FIG celebrates 25 years of service and success

⁠Can you take us back to the beginning. How and why did you start FIG?

After my printing engineering and an MBA degree, I worked for around nearly seven years in three different companies — MSL Graphics, M&M Graphics, and EAC Graphics. In those years of my service, I was specialised for flexography and representing Mark Andy. In 2000, when Heidelberg acquired EAC Graphics and shares of Gallus, there was no reason for them to continue representing Mark Andy in India. It was a turning point for me and I was really lucky to pick up the readymade asset to represent Mark Andy in the subcontinent with my newly formed company. That’s how Flexo Image Graphics, or simply FIG, came into the picture. 
 
⁠What was FIG’s vision when founded and how has it evolved over the years?

At the beginning, FIG’s core vision was to promote flexography for label printing with inline converting solutions. As the years passed by, we continuously worked in the market and realised the fact that it’s not only about setting up a flexographic converting system but to focus on optimisation with quality and speed. 
 
Tell us about some key turning points in FIG’s journey so far.

Mark Andy customers in our current clientele are the ones who supported us right from the day one of FIG’s journey. 

FIG’s first sales year: 2001 — several Mark Andy 830 presses were sold. 

Opening of our first office at Delhi in 2002.

Opening of our branch offices at Chennai and Mumbai in 2003 and 2004.

First Mark Andy Scout press. 

First Mark Andy 2200 press.

First Performance Series equipment. 

First Evolution Series press.   

⁠What core values define your leadership in 25 years of FIG?

The things which I value most are listed as under:

Putting the needs of others and the mission above personal gain.

Leading by example and empowering others to succeed.

Treating everyone with dignity, regardless of position or background.

Acting with honesty, transparency, and strong moral principles.

⁠How would you describe your approach to building long-term relationships — with customers and principals alike?

Customers are our teachers as they always teach us to change and grow. We constantly learn from them and accordingly make changes within us. Principals as well as customers are our partners. We figure out the market requirements and work with our principals to offer the right solutions to customers. It’s an ongoing process. 

Share some achievements for which you are most proud of? 

I’m very proud of my team, especially the members of FIG, who are with me for several years and worked hard every day with a vision.  

⁠Which technologies, partnerships, or machine installations are considered as your defining moments?

There are many! Installation of a 10-colour Mark Andy Performance Series press; starting with Rhyguan; installation of a Presstek Direct Imaging press… defining moments keep happening.

 (l-r) Kalyani and Gourav Roy of Flexo Image Graphics  

How has the flexographic printing industry changed since you involved in it?

Since I knew it there has been a transition taking place immensely fast and positive in the industry, which I consider fully matured now. 

What role FIG plays in advancing flexo printing in India and its neighbours?

I still remember the time when there was no clue about flexo printing and inline capability in India. It was only offset or letterpress. I must also give credit to many of our industry partners like Avery Dennison, Gerhard Schubert, Incowax, Harper Corporation, Creative, and others with whom we worked together to educate the market and convince some of the enterprising printers to opt for new technology.  

⁠What has been your approach to talent and culture-building? 

Without a good team you cannot run a company. Hiring and developing have been my top priority with empowering every staff member that brings value. 

⁠How has your team contributed to the company’s growth and reputation?

It is the team which created the reputation and pushed for the growth. Starting from sales, order management, installation process and after-sale support processes, our team plays a very important role. One of the key services we provide is application training process and annual maintenance support. 

⁠Tell us some challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them? 

God has been kind to me! I learned from every challenge in these 25 years—like leaving of an important employee, parting with a director or facing the Covid-19 pandemic, and so on. All these eventually make me strong and cultured.   
 
⁠What have the 25 years of entrepreneurship taught you? 

Many! Among them, I have learnt that service is the top priority. Put yourself into the seat of the front person and propose. Keep updating technically. 
 
⁠Who would you like to thank or acknowledge on this milestone?

Our customers and principals who showed the trust in FIG. Also, a big ‘thanks’ to my team who always stood by me and supported my ideas. I would also thank my family who supported me in my difficult times with comfort and positivity. 
 
⁠How do you see the flexo, hybrid & digital are shaping the packaging & label industry?

Huge opportunities lie ahead! There was a reason why inline flexo became popular in the label printing world; however, it took time to understand the benefits. The same holds true for hybrid in which converters will realise value addition is necessary in an environment where product mix and supply chain management being a crucial factor. 

What’s your piece of advice to young entrepreneurs entering the industry?

It’s tough at the beginning, but your endurance will always pay you back. Remain genuine and be yourself. Dream as much as you can. Be a good listener and serve the best, assuming you are being served. Do not opt for the cheapest which takes you nowhere. 
 
⁠What do you plan for the next 5–10 years?

Wish we become the company that receives the first call for every customer’s need, starting from pre-press till finishing in the subcontinent’s labels and mid-web packaging industry. The industry will know us for service.