V-VAB charts new course in rigid box automation and vision systems

Interacting with PrintWeek at Corru Pack and Print India in Mumbai, Vinayak Munipalli, director of V-VAB, detailed the company’s strategic evolution from a specialist in vision systems into a versatile player in the rigid box manufacturing sector. The journey, which gained significant momentum just before PrintPack 2025, was sparked by a series of successful custom engineering projects that bridged the gap between high-end robotics and practical packaging applications.

The company’s entry into this niche was somewhat serendipitous, beginning nearly three years ago with the development of the Robotica pick-and-place vision system. Originally installed for a customer in Sri City, the technology proved its worth by providing an automated alternative to manual processes. This was further validated by a bespoke project for a UAE-based client who required the precise placement of decorative studs and logos on cartons, a task previously performed by hand. By offering an Indian-engineered solution where the customer had originally looked toward China, V-VAB solidified its reputation for technical agility.

A core strength of the V-VAB approach is its role as a system integrator. Utilising Epson robotics and smart camera technology, the firm has developed a unique capability to retrofit vision systems onto existing production lines. While many competitors require customers to purchase entirely new blue line setups to access automation, Munipalli noted that V-VAB remains one of the few providers capable of integrating advanced inspection and placement tech into a printer's current machinery.

In a market dominated by high-volume smartphone packaging on one side and a fragmented gifting and confectionery sector on the other, the company sees a massive opportunity in the latter. For the unorganised sector and smaller boutique players, such as sweet box manufacturers in Ulhasnagar, V-VAB provides entry-level automation kits. These setups, often comprising four machines with a small operational footprint, allow for short-run flexibility at an accessible investment level.

The company’s growth is underpinned by strong industry partnerships, most notably with TCPL Packaging. Munipalli highlighted that the packaging giant remains their largest customer, employing approximately 15 V-VAB systems across five factories to maintain a strict policy of 100% automated quality inspection. As the company looks toward the next financial year, it is bolstered by a dedicated team of five engineers and a specialist sales staff, all operating out of its manufacturing base in Vasai.