Mumbai-based Prime Printers has recently installed an RMGT 920ST 4-color press, supplied by Provin Technos, aiming to improve productivity, optimize costs, and expand capabilities in both commercial and packaging segments. The new press, featuring a 25 × 36 format, represents a significant upgrade over the company’s older machines and is expected to serve the business efficiently for the next decade or so.
Sandeep Kothari, managing operations at Prime Printers, explained that the company previously relied on two pre-owned machines: a Heidelberg MOV and an SM 74 from 1997. While functional, these machines were limited in format size and efficiency. The new RMGT 920ST, with double the size of the older presses, was chosen for its economic advantages, higher speed, and shorter make-ready times of just seven minutes. “It made strong economic sense, particularly when combining jobs that previously required two machines,” Kothari said.
The press allows Prime Printers to undertake larger and more complex jobs, particularly magazines and brochures. By doubling the print format, the company can now produce eight-page sets in one run instead of four, reducing folding requirements and overall production time. The new press also handles thicker stock up to 350 gsm and, in certain cases, 400 gsm for small runs, though Kothari recommends dedicated machines for consistently heavy board work to avoid overlapping tasks.
Quality and consistency were major considerations. The RMGT 920ST is equipped with SpectroDrive technology, ensuring uniform color and registration across long magazine runs of 100–200 pages. This feature is especially valuable for publications with repetitive elements, maintaining high-quality output without the issues of misregistration or cylinder damage often seen in older presses.
Prime Printers’ current portfolio includes magazines, brochures, folders, and tags, with the new press enhancing the ability to produce both commercial and small-scale packaging jobs. Kothari noted that while commercial printing remains the core business, there is a gradual shift toward packaging due to market trends. “Commercial printing is declining but will not disappear entirely. Investing in versatile machines allows us to diversify into packaging without abandoning our core segment,” he said. The company has also added a second folding machine and plans to introduce punching and spacing equipment to support this diversification.
The RMGT 920ST has delivered tangible operational benefits, including significant savings on plates and reduced wastage. Short-run jobs are particularly profitable due to faster setup, quick changeovers, and consistent print quality. Kothari emphasized that the press is ideal for small runs, providing competitive turnaround times in a market where efficiency is critical.
Located in Byculla in the heart of Mumbai, Prime Printers is leveraging the RMGT 920ST to consolidate its position in the commercial printing sector while gradually exploring packaging opportunities. By combining high productivity, economic efficiency, and versatile capabilities, the press is set to play a pivotal role in the company’s growth strategy over the coming years, Kothari argued.
With the RMGT 920ST, Prime Printers not only strengthens its current operations but also positions itself to adapt to evolving market demands, ensuring long-term competitiveness in a changing printing landscape.
