaichandra (NJ): At Veepee Graphic Solutions, I maintain standards daily by focusing on three things: discipline in process, team collaboration, and creating an environment where everyone feels responsible for quality, which keeps morale high and boosts performance. Continuous improvement: reviewing daily performance metrics, identifying glitches, and making crucial updates that prevent bigger issues. Consistency: By balancing precision with people-driven teamwork, I ensure that the standards which helped me achieve this recognition are sustained every day.
Q: Can you share an example of a challenging production issue you have faced and how you successfully resolved it?
NJ: One of the most challenging production issues I faced was when a sudden machine breakdown threatened to delay a critical client order with a very tight deadline. Instead of allowing panic to spread on the shop floor, I immediately coordinated with the maintenance team. As it was a weekend and the engineers were not available, I had no choice but to get my hands on the machine. With the remote support of the engineer online, I was able to troubleshoot and bring the machine back into production.
Q: Veepee is a technology pioneer in flexo pre-press in India. How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency within your team and the factory operations?
NJ: I strongly believe that if we do not accept and embrace change, we risk becoming stagnant and eventually irrelevant. In the flexo pre-press business, technology is evolving continuously. At Veepee, we have always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, making us leaders in innovation and enabling us to stay ahead of the competition. We also ensure that this mindset of adaptability runs through the organisation. Our employees are encouraged to embrace change, while those who find it challenging are guided, trained, and supported until they gain confidence. For us, change is not just a necessity; it is our culture and competitive edge.
Q: Veepee has partnered with many companies to enhance print quality, production efficiency and its capacity to meet growing demand. Please share one project where you have collaborated
NJ: As they say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” With competition driving prices southward, Veepee was determined to find something new to keep our competitive edge. That’s when Hamillroad approached us to introduce their revolutionary screening technology, Bellissima, in India. We seized the opportunity and studied the technology and customised it to suit Indian requirements. The results were path-breaking. We broke the long-held belief that flexo cannot print beyond 200 LPI. With Bellissima, we achieved screening close to 350 LPI.
Q: What three tips would you give to someone aspiring to a leadership role in a factory?
NJ: Balance people and performance: Machines can be calibrated, but the workforce drives results. I take time to understand my team, motivate them, and build trust.
One tech trick you wish to share?
Reverse training trick. Always let an employee teach a process to the entire team. It’s a simple way to check if your workforce is alert, confident, and truly understands the workflow. If they can explain it clearly, you know your team is on the right track.
If you could time-travel inside a book?
The Dhammapada, one of the most profound collections of the Buddha’s teachings. I would love to step into that world of timeless wisdom where the focus was on mindfulness, compassion and discipline.
One factory you visit that has wowed you?
Parakh Agro. What struck me was their uncompromising focus on safety, ensuring the well-being of both employees and visitors at all times. The facility itself is inspiringly designed with ample open spaces, lush greenery, and even a beautiful rose garden, creating an environment that is both refreshing and sustainable.
One product you wish were designed better?
Almost all personal hygiene products today are packaged in poly materials. Considering the sheer volume of packaging material consumed in this segment, it raises an important question: Why can’t we innovate and shift towards non-poly, eco-friendly alternatives?
How did you celebrate your win?
It was my daughter who first informed me about this news. She was closely following the jury’s predictions, as she herself had been nominated for the Rising Star of the Year award. Nevertheless, to celebrate this success, the very first thought that came to my mind was to share the joy with all the women employees of my company and thank them wholeheartedly for the support and faith they have always placed in me. In a male-dominated industry, their trust and encouragement have been my driving force, and this award belongs as much to them as it does to me.
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