Prateek accelerates digital label printing with Epson SurePress

In a strategic move to ramp up its digital label production, Prateek Graphics has installed the Epson SurePress L-6534V, a high-speed, six-colour digital label press with UV curing and white ink capabilities. The installation marks a significant step in the company's transformation journey — from a traditional metal printing house to a modern, digitally driven label printing business.

Prateek Graphics is the new name for the erstwhile Prateek Metal Industries, a firm established in 1995 by Pritam Arora and a business partner. Originally focused on metal printing — mainly on aluminium plates for the home appliance industry — the company gradually evolved under the stewardship of the Arora family. After the initial partnership dissolved, Pritam acquired full control of the business, joined later by his younger brother Manoj Arora, who now oversees production, marketing, and business development, while Pritam manages finance and accounts.

Over the years, the company relocated from Chander Printing Press in Paharganj to Basai Darapur, then Mundka, and finally, in 2023, to its current 3,000-sqyd premises in the HSIIDC Industrial Area, Rai. This move reflects not only physical expansion but also a shift in business strategy, from 100% metal printing to a diversified portfolio now consisting of 95% label printing and 5% metal work.

With a robust setup that includes 11 screen printing machines from Grafica (both sheet and roll format), digital presses from Konica Minolta, and now the Epson SurePress, Prateek Graphics is geared to meet high-volume, high-quality label production demands.

“We started exploring digital five years ago with Konica Minolta and added Epson last year to boost quality, reduce turnaround time, and minimise waste,” said Manoj Arora, managing partner at Prateek Graphics. “Screen printing is great for certain jobs, but it’s a slow process. Digital helps us produce more in less time with consistent quality.”

Why Epson SurePress?

The decision to invest in the Epson SurePress L-6534V was made after careful market analysis and a visit to Labelexpo Southeast Asia in Bangkok. Impressed by the print samples and machine performance, the team found Epson’s Japanese technology perfectly aligned with their quality expectations and production goals.

“The print quality — especially with white ink and UV — was unmatched. Jobs we couldn’t manage before due to white ink limitations are now easily achievable. Plus, wastage is considerably lower, and the machine allows material to be reused more efficiently,” Arora added.

The press now plays a critical role in producing a wide range of labels, including dome labels, polycarbonate labels, vinyl labels, and specialty products for home appliances, white goods, health and wellness, and automotive sectors. The company produces up to 50,000 dome labels per day and handles 50,000 running meters of media in daily operations.

With digital and screen printing currently split 50-50 in terms of production, Prateek Graphics is shifting more work toward digital for speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Jobs that were once produced using slower screen processes are now being run digitally, particularly paper labels and complex colour jobs that benefit from UV and white ink support.

The company also operates a Zund sample maker, which further enhances its ability to deliver prototypes and customised jobs with precision.

Looking ahead, Prateek Graphics plans to diversify into shrink sleeves and pouches as part of its continued growth strategy. “We see a 20% annual growth in the Indian label market, and we’re positioning ourselves to capture that momentum with the right technology and infrastructure,” said Arora.

The Arora family attributes the success to a mix of innovation, adaptability, and strong ethical foundations. “Our experience with Epson has been seamless. The machine is flawless, and the support is solid. We believe in doing business with integrity, and we expect the same from our partners. Epson has delivered on that front,” Arora concluded.

With a strong heritage, a future-forward mindset, and cutting-edge digital technology, Prateek Graphics is well on its way to becoming a leading player in India’s dynamic label printing industry.