Reflecting on its past achievements, expanding product lines, longstanding loyal customers and dedicated staff, Flexo Image Graphics (FIG) is celebrating 25 years of providing flexo presses and associated equipment from leading brands in the Indian subcontinent.
Gourav Roy, managing director, Flexo Image Graphics, recounts how they have achieved significant milestones and are looking forward to nurturing a future full of newer products and services.
Q: Can you take us back to the beginning—how and why you started FIG?
After my printing engineering and an MBA degree, I worked for nearly 7 years in three different companies—MSL Graphics, M&M Graphics, and EAC Graphics. In those years, I specialised in flexography and represented Mark Andy. In the year 2000, when Heidelberg acquired EAC Graphics and shares of Gallus, there was no reason for them to continue representing Mark Andy in India. It was a turning point for me, and I was really lucky to pick up the readymade asset to represent Mark Andy in the subcontinent with my newly formed company. That’s how Flexo Image Graphics, or simply FIG, came into the picture.
Q: What was FIG’s vision when it was founded and how has it evolved over the years?
A: In the beginning, FIG’s core vision was to promote flexography for label printing with inline converting solutions. As the years passed by, we worked in the market and realised it’s not only about setting up a flexographic converting system but also about focusing on optimisation with quality and speed.
Q: Key turning points in FIG’s journey so far.
A: Mark Andy customers in our current clientele supported us right from the day one of FIG’s journey. FIG’s first sales happened in the year 2001when several Mark Andy 830 presses were sold. Our first office opened in Delhi in 2002, followed by branch offices at Chennai and Mumbai in 2003 and 2004.
Q: What core values define your leadership in 25 years of FIG?
A: Putting the needs of others and the mission above personal gain; Leading by example and empowering others to succeed; Treating everyone with dignity, regardless of position or background; and acting with honesty, transparency, and strong moral principles.
Q: How would you describe your approach to building long-term relationships with customers and principals?
A: Customers are our teachers as they teach us to change and grow. We learn from them and make changes within us. Principals as well as customers are our partners. We figure out the market requirements and work with our principals to offer the right solutions to customers. It’s an ongoing process.
Q: Some achievements you are proud of?
A: I’m very proud of my team, who have been with me for years and worked hard every day with a vision.
Q: Which technologies, partnerships, or machine installations are your defining moments?
A: There are many! The Installation of a 10-color Mark Andy Performance Series press, starting with Rhyguan; installation of a Presstek Direct Imaging press… defining moments keep happening.
Q: How has the flexographic printing industry changed?
A: There has been a fast and positive transition in the industry, which I consider fully mature now.
Q: What role does FIG play in advancing flexo printing in India and its neighbours?
A: I still remember when there was no clue about flexo printing and inline capability in India. It was only offset or letterpress. I must give credit to many of our industry partners, such as Avery Dennison, Gerhard Schubert, Incowax, Harper Corporation, Creative, and others with whom we worked together to educate the market and convince some of the enterprising printers to opt for new technology.
Q: What has been your approach to talent and culture-building?
A: Without a good team, you cannot run a company. Hiring and developing have been my top priority with empowering every staff member who brings value.
Q: How has your team contributed to the company’s growth and reputation?
A: It is the team that created the reputation and pushed for growth. Starting from sales, order management, installation process and after-sales support processes, our team plays a very important role. One of our key services is application training processes and annual maintenance support.
Q: How do you see the flexo, hybrid & digital shaping the packaging & label industry?
A: Huge opportunities lie ahead! There was a reason why inline flexo became popular in the label printing world; however, it took time to understand the benefits. The same holds true for hybrid, in which converters will realize that value addition is necessary in an environment where product mix and supply chain management are crucial factors.
Q: Your piece of advice for young entrepreneurs?
A: It’s tough at the beginning, but your endurance will pay you back. Remain genuine and be yourself. Dream as much as you can. Be a good listener and serve the best, assuming you are being served. Do not opt for the cheapest, which takes you nowhere.
Q: Your plans for the next 5–10 years?
A: We wish to become a company that receives the first call for every customer’s need, starting from pre-press till finishing in the subcontinent’s labels and mid-web packaging industry. The industry will know us for service.
