The LMAI Conference 2015 not only provided a great platform for the entire Indian label industry to speak up about issues affecting the industry but also became a confluence of experts from the industry in India, other parts of Asia, Europe and the United States. It was enlightening to learn from the perspective of those who have seen the markets of
developed nations maturing overthe years and are now focussing their attention on fast-growing markets such as India and China.
Gallus was in full force at the LMAI Conference. Along with Samir Patkar, the managing director of Gallus India, Ferdinand Ruesch, vice president of the board of Gallus, and Christof Naier, vice president sales and services of the Gallus label business attended the conference.
Ferdinand Ruesch unequivocally appreciated the conference, saying, “The LMAI Conference has got an amazing audience. I like its biennial format which suits the industry suppliers and I believe the converters as well. To find such an amalgamation of Indian label converters at one place is very special. ”Christ of Naier was equally happy with the conference response. He said, “I have been in many such label conferences in various places around the world but this is unique. Atmost places, the supplier susually outnumber the converters but over here there was an equal distribution. Also, the content of the presentations was relevant and topical which made it even more interesting.”
Samir Patkar made an interesting presentation at the conference. In view of the increasingly fierce competition within the label printing industry, many label printers areunder constant pressure to improve their production strategies and boost their productivity. Patkar said, “Efficient processes, effective cost control, minimal waste, consistently high quality and excellent reliability are now more than ever the cornerstones of business success for today’s label printers – often along with impressive innovation strengths.”
Patkar said, “The overall thumb-rule for the industry growth rate is that it is usually twice as much as the GDP rate. So, going by the 7.5% GDP growth projection of the current government, the industry should be growing at a rate of 14 to 15%, it seems.” The Indian market is full of opportunity said Ferdinand Ruesch. However, the printers and converters must be ready to take the big leap in terms of optimization of their equipment and the professionalization of company structures for the growth level they want to achieve, added Patkar, “Many MNCs are already in India and are in control of a few companies. Indian printers and entrepreneurs must be ready to take on the challenge and start to think in terms of a more professional approach and productivity.”
Christof Naier said that Gallus has had a very good financial year worldwide so far with demand for the ECS and the RCS series picking up. However, the current exchange rate of the Swiss Franc against the Euro is hurting the company. With the Labelexpo Europe around the corner, the mood is quite optimistic. Gallus is going to officially launch the DCS340 – its new digital press which was also shown during the Gallus Innovation Days 2014.Gallus will also be showing a new improved version of its popular ECS with UV technology. An improved model of its RCS will also be shown at the show. “So clearly we have our hands full now and we hope to sustain and improve our year in terms of new order in takes,” said Naier.
