Describing itself as a communications solutions provider, Mumbai-based Parkar Communications conceptualizes and ideates, designs, researches and executes and fabricates projects that contain print production as well as point of purchase materials. True to its philosophy of ‘ideation to execution,’ Parkar provides complete on-the-ground marketing communication services under one roof.
“Selling concepts is our core strength. We then tell our customers how we can execute the concept and provide the end-to-end solution. Our customers know that when they go to PCPL they will get concept, design and production,” says Mahesh Parkar, managing director of the company adding that PCPL is directly working with leading consumer brands such as P&G, Gillette, Cadbury, Onida and Mahanagar Gas.
With an employee strength close to 150, and a turnover of about Rs 30 crore, Parkar’s state-of-the-art 8,000 square-foot establishment is located in Andheri East. The plant produces a variety of print and POP products such as posters, cartons, brochures, booklets, danglers, and signage.
In-house printing
As recently as two years ago, PCPL was outsourcing its print work. However, the company realized that to execute its ideas with quality, an in-house printing press was necessary as consistency issues with third-party printers arose. “Our association with some of our clients goes back a long way – P&G has been working with us for more than a decade, while Cadbury has been our client for almost eight years. We realized that beyond a point this kind of long-term association cannot be properly maintained if we depend on a thirdparty for our execution. Also, with the wide variety of communication segments we were operating in, reliance on third-parties became a limitation. That is when we decided to bring the printing services in-house,” explains Parkar.
Parkar’s 8,000 square-foot plant is already well-equipped an offset press from Heidelberg, a 4-color SM 74 and a Xerox 1000 digital press. For wideformat printing there are two Epson SureColor B7070 machines, an HP Designjet L25500 and a Jetrix flatbed. The plant has also installed an Esko Kongsberg XN sample, making and cutting table with software such as ArtiosCad 3d and iCut which allows it not only to show clients mock-ups and prototypes of its ideas but also to execute 3D POP projects for displays in retail environments. While the prepress department has an FFEI CtP and Glunz & Jensen processor, the finishing department contains a Perfecta 115 guillotine and Shiv Shakti punching machines.
“I believe in investments that are done with a long-term view. That is the reason why all our machines are from the world’s leading brands. When we set up the facility two years ago we made a conscious decision to buy all new equipment. We also do not use any third-party ink,” states Parkar.
According to Parkar, when the printing facility was being set up two years ago and the purchase of an offset press was discussed, Heidelberg was the first choice. “Heidelberg is the leading brand and has great service but the biggest factor is the quality that it produces. When you have a brand like this you are confident of doing your job well,” says Parkar
Plans for a new Heidelberg
Aiming to boost the company’s turnover from the current Rs 30 crore to Rs 50 crore in a single year, Parkar says the company has plans for expansion in the new year. On the physical infrastructure front, the printing facility will move to a bigger space in Vasai where the company is developing a 60,000 square-foot plant. Another Heidelberg multicolor press is likely be added to the arsenal. “The new plant is almost ready and our entire printing infrastructure will move to the new place by Diwali next year. Also, we will be adding another offset press and that will most likely be a 5-color press from Heidelberg. We have had a great experience with the SM 74 and would like to continue our association with Heidelberg,” concludes Parkar.
