Mumbai-based carton specialist Saroj Art Prints recently wrapped up a major investment phase, with CEO Manoj Todi steering a comprehensive program that includes a full range of printing, converting, and finishing equipment. The move marks a decisive shift from incremental upgrades to a fully integrated packaging plant designed for higher quality, reliability, and long-term scalability.
Speaking about the journey, Todi explains that the current investment cycle grew out of a simple need—improving printing quality, with precision, consistency, blended with cost effectiveness. “There were many bottlenecks at different points. If we had to grow, we should incline ourselves more towards automation. Buying one refurbished or pre-owned machine after another wasn’t sustainable.”
Upgrading from second-hand machinery
Todi has used a wide range of imported pre-owned equipment over the years, and today’s world is all about speed. “A refurbished machine is excellent, but parts are a challenge. Mechanics are a bigger challenge,” he explains. Service dependency, delay,s and high-cost repairs made him rethink the approach.
This time, we decided that the core of the new plant would be built around reliable new machines: an MK EcoCut 106 CS die-cutter, a DGM Smartfold 1100 SL folder-gluer, and an HPM cutting machine. “New machines give peace of mind for many years to come. And we can focus on business,” he adds.
On choosing MK, DGM and HPM
Todi says the decision to buy MK was straightforward after speaking to fellow printers. “In their view, MK Die Cutting & DGM Folder Gluer are amazing, and people using them for many years have had no issues. Plus, the Heidelberg association gives confidence, as well as all modern technologies.
Rising capacity and growing confidence
With both plants combined, Saroj Art Prints has dramatically scaled its monthly output. As it is a need of the era to increase production capacity exponentially to meet clients’ needs, in fact, looking forward to growth in the printing and packaging arena, he says.
“Our key focus is on delivering quality material with matched timelines of the clients. Spot UV is now fully in-house equipped with all necessary components and attachments therein from Screen making, stretching to exposing,” he says.
Industry view: growth, volatility and cut-throat pricing
Speaking on the broader packaging industry, Todi says growth is strong but erratic. “The market is very good, but volatility is high. One month, there’s too much work, and the next month it’s very slow. Survival becomes tough.”
He highlights the ongoing issue of price undercutting. “Printers must understand that they are running manufacturing units and not operating a trading or retail business. It harms the industry,” he says.
Despite this, he sees strong demand for paper-based packaging as more industries shift away from plastics.
Diversification into FMCG, cosmetics, and beverages
Pharma remains Saroj’s largest segment, but diversification is underway. “We are diversifying into FMCG, cosmetics, and beverages gradually,” he concludes.
