Spread across a 40,000 square feet working area in a 4 acre plot at Nalagarh, Leo Design, a specialist in 8-color UV label manufacturing, started production in 2008. The company is run by brothers Vivek Rao and Varun Rao. Vivek, a lawyer and Varun an MBA planned to venture into packaging asset seem the right fit since it caters to numerous industries. Started with a single offset press with multiple additions over time, the company has become one of the biggest converters in North India with five offset presses, a shipper carton setup, four narrow web flexo presses for labels and its latest venture into the lamitubes business.
Varun, clarifying Leo’s idea behind investing in a huge setup ranging for different packaging verticals, said, “We supply to food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and electrical appliance segments among various others. In our case, we’d prefer to be a one-stop-shop for all the packaging needs of our customers and hence have ventured into multiple packaging segments.” Nevertheless, he agreed that managing multiple packaging verticals has been a challenge though they do add to the company’s overall business. Despite being one of the largest packaging suppliers in North India, Leo has set its priorities in the right direction with customer service and satisfaction topping the chart.
Leo purchases brand new Gallus ECS 340
Leo has offset presses from Heidelberg, a new and recent Kodak CtP, an automatic diecutter, one 8-color narrow web flexo label press from Mark Andy and two 8-color label presses from Nilpeter. The company works in two shifts. The most recent press on Leo’s work-floor is the new 9-color Gallus ECS 340. Varun says this press, which is equipped with screen printing and cold-foiling units, was purchased for creating additional capacity.
The ECS 340 reduces setup times and wastage with features such as automatic job data recall, servo drive integration, short web paths and lightweight sleeve systems. Additional features such as gap-less print, strong print pressure and chilled impression cylinders enable production of high-quality print on thin and extensible substrates. The granite base reduces vibrations so that the press runs more smoothly and is claimed to extend its service life.
Optimized production with the new Gallus ECS 340
Explaining his choice of the Gallus over others, Varun said, “One has to admit that it is the best label press in the flexo world. There are a few in competition. However, the quality and precision, optimum efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the press makes it stand out. With this press now under production, we will look to manage the workload better and increase our production.”
Timely delivery is an extremely important factor that contributes greatly towards the success of a print and converting company. Varun didn’t fail to point out on the fact that with more presses under production on the workfloor, it will be easier to supply to the company’s customers. He also lauded the efforts of the Gallus team during the installation process saying that it was extremely professional and done briskly and skilfully.
Future for label manufacturers bright
“The future of label manufacturers according to me is extremely good. Labels is a growing segment and with the growth in packaged goods, this vertical is poised for a bright future. We also believe that we must invest in future technologies to keep ourselves ahead in the race. Every new technology brings an ease in the production workflow and in today’s scenario of cut-throat competition in the market, one can only survive if one is ahead of others.
“Post GST, some companies are investing in other tax-free zones in India. At the same time, the current regime also gives active access, especially in North India which is a big consumer of all consumer products. With Chandigarh International Airport coming up nearby, it is an exciting opportunity for direct access and client connectivity,” Varun concluded.
Thanks for sharing. Great going Leo Designs