DE Converter, a leading flexible packaging company based in Howrah, an industrial hub located across the Hoogly river opposite Kolkata, recently installed a Gallus Labelmaster 440 — an 8-color, 440 mm narrow-web flexo printing press. A producer of flexible packaging films for confectionery, biscuits, snacks, seeds, fertilizer, and pharmaceuticals, the company’s Howrah plant is equipped with multi-color flexo presses, rotogravure presses, and both solvent-based and solvent-less lamination presses.
Speaking at the unveiling of the press, Sandip Kundu, director of DE Converter, said, “The installation of our new 8-color Gallus 440mm printing machine marks a significant step forward for DE Converter India. Our collaboration with Heidelberg has been seamless, and this advanced technology will enable us to deliver even greater value to FMCG brands and other manufacturers that we serve.”
Photo-PSA
With a maximum running speed of 200 m/min, the Labelmaster flexo press features both hot air drying and UV curing, enabling it to print on a variety of substrates, including paper, self-adhesive material, cardboard, monofoil label material, and tube laminate.
The press enables future upgrades such as digital plug-in modules. Its 8-color configuration plus two die-cutting stations is optimized for DE Converter’s mix of tea tags, FMCG labels, and specialized short-run packaging. Cold-foiling capability further expands decorative options for premium products.
Deepanjan Roy of DE Converter explained the motivation behind this investment. “In the eastern region, we see a lot of demand for paper-based packaging, particularly for tea envelopes and similar products. This growing demand created the need for a machine of this caliber,” he said. According to him, the company conducted an extensive market survey before finalizing the Gallus Labelmaster 440. “We settled for the best. We found out that this machine is probably the best for making labels and similar things,” Roy said.
The investment, described by the company as a significant addition to its production infrastructure, is expected to pay off in the coming years. “We are expecting a break-even in three to four years. We are very hopeful with this machine,” Roy added.
Thomas Frank, managing director of Heidelberg Asia Pacific, who was present at the unveiling ceremony, said, “The installation of the Gallus Labelmaster at DE Converters is a prime example of the fast technological developments in India.”
Frank emphasized how Indian converters are embracing advanced printing technologies to meet the changing market needs. DE Converter’s move to integrate flexographic printing technology alongside its existing gravure capabilities reflects a broader industry trend, he said. “DE Converters is now completing their range of gravure presses by flexo technology, which underlines the importance of additional and new technologies for established businesses,” Frank noted.
The market dynamics in India, he said, is evolving quickly, driven by rising consumer expectations, sustainability considerations, and the demand for diverse packaging solutions. “The market is changing rapidly for these customers of ours, and they adapt by using our equipment,” he added.
