Kongsberg showcases production-grade innovation at Pamex

The vibrant floor of Pamex 2026 serves as the perfect backdrop for Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (PCS) to redefine its footprint in the Indian market. While the previous year presented significant hurdles due to a volatile foreign exchange environment and international tariffs that impacted the export-heavy pharma and packaging sectors, the brand has arrived in Mumbai with a clear vision for recovery. Muhammad Rafiq Shaikh, sales and service leader for South Asia at Kongsberg PCS, describes the current market as fragile, noting that while the company achieved its targets in 2025, the journey was difficult due to the Euro exchange rates rising.

At the heart of the Kongsberg showcase is a transition away from entry-level samples toward heavy-duty production powerhouses. Shaikh explains that the company is actively focusing on its C-series and the award-winning Ultimate series, which are designed to meet the rigorous demands of a market increasingly obsessed with short-run production. The strategy for 2026 involves a concentrated push for larger tables priced between USD 150,000 and USD 200,000, aimed at providing high-speed, automated solutions that can keep pace with 24/7 digital printing workflows. Shaikh emphasises that today’s packaging entrepreneurs require the productivity to handle 100 to 200 sheets with a finish that replicates traditional die-punching.

The demand landscape in India is shifting rapidly, particularly within the eCommerce and signage sectors, where customisation has become a non-negotiable branding tool. While the folding carton and corrugation segments remain largely conventional, Shaikh observes a visible migration toward corrugation for higher volumes. Kongsberg continues to hold a dominant position in the flexo market, claiming a 100% market share for plate cutting, while also carving out a niche in corrugation through superior creasing quality that provides a 90% replica of a die punch.

Technology and consolidation are the two pillars defining the future of the industry. Shaikh notes that the rise of artificial intelligence is already streamlining the business side of packaging, particularly in the realm of complex costing and quotation, where it currently offers roughly 70% accuracy. On the corporate front, the Indian market is witnessing a wave of acquisitions as major players like TCPL and Parksons seek to become single-source suppliers for their global clients. By offering an open-source ecosystem that supports multiple file formats, Kongsberg is positioning its IPC and ICAT software to serve as the vital link in these consolidating supply chains.

As Pamex 2026 unfolds, Shaikh remains focused on helping Indian converters navigate the high cost of substrates and the challenges of a labour market where cheap manual intervention often slows the adoption of full automation. By prioritising safety and the productivity of its European-manufactured machines, Kongsberg PCS is betting that its commitment to reliability will turn first-time buyers into lifelong partners.

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