Esko, a global supplier of integrated solutions for the packaging, labels, sign and display, commercial printing and publishing industries, displayed a range of software and series of Kongsberg hardware table at the PrintPack exhibition. Arnab Maiti, sales director – South Asia, Esko said, “We have software for all kinds of packaging and printing works, be it offset, flexo or gravure, which we displayed at our stand. In addition, we also marked our presence at the show through our partners like Technova and Malhotra Graphics. While Technova is primarily working in the folding carton segment and displayed the XE10 Kongsberg table and software at the show, Malhotra Graphics is one of our dealers for the flexo graphics segment.”
Esko products and services drive profitability in the packaging and printing supply chain by reducing time-to-market and scaling productivity. Maiti shared, “In the Kongsberg table, we have three sets of series, including XE series, X series and C Series that we displayed on our stand.” The Kongsberg XE Series is a smaller format platform digital cutting and sample-making table, designed for fast, high-quality sample making. With the Kongsberg XE Series, users can expect a digital finishing solution that outclasses others in both productivity and precision. Assisted by a rack-and-pinion X/Y drive with precise motion control, a new, fast servo system and complete tool set, the XE tables deliver high operational speed and precision with easy operation.
The Kongsberg X cutting table is claimed to be the most versatile digital finishing device available in the market today. It offers versatility for a wide range of cutting applications like 2D or 3D for packaging, signs and displays. The Kongsberg C table is designed to keep pace with the faster, wider printers of today and tomorrow. Exceeding the standards in versatility, precision and productivity, it has everything that Kongsberg tables are noted for, and more. The Kongsberg C series is the first multifunction super-wide digital finisher for signage, display and packaging applications.
Sharing the response Esko received at the show, Maiti said, “PrintPack is one of the largest international exhibitions in India for the printing and packaging industry. Although we were a bit skeptical about the show after the sudden announcement of demonization, we managed to book many orders and the show marked great success for our company.” He also confirmed the sale of Kongsberg table in India, which was a proud moment for the company.
Talking about the latest trends in the industry, Maiti emphasized, “Digital is making its foot ahead in the Indian market in both printing and packaging sectors; corrugation is another growing segment in the value chain. We have noticed a huge potential in the corrugation segment and interest in digital printing equipment is also rising. Today the industry is gearing up for personalized equipment and looking for more automation in software as well as hardware to enhance productivity and to lower the workforce.”
According to him, in the past few years India has come up as the fastest growing market in the world. With Esko’s key resource center in Bengaluru, the company now plans to expand its presence in India through its sales and service. Esko supplies to all parts of the country and has a major share in the northern and western part of India. “Demonization was one of the biggest challenges which the industry faced. Although it has not affected sales, the industry is definitely witnessing a slowdown in decision-making and investment,” said Maiti. “As far as our growth is concerned, the year 2016 was one of the best years for Esko in India in terms of sales growth.”
