Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), a distribution partner of Zhejiang Rhyguan Machinery, will demonstrate live some key Rhyguan machines and technologies for providing real-time capabilities at Labelexpo India 2024. Gourav Roy, director, Flexo Image Graphics, and Happy Cao, export manager, Zhejiang Rhyguan Machinery, explain how it would be an opportunity for trade visitors and potential customers to have hands-on experience of the Rhyguan products.
Aiming to deepen its presence in India, Rhyguan is expanding its distribution network in the country with FIG’s help. “There are significant opportunities emerging in the region’s growing label and packaging industries,” says Cao, adding, “On the innovation & technology front, we are focusing on the introduction of advanced die-cutting and finishing machines that are automated, efficient, and cost-effective for high-quality labeling solutions.”
“We aim at building long-term relationship with our clients in India by providing them the customized solutions and responsive service through our localized support from FIG.” She says digital printing is becoming more prevalent than before and there is growing need for finishing equipment that can be seamlessly integrated with digital workflows. In turn, there will be quicker turnaround times, efficient handling of short-run & variable data printing, and many more.
Roy agrees, “Certainly, manufacturers nowadays are incorporating advanced automation features into finishing equipment to reduce manual intervention, minimize error, and increase production speed through automated setup, job changeover, and real time monitoring systems.” He adds, “This is how Rhyguan finishing machines are designed to handle varied substrates and finishing processes, such as die-cutting, varnishing, laminating, foil stamping… enabling label producers to offer more customized & value-added products.”
According to Cao, Rhyguan is currently approaching new product development & innovation with a strong focus on automation, building around key principles like customer-centric development and integration of advanced technologies. She explains, “Either in India or other growing regions, we actively engage with our customers, collect feedbacks from them, to understand their evolving needs and challenges in the label and packaging markets.”
She adds, “In India, we provide label manufacturers full access to state-of-the-art machines, ensuring that they can leverage the latest technologies to stay ahead of competition. In this, FIG, as Rhyguan’s trusted distribution partner in India plays a pivotal role in all aspects. They have been setting a good pace in advancing Rhyguan in the finishing segment of the Indian label industry.”
Roy states, “We offer comprehensive technical support, installation service, and training programmes, which eventually help label manufacturing businesses effectively integrate into new equipment. In this, we help Rhyguan understand the unique needs in the Indian label printing & production market, assisting them in customizing solutions for meeting the local demands.”
When it comes to after-sales service, FIG has a dedicated team who ensure minimal downtime through prompt maintenance and support. “It is really crucial for every client,” say Roy, adding, “To stay abreast of what our customers need in the industry, we keep updated with latest market trends and attend all major industry events, shows, seminars, etc.” FIG’s centralised ‘customer support department’ is operated from its main office in Delhi connecting to Mumbai and Chennai branches.
Sharing what it takes to make Rhyguan machines different from others,Cao reveals some key strengths, viz. comprehensive and customizable range of products, automation-focused innovations, sustainable solutions, and strong localized support from FIG. “When we look at the Indian market, it’s filled with many low-cost machines from local and other Asian manufacturers, which eventually create price pressure on Rhyguan’s premium product range,” she mentions.
She adds, “Despite all challenges, we can tap the Indian market by offering machines that meet both cost and performance. In this, we appreciate FIG for their commitment to helping us reach a broader customer base across the country. As more businesses in India are adopting digital technologies, there is increasing demand for digital finishing solutions, which we are providing suitably for both short and medium-run jobs.” Leveraging the Industry 4.0 Technologies, Rhyguan in the Indian market is offering smart and affordable machines with remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance features as key differentiators.
About the latest developments at Rhyguan, Cao says they have upgraded silkscreen modules to increase speed and material compatibility. “This upgrade helps label manufacturers indulge in faster production of diverse labels, especially those using film materials. Additionally, our foil systems now feature enhanced pressure control (up to 60T), allowing high-quality foiling & embossing embellishments, particularly on luxury labels. Also, Rhyguan SMART-450-HMS and similar machines have also been improved for accurate defect detection.” On the sustainability front, Rhyguan has set up a new production facility in Ruian City, which is designed to minimize environment impact by incorporating solar panels for carbon emission reduction.
Rhyguan plans to position itself as a leader in the label finishing market by continually improving its exiting machines. “We are prioritising the newer development of digital finishing solutions, as seen in the products like Rhyguan DIG330PLUS, which offer high-precision digital die-cutting with no need for traditional tooling,” says Cao, adding, “In our long-term development plan, we have set our objectives to revolve around sustainability and advanced automation. Moreover, we are integrating environmentally responsible technologies such as UV and LED curing options in our machines.”
Cao says Rhyguan is gaining ground in India with gradual increase of client base. “During the period of 2016–2024 (August), we have had installed 64 sets of Rhyguan machines across India. This data don’t include Luster Smart cameras. For Luster, we have installed 31 sets during the period,” she mentions.
In her advice to Indian label manufacturers and convertors for next level growth and long-term success in business, Cao urges them to embrace technological innovations and advanced machines which Rhyguan keeps unveiling and going to demonstrate live at Labelexpo India 2024.
She mentions that Rhyguan is planning to promote its products extensively across India and expand their presence in the country by participating in key industry events and shows like Labelexpo India 2024.
Roy asserts, “As we are all set for Labelexpo India 2024, this mega show will be a prolific platform for FIG to present live demo of some key and latest Rhyguan machines.” In this, Ms Cao says the show will be a prime venue for Rhyguan, FIG, and many of their partners, clients, and peers to connect and grow.
FIG is showing Rhyguan machines and more from other brands at Labelexpo India 2024, 14–17 November, India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida (Delhi-NCR). FIG will be at Stand No C13 in Hall 9.
