PrintPack India 2025

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Noel Dcunha · Managing Editor · PrintWeek India · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett from Inkish spoke with Noel Dcunha, Managing Editor of PrintWeek India, about the exhibition's rapid growth and the evolving print and packaging market in India. With the addition of new halls and a significant rise in exhibitors, Printpack India is on a trajectory to expand even further. Projections for 2027 aim to exceed 100,000 square meters of space. Noel Dcunha highlights the booming packaging sector, sharing insights from industry professionals who report substantial business growth. The show has seen an influx of visitors, with estimates reaching 140,000 to 150,000 attendees. PrintWeek India has been actively covering the event, publishing two daily e-bulletins featuring installation updates and industry trends. As the only remaining PrintWeek publication under Haymarket, PrintWeek India continues to thrive due to the strength of the Indian market. The magazine has embraced digital transformation, expanding its reach through online platforms, webinars, podcasts, and the prestigious PrintWeek India Awards, where print samples are judged by industry buyers rather than printers. With a circulation of 13,000 print copies and an online database of 45,000 industry professionals, PrintWeek India reaches 350 cities nationwide. While there are no immediate plans to expand into regional languages, the publication continues to refine its offerings to serve India's vast print industry. Noel Dcunha acknowledges the challenges in growing circulation but remains optimistic about the future. With an estimated 220,000 serious print-related businesses in India—compared to just 16,000 in the UK—the industry is poised for further expansion. Printpack India continues to solidify its place as a global industry event. PrintWeek India remains at the forefront, documenting its growth and evolution.

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The Master and the Apprentice · Naresh Khanna & Wayne Beckett · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett from Inkish wraps up the final day of an incredible exhibition by speaking with Naresh Khanna, owner of Indian Printer & Publisher (IPP). Reflecting on a week filled with industry insights, cutting-edge technology, and promising business developments, both discuss the evolving role of Printpack India within the global print and packaging industry. Naresh Khanna highlights India's robust and resilient printing and packaging sectors, attributing the event’s success to the country’s strong economy and industrial growth. He notes that while Printpack India remains a premier event, the market is becoming more fragmented. Specialized regional shows, such as dedicated events for labels, plastics, and specific printing technologies, are emerging across different states. The conversation shifts to the rapid development of the Noida region, particularly Uttar Pradesh. With its massive population and rising industrialization, Uttar Pradesh drives significant demand for printed materials. As infrastructure expands—including a new airport being built by Swiss developers—the potential for growth in printing and packaging remains vast. Projections for Printpack India 2027 aim for an additional 40,000 square meters of exhibition space, and visitor numbers could reach 180,000-190,000, but Naresh Khanna remains skeptical. While new permanent halls are planned, challenges remain, including infrastructure limitations, shifting industry specialization, and changing business dynamics, where companies increasingly invite customers directly to their factories instead of showcasing at exhibitions. Despite this, both agree on the irreplaceable value of exhibitions—not just for major brands like Heidelberg, Komori, and Canon but also for small innovators who provide unique solutions that can significantly impact businesses. Printpack India continues to serve as a vital marketplace for discovering new technologies, fostering partnerships, and exploring the future of print in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As the event concludes, Wayne Beckett thanks Naresh Khanna and his team for their collaboration throughout the week. He looks forward to continuing to engage in this dynamic and evolving industry.

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Amitabh Luthra · Managing Director · Printers Supply · PrintPack India 2025

On the final day of Printpack India, Wayne Beckett from Inkish catches up with Amitabh, Managing Director of Print and Supply, to discuss the show’s success and the state of the Indian print market. Despite a slightly lower footfall than expected, Amitab emphasizes the quality of visitors, noting that the attendees were highly relevant industry professionals seeking valuable insights and business opportunities. A key topic of discussion is Print and Supply’s role as the Indian representative for Edale, the renowned British manufacturer of flexographic and digital hybrid printing presses. While importing UK-made equipment presents cost challenges due to high exchange rates, Amitabh highlights Edale’s reputation for top-tier engineering, often called the "Rolls-Royce of the printing industry." The company focuses in India on sales, after-sales support, and marketing, ensuring strong local representation for the brand. Wayne and Amitabh also delve into the rapid growth of India’s label and packaging sector, which has surged in recent years. Amitabh attributes this expansion to the country’s strong economic performance and consistent year-on-year growth despite global challenges. Another major development is Print and Supply’s partnership with Xeikon, which was formalized at Drupa last year. Amitab explains that there is no conflict of interest between Edale and Xeikon. Canon-owned Edale specializes in flexographic technology, while Xeikon focuses purely on digital presses. This allows Print and Supply to offer a complementary portfolio, addressing India's increasing demand for digital printing solutions. With a bright future ahead and the increasing adoption of advanced print technologies, Amitabh is optimistic about the Indian market’s trajectory. As the show wraps up, he returns to finalize deals, reinforcing the strong momentum built during Printpack India.

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Pawandeep Sahni · Managing Director · OMET India · PrintPack India 2025

On the final day of Printpack India, Wayne Beckett from Inkish meets with Pauwan, the Managing Director of OMET India, to discuss the company’s growing presence in the Indian market. Pauwan reflects on a highly successful exhibition that exceeded expectations with the quality of visitors and strong engagement throughout the event. OMET, an Italian manufacturer of high-end printing presses, has expanded its footprint in India since 2019. Despite the challenges of selling European presses in a highly competitive market, Pauwan explains that the growing base of label printers has fueled demand for more sophisticated machines. OMET’s unique selling point lies in its ability to provide fully customized printing solutions, offering a combination of flexo, offset, gravure, and digital printing in a single press. With six different platforms, 13 variants, and hundreds of customization options, OMET ensures that no two solutions are alike, tailoring each system to the customer’s needs. Beyond the technology, OMET India is actively addressing the industry’s skills gap with its "OMET Throughput" program, which focuses on machine maintenance, training, and new product development. This initiative helps printers maximize their investment by ensuring operators are well-trained and equipped to handle advanced printing techniques. Looking ahead, OMET will exhibit at Label Expo Barcelona, continuing its momentum in the global print industry. With India’s massive market potential and focus on high-value, complex printing applications, OMET is well-positioned for further growth.

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Jaiveer Singh · President · IPAMA · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett from Inkish speaks with Javier Singh, President of IPAMA, about the remarkable growth of the exhibition. With over 600 exhibitors, including 562 offering live demonstrations, this year’s event has surpassed previous editions, reflecting the industry's rapid expansion. Javier Singh attributes this surge in participation to the team’s dedicated efforts in promoting the exhibition and focusing on future growth. Attendance figures are soaring, with an expected 140,000 to 150,000 visitors, putting Printpack India on par with major global events like Drupa. Notably, international visitors have also increased, with 16,000 attendees from countries across Africa, Latin America, the Gulf, Russia, and Asia. As demand continues to rise, expansion plans are already in motion. The venue provider is set to construct new permanent halls, adding 42,000 square meters of space by the next edition, with plans for an additional 25,000 square meters. Despite the event's massive scale, organizers had to turn away 86 exhibitors due to space constraints—something they aim to resolve in 2027. With projections for the next edition targeting 100,000 square meters of exhibition space and up to 200,000 visitors, Printpack India is cementing itself as a premier international printing and packaging trade show. Singh reassures that India is ready to welcome the world, making the event a key destination for global industry professionals. As the show continues to grow, the future of Printpack India looks brighter than ever, with expectations to reach new milestones in 2027.

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Priyatosh Kumar · Head of Division · Fujiflm · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett catches up with PK, Head of Division for Graphics Communication at Fujifilm India, to discuss the company’s latest innovations and the booming print market in India. Fujifilm India, a significant part of the global Fujifilm business, spans multiple industries, including medical, photography, and graphic communications. The company has a strong presence in India, regularly exhibiting at key industry events like Printpack. This year’s exhibition has been especially exciting for Fujifilm, with the launch of two new digital presses aimed at making high-quality print more accessible. These additions to their portfolio bring cutting-edge technology from their high-end segment to the mass market, democratizing digital printing solutions. The 100 ppm and 85 ppm presses are already generating strong interest, particularly in high-demand applications such as wedding photobooks, commercial printing, publishing, and even packaging. With digital printing rapidly expanding in India, driven by shorter run lengths, personalization, and increasing disposable income, PK highlights how both digital and analog technologies continue to thrive. The affordability and accessibility of digital solutions are driving faster adoption, while analog printing remains dominant in cost-sensitive, high-volume production. The excitement at the Fujifilm stand is undeniable, with every machine on display already sold. With their new five-color 85 ppm model featuring pink, clear, and texture options, print providers now have more flexibility to add value without the traditionally high investment costs. As the show comes to an end, Fujifilm is already planning for the next phase—delivering these machines to customers across India. This conversation underscores the dynamic shift in the Indian print industry, where innovation, accessibility, and automation are driving unprecedented growth.

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Sajith Pallippuram · Managing Director · Bindwel · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with Sajid, Managing Director of Bindwell, South Asia’s largest manufacturer of binding machines. Bindwell plays a crucial role in India's thriving book industry, with seven out of ten books produced in India utilizing their technology. Based in Bengaluru, the company also exports to Africa and Southeast Asia, offering a full range of binding solutions from single-book production to large-scale textbook manufacturing. The book market in India remains stable and continues to grow, particularly in the educational sector. While the pandemic pushed many institutions toward digital learning, there has been a notable return to printed textbooks, reinforcing the importance of physical books in education. Indian publishers are also expanding their reach, exporting textbooks to Africa, where demand is rising despite challenges like paper availability. Bindwell is not only focusing on domestic growth but also setting its sights on the global market. With innovations such as their "Book of One" and short-run digital binding solutions, the company is preparing to engage with international partners at Hunkeler Innovation Days. Their goal is to explore collaborations that can help shape the future of digital book production in India and beyond. Sajid emphasizes that Bindwell’s presence at Hunkeler Innovation Days is more about building an ecosystem than immediate sales. They aim to engage with potential partners, understand global trends, and ensure that India’s digital print market develops in the right direction. With a strong foundation in India and ambitions for international growth, Bindwell is poised to make an impact in the evolving bookbinding and digital printing landscape.

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I D Singh · Managing Director · Erhardt+Leimer India · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with I D Singh, CEO of Erhardt+Leimer India, about the company’s groundbreaking new equipment developed and manufactured entirely in India for the global market. For the first time, Erhardt+Leimer has designed a complete machine outside of Germany—a nonstop unwind and rewind system for the narrow-web label printing industry. Singh highlights the system’s key components, including a butt splicing unit for continuous unwinding and a turret rewind station with slitting functionality, significantly reducing job completion times. The first installation has already been completed for Albia, a French company, on a Nilpeter machine in India, marking a major success for this innovative solution. With Erhardt+Leimer’s global footprint spanning Europe, the USA, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, this India-developed equipment will soon be exported worldwide, with initial installations planned for Indonesia and Poland. While awaiting CE certification for European and US markets, the product has been engineered to meet stringent international safety and automation standards, utilizing European B&R control automation. This milestone marks a significant step for India’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities, as Erhardt+Leimer India takes the lead in developing advanced automation solutions for the label printing industry. For those interested in the latest innovations in print automation and productivity-enhancing accessories, this conversation provides key insights into the future of narrow-web technology.

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Ray Hillhouse · VP Sales & Marketing · Plockmatic · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett catches up with Ray Hillhouse, VP of Sales and Marketing at Plockmatic, to discuss the company’s latest innovations and the evolving landscape of print finishing in India. With a growing demand for automation, Plockmatic is introducing its digital die-cutting products in partnership with Monotech Systems, a key dealer and manufacturer in the Indian market. The company also showcases an inline booklet-making system connected to the Ricoh 9500, marking an important step toward more automated finishing solutions. Hillhouse explains how India’s traditionally labor-intensive finishing market is shifting toward inline and automated processes, driven by the increasing adoption of digital print technology. As businesses seek greater consistency and efficiency, solutions like booklet makers and digital die cutters are essential to meet the demands of high-quality, automated production. With a strong presence at Printpack India, Plockmatic is represented by multiple partners, including long-time dealer Hortegraphics and Kiwi, which is showcasing the Intec-branded die cutters. Hillhouse notes the exhibition's overwhelming interest and high footfall, comparing its scale to Drupa and highlighting the market’s enthusiasm for new finishing technology. Looking ahead, Plockmatic is preparing for Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne, where it will showcase the new BM 7000 booklet maker and introduce new products from the ColourCut digital die-cutting range. For those interested in the future of automated print finishing and the rapid changes in the Indian market, this conversation provides key insights into Plockmatic’s latest advancements and strategic direction.

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Nick Price · Head of Digital Print – Asia Pacific · BHS Corrugated India · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett spoke with Nick Price, BHS's Head of Sales for Asia Pacific, about the company’s expansion into digital printing for the corrugated and broader packaging market. Traditionally known for its corrugating solutions, BHS is now developing innovative in-line and offline digital printing systems, allowing customers to produce high-quality graphics directly on packaging materials. Price highlights that these new digital printing solutions are set to launch by the end of the year, with initial installations taking place in Germany, the US, and China as part of an alpha and beta testing phase. With manufacturing in Shanghai, the new product range is designed to meet the demands of the Southeast Asian, Indian, and Australian markets, providing a strong return on investment and enabling businesses to bring their printing in-house. BHS is leveraging its infrastructure and engineering expertise across the Asia Pacific to ensure comprehensive support, including spare parts, print heads, and inks. The first machines will be installed in China in the coming months. The company aims for a full market rollout by the second half of 2025, leading to widespread installations in 2026. For those interested in the future of digital printing in corrugated packaging and the evolving role of automation in the industry, this discussion offers a first look at BHS’s latest advancements and strategic vision.

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Jitender Rohilla ·  General Manager · Komori India · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett will meet with Jitender Rohilla, the General Manager of Komori India, to discuss the company’s impressive growth and dominance in the Indian market. With a market share of 85% in commercial printing and around 60-65% in packaging, Komori continues to strengthen its position as a leading offset press manufacturer. Jitender Rohilla highlights Komori’s focus on publishing, commercial, and packaging sectors, emphasizing the increasing demand for high-end printing solutions. With India’s printing industry rapidly expanding, especially in the food and FMCG segments, Komori is set to install 60 machines this year, including 16 packaging presses with specialized configurations. The GL 40 Advanced EX Edition has emerged as a standout model in packaging, while the GL 437 remains the best-selling press in the commercial segment, with 22 units sold last year alone. One key takeaway from the discussion is the high rate of repeat customers. With 70% of sales at the exhibition coming from existing clients, this is a testament to Komori’s product quality and after-sales service. With 13 machines already confirmed within the first three days of the show, Komori India is experiencing one of its most successful Printpack events to date. For anyone interested in the latest advancements in offset printing and the future of India’s growing print market, this conversation offers valuable insights into Komori’s strategies, innovations, and continued success.

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Jun Sudo · President · Komori India · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett will meet with Jun Sudo, President of Komori India, to discuss the company’s continued expansion and success in the Indian print market. With a strong presence in the commercial, packaging, and publishing sectors, Komori has solidified itself as a leading supplier of offset presses in the region. Jun Sudo highlights the company’s strategic growth, particularly in packaging, where demand for high-end, automated printing solutions rapidly increases. Introducing specialized models like the GL 40 Advanced EX and the SRA1-sized 637+ coater machine has allowed Komori to cater to India’s evolving market needs. Additionally, the shift toward automation is gaining traction, with customers increasingly opting for fully automated systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste. A key focus of the discussion is Komori’s commitment to sustainability. The company’s G-Series presses, designed for eco-friendly operation, have been instrumental in reducing power consumption and CO₂ emissions. Komori aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050, making sustainability a core part of its future strategy. The conversation also touches on Komori’s upcoming innovations in digital printing. While the IS29 has yet to gain a foothold in India, the company is preparing to introduce its latest digital press, the J-Trone 29, featuring Komori’s own engine, ink, and inkjet head. This marks an exciting step forward in Komori’s digital expansion, and the company plans to launch the product in the Indian market within the next year. This interview provides valuable insights into Komori’s technology, market approach, and sustainability initiatives for anyone looking to understand the future of printing in India.

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Patrick Lehmann · Sales Director · Hunkeler Far East · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett catches up with Patrick Lehmann, General Manager of Hunkeler Far East, to discuss the company’s presence in the Indian market and the evolving landscape of digital finishing. With over 30 years at Hunkeler, including a background in R&D and extensive experience in global sales, Patrick shares valuable insights into the company’s journey in India and across the Asia-Pacific region. Hunkeler has had a strong footprint in India for over two decades, initially making its mark in the transactional and direct mail sectors. However, as digital print technology has evolved, the company has been actively educating the market on the benefits of automated publishing solutions. Despite a surge in low-cost solutions from Chinese and local manufacturers, Hunkeler remains committed to providing high-quality finishing equipment that meets the demands of high-volume and high-value applications. Looking ahead, Hunkeler is gearing up for its flagship event, Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne, where industry leaders will get an exclusive look at the latest advancements in print and finishing automation. Patrick is optimistic about bringing key Indian customers to the event, reinforcing Hunkeler’s commitment to showcasing cutting-edge technology and maintaining strong relationships in the region. This interview offers a fascinating look at the challenges and opportunities in India’s print industry, highlighting the importance of innovation, quality, and long-term vision in a competitive market.

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Naimish Patel · Vice President of Sales · OnPrintShop · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with Naimish Patel, Vice President of Sales at OnPrintShop, about the company’s innovative web-to-print solutions and how they are transforming the global printing industry. With over a thousand customers worldwide, OnPrintShop has been helping SME print businesses move online since 2008, offering a scalable, SaaS-based solution for both B2B and B2C markets. Patel highlights OnPrintShop’s modern UI/UX, integrated AI-powered design tools, and multi-storefront capabilities that allow printers to serve corporate and retail clients without needing separate platforms. He also discusses the increasing demand for automation as print companies worldwide face labor shortages and the need for greater efficiency. Integrating with payment gateways, shipping providers, MIS systems, and imposition tools, OnPrintShop enables seamless order collection and production workflows, reducing manual touchpoints and increasing profitability. A key feature of OnPrintShop is its advanced estimating tool, which connects directly to MIS systems to pull real-time cost rates and generate instant online quotes. With automation becoming a major focus in the printing industry, Patel shares how OnPrintShop is helping printers streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and scale their businesses globally. For those looking to optimize their web-to-print capabilities and drive digital transformation in the print industry, this conversation provides valuable insights into OnPrintShop’s technology and future vision.

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Koji Miyao · Senior Corporate Officer, President · Ricoh · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with Koji Miyao, Senior Officer at Ricoh, about the company’s strategic focus on the Indian market and its vision for the future of digital printing. With India positioned as a key market, Ricoh has been investing in local marketing, R&D, and quality assurance teams to better understand and cater to the unique needs of Indian print businesses. Miyao discusses the ongoing transition from offset to digital printing in India, emphasizing Ricoh’s commitment to high-quality, stable solutions. Currently, Ricoh is focusing on toner-based commercial printing technologies, with a long-term vision of supporting customers as they gradually transition to high-speed inkjet solutions. He highlights the importance of building deeper relationships with key customers to align with their investment strategies and business goals. On a global scale, Ricoh’s strategy varies by region, with North America and Europe leading the shift from toner to inkjet. This trend is now expanding into China, Taiwan, and Japan, while India remains a growing market with a strong offset foundation. As Ricoh continues to innovate, the company aims to guide Indian print businesses through the digital transition, ensuring they are prepared for the future of commercial printing. For those interested in the evolving digital print landscape and Ricoh’s role in shaping it, this conversation provides key insights into the company’s market strategy and technological advancements.

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Dayaker Reddy · Founder & Managing Partner · SAI Enterprises · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with Dayaker Reddi, founder of SAI Enterprises, about the company’s dominant presence in the Indian post-press market. With 23 years of experience, SAI Enterprises has built a strong reputation, holding a 90% market share in paper cutters across India. Operating from its headquarters in Hyderabad, with branch offices in Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vijayawada, and even Nairobi, Kenya, the company has established itself as a key player in the industry. Reddi highlights the success of HPM machines, emphasizing their user-friendly design, affordability, and ease of maintenance with widely available Schneider components. He explains how their advanced paper cutters offer significant efficiency gains, allowing printers to achieve more with fewer machines. The discussion also covers SAI Enterprises’ latest innovation—introducing pile turners to the Indian market. With labor shortages and rising costs, automation is becoming essential, and the new pile turner can save printers up to eight hours per shift, streamlining production processes. With overwhelming demand at Printpack India, SAI Enterprises has already secured multiple machine orders and expects to book at least 20–25 units during the exhibition. For those looking to invest in high-end, efficient post-press solutions, this conversation provides valuable insights into how SAI Enterprises is shaping the future of print finishing in India and beyond.

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Bijendra Sharma · Managing Director · BHS Corrugated India · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with Bijendra Sharma, Managing Director of BHS India, about the company’s journey in the Indian market and its role in driving automation and sustainability in the corrugated packaging industry. Founded in Germany in 1717, BHS entered India in 2011 and has since grown to establish a strong foothold, with 24 running corrugators and a new manufacturing plant for corrugating rolls set to be operational by mid-year. Sharma highlights the rapid expansion of the Indian corrugated market, where approximately 12,000 million square meters of board is produced annually. Despite having around 10,000 corrugators, 95% of them are still semi-automatic or manual. He explains how BHS, initially perceived as too expensive for the Indian market, has proven the value of advanced technology, helping businesses improve efficiency, product quality, and competitiveness. The conversation explores India’s economic boom, growing infrastructure, and government initiatives such as the ban on single-use plastics, which is accelerating demand for sustainable, recyclable packaging. With India set to become the third-largest global economy by 2027, the need for high-quality corrugated boxes is stronger than ever, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and evolving consumer buying patterns. For those interested in the future of automated corrugated production and sustainable packaging in India, this discussion provides key insights into BHS India’s growth strategy and the broader industry trends shaping the market.

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Amit Ahuja · CEO · Multitec · PrintPack India 2025

At Printpack India 2025, Naresh Khanna speaks with Amit Ahuja, Managing Director of Multitec, about the company’s latest innovations and its growing influence in the global flexo printing industry. As India’s leading manufacturer of flexo label presses, Multitec has expanded beyond narrow-web flexo into wide-web solutions, setting new benchmarks in automation and production efficiency. Ahuja highlights the two presses showcased at the exhibition: a 450mm press designed for labels, shrink sleeves, and select flexible packaging applications and a 670mm press built for full-scale flexible packaging production. With top-of-the-line automation and real-world speeds of up to 200 meters per minute, these presses deliver unmatched performance for modern packaging needs. Multitec’s global presence continues to grow, with recent exports to Hungary and Switzerland and an established footprint in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its transition to flexible packaging solutions, catering to brands that require shorter runs and greater production flexibility. Ahuja discusses how Multitec ensures seamless service and support for its international customers with a distributor network spanning 17 locations worldwide. Remote installations during the pandemic demonstrated the reliability of its systems, while continuous advancements—such as double servo presses and ultra-efficient job setups—reinforce Multitec’s leadership in flexo technology. For those interested in the latest flexo printing innovations and the future of inline packaging production, this conversation provides valuable insights into Multitec’s cutting-edge technology and global strategy.