Gurugram-based commercial printer Anand Photostat recently installed a Konica Minolta C12000 press at its facility to boost production speed. The provider, which established its business in 1996 with photocopiers, went on to become a one-stop solution for all printing requirements.
In an interaction with Indian Printer and Publisher, Nitin Sethi, the director, talked about the company’s journey and some of the current problems related to print costs and dwindling orders.
Sethi says printing cost has fallen drastically and the rising paper prices are only adding fuel to the fire. “Short-run jobs are picking up but the price of printing has decreased. This is because the bulk solution providers have state-of-the-art machines at their plants. Their practice of reducing cost per print for bulk orders has impacted small business owners quite heavily.”
“When a bulk provider reduces cost, it affects the customer’s perception in general. When the same customer approaches a small printer for a short-run business, it’s obvious that there would be a bargaining session. And, ultimately, the small printer would have to reduce the profit margin as the argument comes down to others willing to drop the rate. Business is rarely flowing our way and Gurugram is an expensive place. The staff will need a raise and festival bonus and with the jobs rarely flying our way, business seems like drying out.”
Sethi’s father SP Sethi started the business 27 years ago with RC machines. “I joined the business in 2005, initiating the commercial printing segment. Initially, we were getting good orders but after the pandemic, stagnation hit the market. Many small printing shops have shut down. It was the need of the hour that we opted for the Konica Minolta C12000 digital press. It is a press for all needs.”
Sethi, realizing that short-run orders will cover the majority of their business, opted for digital technology to prevent plate changing and cleaning hassles. “We need to implement the right solution for the right problem. The KM machinery offers better production speed with enhanced printing quality. The best part is that assistance from the company is available at all hours,” he said.
