Mumbai becomes HP's nerve centre for large-format printing

In a strategic move to address the increasing demands of the Indian printing market, HP, in collaboration with Redington, recently inaugurated a new Graphics Experience Centre in Mumbai. The facility is poised to be more than just a showcase for its latest large-format printing technologies. The centre is positioned as an ‘idea centre’ designed to foster collaboration and innovation. It is equipped to make printing accessible for the large-format printing audience. This is proof that HP is enabling the print ecosystem with advanced print technologies and offerings with Redington as its partner. 

The facility addresses evolving customer expectations with versatile, scalable, and sustainable large-format printing technologies. Through the HP Planet Partners programme, the centre reinforces HP’s focus on a circular economy by promoting the recycling of used print supplies. 

Why Mumbai?
 
Mumbai was a natural choice for HP’s experience centre, as it's a historic hub for the printing and graphics industry in India. According to Vitesh Sharma, country head - India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, large format printing business, at HP, the city is the "nerve centre of all economic activities." This began decades ago with the digitalisation of film posters. The city also remains the base for most retail and large corporate brands, making it an ideal location to engage with a key customer base. 

A new era of growth and opportunity 

The decision to invest in the Mumbai experience centre is rooted in HP’s belief that India is on the cusp of a significant economic upswing. This growth, driven by infrastructure development, rising household incomes, and the expansion of retail into non-metro areas, is creating new opportunities across several segments. 

Reflective signage: With a surge in infrastructure projects, particularly roads and airports, HP sees a significant opportunity in digitally printed reflective signage. Unlike traditional cut-and-paste methods, digital printing offers a more efficient and precise solution. The centre will be a crucial tool for showcasing this technology and its benefits to customers. 

Decor and personalisation: The centre will serve as a launchpad for HP's expansion into the decorative printing segment, driven by a growing demand for personalisation. "Decor is being driven by personalisation today," Sharma stated. The facility allows customers to see how digital technology can be used to create cohesive, personalised home decor, such as matching wallpapers, window blinds, and canvas prints. 

Tier-2 and tier-3 market boom: HP is also betting on the rapid growth of non-metro locations. The company recognises that consumers in these areas are increasingly purchasing premium and luxury brands, many of which require high-quality in-store graphics and branding. With over 2,500 HP Latex units already installed across India, including in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. 

More than an experience centre 

HP intends for the Mumbai facility to be a dynamic space that serves multiple functions beyond simply demonstrating technology. "We want this experience centre to work as an ideation centre," Sharma explained. It's a place where customers, partners, and HP teams can come together to discuss ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and explore new business opportunities. 

In addition to serving as an idea centre, the facility will be used for conducting training sessions for print operators to ensure they get the best out of the technology. It will also provide training for HP partners so they can effectively convey the technology’s value proposition to customers. 

The company's focus is currently on nurturing and growing the business from this new location. While there are no immediate plans for additional experience centres in other cities, HP remains open to future expansion as the market continues to evolve.