After a period of lull, the commercial printing industry seems to be bouncing back, which is evident from the number of commercial press installations and the increased demand for new multicolor offset presses. Amid such an optimistic scenario, Delhi-based Kumar Offset, a leading commercial printer, recently installed its second Komori press.
Kumar Offset, which earlier had a 4-color Komori Enthrone 29, has added a 4-color Lithrone G37 to its portfolio. Vishal Arora, owner of Kumar Offset, said the addition has enhanced the company’s performance, which in turn contributed to the overall growth of the commercial printing industry that had experienced a degree of stagnation in recent times.
The Lithrone G37, a 37-inch sheetfed press, is equipped with an evolved version of the KHS-AI integrated control system for quick print start-up. It offers a maximum sheet size of 640*940 mm and accommodates a wide range of printing needs not only for publishing and commercial printing but also for packaging printing. The press can operate at a speed of 15,000 sheets per hour with a sheet thickness of 0.04 to 0.6 mm.
Referring to the busy scene in front of the press, where trucks were lined up to load the finished products, Arora in an interaction vouched for the growing demand for commercial printing work. Ranging from book printing to brochures and calendars, Kumar offset plays an integral role in providing all kinds of commercial printing jobs.
Commenting on the price sensitivity of printing works, Arora says, “Although many printers in the industry do the same work at a lower price, Kumar Offset focuses on quality rather than on production. I believe it is a plus point in our growth path.”
Book printing a major boost for commercial printing
Arora says the book printing industry is one of the biggest reasons behind the fresh momentum in the commercial printing industry, attributing this resurgence to the failing ed-tech industry. The industry that once promised a digital revolution in education has inadvertently given rise to renewed interest in physical textbooks and learning materials. Educational institutes, after the guest appearance of eLearning, have moved towards the traditional method of learning. This shift has significantly bolstered the commercial printing industry.
Priyanshu Agarwal, director of SK Offset, and Varun Johar, managing director of Microprints India, also agree on the failure of digital education and the resurgence of physical textbooks.
Sharing insights on the future endeavors of Kumar Offset, Arora said the printer will add one more Komori press and a die-cutting machine from Bobst.
Along with Kumar Offset, printers such as Kollam Clusters of Kerala, Sterling Graphics from Manesar; Capital Offset of Gandhinagar, Advantage Offset Delhi and Satyam Printers from Rajkot have opted for the same Komori press in FY 23-24.
Delhi-based Design O Xperts, Royal Offset, and Goel Printers have installed the 4-color Komori Enthrone 29 in this financial year.
