Mumbai-based Prise Print Service has significantly improved its converting capabilities over the last year with the commissioning of a Bobst Novafold folder gluer. In an exclusive interview to Packaging South Asia, Azhar Kothawal, CEO of Mumbai-based Prise Print Service, reflects on the company’s journey from its humble beginnings, its growth and how the Bobst Novafold has impacted the operations in the company’s converting department.
Founded 45 years ago by his father, Prise Print Service has transitioned from letterpress printing to a full-scale operation offering in-house offset printing, finishing and dispatch services.
“We started as a design-focused business. Over time, we realized the importance of ensuring our designs were implemented correctly,” Kothawal explains. This prompted the company to enter post-production and eventually set up a factory to streamline operations. About nine years ago, Kothawal joined the family business, bringing his expertise from the IT sector. Four years later, the company acquired its first printing machine, ending its reliance on third-party vendors and establishing full control over quality.
Kothawala said the primary reason for setting up the printing department in-house was to gain greater control over the print quality and process. “Customers today are highly informed and exact in their requirements. To meet their expectations, we needed to manage every aspect internally. Additionally, competitive pressures and narrow profit margins necessitated scaling up and backward integrating the printing process. This move has enabled us to maintain quality consistency, especially with modern demands for precise brand colors and identity,” he says.
In-house capabilities and recent investments
Prise Print Service’s modern facility features a fully loaded five-color Heidelberg offset press with coater, multiple punching and foiling machines, and advanced lamination technology. One of the most notable investments is the Bobst Novafold folder gluer, acquired last year. The Bobst Novafold has an extended delivery feature and can process crash-lock bottom cartons.
“The Novafold machine has been a game-changer. It has improved productivity, reduced wastage, and allowed us to handle a wider variety of jobs in-house. Previously, we outsourced certain complex converting jobs, which increased costs and logistical challenges. Now, we can manage these jobs more efficiently and maintain better quality control,” Kothawal remarks, highlighting how it enabled the company to maintain better quality control while reducing costs.
Evolving focus on printing
Kothawal says the printing industry has undergone significant changes over the decades. “We were once valued for our creativity in design and packaging. Today, the emphasis is on precision and fulfilling customer specifications,” he says. This shift has driven the company to modernize and adapt its operations to meet the exacting demands of its clientele.
Client base and specializations
The company provides to both domestic and international markets, with 75% of its work destined for export. Prise Print Service’s portfolio spans apparel, perfumes, luxury cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, stationery, and corporate gifting boxes. While perfume packaging was an early specialization, the company has diversified significantly in recent years, particularly in response to changing market demands post-Covid.
Navigating the packaging industry in India
Kothawal views the Indian packaging sector as a dynamic and growing industry, bolstered by increased global demand and a shift of business from China to India. However, challenges persist, including the high cost of Indian paper compared to cheaper Chinese imports. “The influx of Chinese materials has stimulated activity but also exposed gaps in domestic production capabilities,” he observes.
Future plans
Kothawal aims to acquire a dedicated factory space to further expand operations. “Having our own facility will provide greater stability and allow us to invest in advanced machinery,” he says. With India’s packaging market showing strong export potential and increasing emphasis on branding, Kothawal remains optimistic about the future.
