Vinsak-Rotatek opens new markets with Universal 850 at Labelexpo

Vinsak-Rotatek reported a strong response at Labelexpo Europe 2025, with managing director Ranesh Bajaj confirming that the company has opened at least ten new geographies during the show. “We now have equipment going into ten countries where there was no Rotatek or Vinsak presence before,” he said, describing the Barcelona venue as more vibrant and visitor engagement as highly focused.

At the centre of the stand was the Universal 850 offset-hybrid platform, designed for security and pharma packaging. Bajaj said offset already adds a barrier to counterfeiting due to its limited presence in packaging. “With hybrid presses using offset, flexo and inkjet in line, we are able to create digital packaging with connected packaging and clone-proof codes, giving a very high level of security,” he explained. Two machines have already been delivered, with another three to four on order.

Embellishment was another area of emphasis. Through its Label Decore module, Vinsak is promoting tactile effects, new varnishes, improved foiling quality and is working on adding scent inks. Bajaj said these applications are becoming essential for shelf impact. “Without embellishment on a store shelf, the label never stands out. It is the key differentiator today,” he noted. New installations have been confirmed in Eastern and Western Europe, Canada and French-speaking Africa.

The company also announced the redevelopment of the Brava short-run label press, originally introduced in 2003. “Instead of tweaking the old design, we have gone back to the drawing board,” Bajaj said. The new Brava platform will incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning for printing, improved paper and web handling, and upgraded die-cutting. It is intended to offer automation and ease of use comparable to digital, while retaining a low cost per square metre.

Beyond press design, Vinsak-Rotatek is turning its attention to inks and substrates as the next area of differentiation. Bajaj said a new R&D division is being set up to develop digital inks initially, with plans to expand into other chemistries. “The next frontier is not the technology, it is about what substrates and inks we can match to work together,” he explained.

The company is also strengthening its global service footprint, with warehouses in India, UAE, Spain and soon North America and Africa. Bajaj said customers increasingly demand uptime and rapid response. “Our customers need uptime and the more uptime we can guarantee them, the better it is. We are deploying new software and rationalising processes across the group to have one single entity for everybody to interact with,” he said.

Bajaj summed up the outlook by pointing to both market reach and technology readiness. With new geographies entered during the show, orders for the Universal 850, fresh installations for embellishment lines, and development work on Brava and inks, he said the company is positioning itself for the next phase of hybrid and packaging innovation.