Universal Print-O-Pack based in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, operates both as a packaging converter and commercial printer. The two-decade-old company recently installed three new postpress machines from Robus India—a HongJing JC1100 PC Advance Folder Gluer, a Dayuan Semi-Automatic Die Punching Machine MHC1100 BL and an HRB Automatic Flute Laminator. The company has also purchased a B0 Size (40” x 56”) 7-color KBA printing machine with coater. Packaging South Asia spoke to Sunil Gupta, partner at Universal Print-O-Pack, to know more about the new installations as well as how the company sees the opportunities in the near future.
Universal Print-O-Pack has traditionally shown a preference for German and Japanese equipment but this time around, it opted for three economical Chinese postpress machines. According to Gupta, “We wanted to look beyond conventional solution providers who could take the challenge to provide customized or tailor-made solutions for our varied needs—something that Robus India managed to fulfill. Such customized converting solutions also need to be economical as in the present scenario it is not advisable to invest big for small solutions. Hence, Robus India worked with us and provided appropriate solutions involving their principals (Chinese OEMs) in the process. For a debt-free company like ours, it was only practical to upgrade the technology without investing a fortune.”
Gupta however clarifies that it was not only the affordability of the equipment that influenced his decision but also Robus India’s strong commitment to after-sales support. “A well laid out written agreement with Robus India and their principals ensured that we would get seamless and consistent after-sales support. What we love about Robus India is their sincere and honest approach towards their work,” says Gupta.
Print-O-Pack
Sharing details on how these installations could enhance Universal Print-O-Pack’s capacity, Gupta says, “These machines are best suited for short-run jobs and the faster make-ready they offer. Also, there is no unnecessary automation which ensures the equipment is less prone to break-downs or repairs and is more operator-friendly.” He adds that the recent turbulence in the economy has affected the company’s revenues and that is precisely the reason why they opted for Robus India, whereby they can avoid falling prey to huge debts without compromising on quality.
Turning his focus to the opportunities and threats under the new tax regime, Gupta comments, “I am positive that the organized markets will gain weight. The protection or ‘fence’ provided by the excise duty earlier to the packaging houses has been removed, giving way to a leveled playing field for all wherein the commercial printers too will barge in and make the arena of packaging more competitive. The printers with a big debt load might face problems but the leaner ones will make the most of the opportunities.”
