MR Print See Growth in digital embellishment market

MR Print See Growth in digital embellishment market

-Delhi printer installs AccurioShine 3600 from Konica Minolta.

India, 04 March,2025: Delhi’s MR Print, a commercial printer and packaging provider in the Naraina Industrial Area, which recently made a shift toward digital, is growing with the installation of a Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600. The printer sees growth in high-quality marketing materials, premium packaging, luxury-finish wedding cards, corporate gifting, and other niche applications.

Proprietor Vishal Sharma said, “Our first step into the digital printing world was marked by the installation of our first Konica Minolta production printer. In April 2024, we decided to venture into the digital embellishment market by installing the Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600. The growing demand for premium printing solutions, especially for wedding albums, photo books, and marketing materials, motivated us to take this step.”

He says he opted for the AccurioShine 3600 because it perfectly complements his vision of diversifying services. “Its ability to add premium embellishments, such as foil and spot UV finishes allows us to cater to high-value clientele and deliver unmatched quality. We have confidence in Konica Minolta’s technology and the support they provided throughout our journey. Their innovative solutions have empowered us to grow and excel in the digital embellishment segment,” he adds.

Delhi-Printers

On business, he says, “Our expertise lies in high-quality digital printing. With the addition of the AccurioShine 3600, we offer digital embellishment services, enabling us to provide foil and spot UV finishes that enhance the appeal of premium products for our clients. The press has been a game-changer. It opened up new business opportunities in the digital embellishment market and allowed us to meet the demand for premium printing solutions.”

He says MR Print aims to elevate its service portfolio by offering premium embellishment options. “This investment is helping us attract new customers while also increasing the value we deliver to our existing clients. Our aim is to elevate our service portfolio by offering premium embellishment options. This investment is helping us attract new customers while also increasing the value we deliver to our existing clients.”

The Konica Minolta Accuriolabel 230: A Smart Choice for Entry-Level Printers

The Konica Minolta Accuriolabel 230: A Smart Choice for Entry-Level Printers

India, 28 February,2025: At PrintPack India 2025, Konica Minolta showcased the AccurioLabel 230, a state-of-the-art label printing solution designed for customers looking to diversify their offerings in the printing industry. This innovative technology enables businesses to enhance their capabilities and explore new market opportunities in label production, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to expand their services.

The AccurioLabel 230 is a digital label printing system offering enhanced productivity, job flexibility, operability and excellent image quality with an affordable system cost. It is a ‘Perfect Fit’ for business expansion and parallel use with existing analog machines.The unique toner technology gives good light fastness, excellent colour gamut all with a high lustre finish.

Manish Gupta, National Marketing Manager – PP & IP, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. said “Digital printing is experiencing significant growth within the overall segment, attracting interest from a diverse range of customers, including offset printers, traditional converters, and label manufacturers. This trend highlights the importance of diversification as a valuable addition to any business. As digital printing gains acceptance among customers, they are increasingly recognizing the advantages of having in-house capabilities. The variety of options now available, such as embellishments, allows businesses to better meet their needs and enhance their offerings.”

Entry-Level-Printers

The AccurioLabel 230 is the 3rd re-design of Konica Minolta’s popular label series of toner-based printers. The new design offers speed improvement on tack papers and tack films with a maximum print speed of 76ft/min, shorter warm-up times, and an optional over-print kit enabling additional capabilities of running pre-printed media. The new AL230 also incorporates improvements to it’s GM winder and un-winder that include: air chuck control for trouble-free handling of roll material, pre and post area access lights for improved viewing of web path and updated tension control for automatic tension settings during label runs.

“When considering print quality, both the AccurioLabel 230 and AccurioLabel 400 deliver equivalent results. However, the distinction lies in their production capabilities and available options. The AccurioLabel 400 includes white ink options, making it ideal for customers seeking versatile applications with white or base colors as white. It also boasts enhanced production capacity and higher speeds. At PrintPack, we’ve chosen to exhibit the AccurioLabel 230, catering to commercial printers who are exploring the label segment. This provides them an opportunity to start with the 230 and later transition to the advanced AccurioLabel 400 as their needs grow.” Manish Conculdes.

Konica Minolta makes a strong statement at Printpack 2025

Konica Minolta makes a strong statement at Printpack 2025

-Print provider unveils AccurioPress C14010S, a CMYK+White digital press.

India, 17 February,2024 Konica Minolta made a strong statement at Printpack 2025, unveiling its latest digital printing innovations and reaffirming its leadership in the market. Katsuhisa Asari and Manish Gupta of Konica Minolta shared insights on the company’s participation and technological advancements at the event.

Asari said Printpack India ranks among the world’s top three print exhibitions, following drupa and Printpack China. Konica Minolta secured its exhibition space as early as May 2024, recognising the importance of the event in showcasing advanced digital printing technology.

strong-statement-Printpack-2025

The company’s flagship launch at the exhibition was the AccurioPress C14010S, a CMYK+White digital press set to be commercially available in Q2 FY25 (July- September). This early showcase underscores the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. The C14010S is designed to enhance printing versatility, particularly for labels, high-end gifting, and short-run packaging applications, supporting media sizes up to 13 x 51 inches.

Gupta emphasised that Konica Minolta’s aim is to encourage commercial printers to embrace digital transformation, exploring new avenues such as embellishment, book printing, and labels. He noted that demand for transparent media printing, particularly in cosmetics and pharmaceutical labelling, has been a key driver behind the development of the CMYK+White technology.

Strong industry response and market outlook

The industry response to the new digital press has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 200 visitors-predominantly existing Konica Minolta customers- attending the showcase on the opening day. “Many of our customers are looking to upgrade their machines after five to seven years of usage, and this product provides a strong investment opportunity,” Asari said.

Globally, Konica Minolta has maintained a leading position in digital label printing, with over 1,500 AccurioLabel devices sold. In India, the company sees strong growth potential in digital labels and small-format packaging applications, despite relatively lower sales volumes compared to global markets.

Indian printing industry: growth amid challenges

Assessing the broader Indian printing industry, Asari noted that while growth in 2024 may be slightly slower than in previous years, the market remains on a positive trajectory. He highlighted the accelerated shift from analogue to digital printing, particularly in short-run applications, as a key factor driving industry expansion.

“While other global markets may face stagnation or decline, India remains a growth market with increasing demand for digital print solutions,” Asari concluded.

Konica Minolta unveils colors of life with 2025 calendar

Konica Minolta unveils colors of life with 2025 calendar

-Spot UV and foiling with AccurioShine 3600.

India, 13 February,2025: Konica Minolta India has unveiled its annual calendar themed ‘Unleash the Colours of Life’- celebrating the diverse and meaningful role of colors in Indian culture while showcasing innovation and precision.

In an interaction with Indian Printer & Publisher, Mohit Kaval, head of marketing communications and brand management at Konica Minolta India said, “As we step into 2025, Konica Minolta India has unveiled its annual calendar, designed to resonate with India’s vibrant spirit of life and cultural richness.”

A Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600 was used for spot UV and foiling, resulting in a luxurious, embellished finish. Kaval said only one AccurioShine 3600 was utilized for the production of around 13,000 calendars. The company’s entire customer database across business segments receives this calendar.

2025-calendar

Kaval says the 2025 calendar stands out as a visual masterpiece, “Drawing inspiration from the concept of a color waterfall, the form factor of the calendar is enhanced by laser die-cut leaves, creating a cascading effect that is both artistic and tactile.

He explains that the calendar represents an annual connection with all of the company’s respective stakeholders via calendar sharing, a core offering of its business.

“The calendar is not just a functional tool,” Kaval says. “It’s a statement of our brand promise encapsulated in the campaign ‘We Power Your Growth.’ It embodies our commitment to empowering customers and partners by pushing boundaries in printing and embellishing solutions.”

“At Konica Minolta, colors are more than just shades-they are stories, emotions, and experiences. The 2025 calendar gives a visual appeal with consistent, stunning color outputs. This project also underscores our focus on leveraging innovative technology to create remarkable results for our customers and partners,” Kaval says.

Konica Minolta Pioneers Digital Transformation in Printing, Packaging, and AI-Driven Workflow Solutions in India

Konica Minolta Pioneers Digital Transformation in Printing, Packaging, and AI-Driven Workflow Solutions in India

-Konica Minolta Pioneers Digital Transformation in Printing, Packaging, and AI-Driven Workflow Solutions in India

India, 13 February,2025: Konica Minolta, a global leader in imaging and networking technologies, offers cutting-edge printing solutions. Committed to digital transformation, the brand helps businesses in India seamlessly transition from conventional to digital printing with unmatched service and innovation.

During an exclusive interaction with NCN Magazine, Mr. Manish Gupta, Head of Product Lifecycle Management and Planning Division, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt Ltd, shares insights on the company’s latest innovations, digital transformation, and packaging solutions.

Please give us an overview of the key solutions Konica Minolta is showcasing at PRINTPACK 2025?

We are currently demonstrating all our production devices, including some of the industry’s leading printing devices for packaging solutions. Our solutions cater to a wide range of requirements, starting from commercial printing to mid-production and high-production levels. We are also introducing new products to help our customers transition from commercial printing to labels and packaging. Additionally, we are focusing on labels and converters entering the digital space. One of our key highlights is the introduction of CMYK plus white, which enhances the printing capabilities of our devices.

How does Konica Minolta’s AccurioPro support productivity?

Under the AccurioPro, we are demonstrating multiple solutions that enhance productivity and automate repetitive tasks within the print process. These solutions help our customers streamline operations, making them more efficient and productive. With automation playing a key role, we aim to minimize manual intervention and improve overall workflow management.

What Konica Minolta is offering the packaging segment which you recently forayed into?

We are relatively new to the packaging segment and currently have a limited set of solutions. Our focus is primarily on soft board packaging and mono-carton packaging in small sizes. At present, our size offerings are limited to 13×51 inches. However, we also have the AccurioJet KM-1e, which is the world’s first UV inkjet press catering to V2 size. While we are still in the early stages of our journey in packaging, we have taken significant steps to integrate digital printing solutions for labels and packaging. Our digital presses are already serving entry-level and mid-production requirements.

How is Konica Minolta integrating AI into its workflow solutions?

Pioneers-Digital-Transformation

We are actively incorporating AI solutions into our workflows, including digital embellishment solutions. One of our innovations is an artificial imaging scanner that plays a crucial role in embellishments. When we superimpose two images—one on top of the other—precise registration is paramount for a high-quality print output. Our AI-powered scanner ensures real-time image alignment, enhancing the visual appeal of printed materials. This technology is helping us deliver superior print quality and operational efficiency.

How does Konica Minolta update its partners and customers about the new solutions?

We have a dedicated online platform called Partner Connect Portal, where we share all relevant updates about our latest solutions. In addition to this, we run various training programs where our teams engage with partner sales teams to educate them about new developments. We also conduct direct customer outreach programs in collaboration with our partners to ensure they understand our latest offerings. Furthermore, our partners receive the same level of technical knowledge and training as our internal teams, ensuring they can independently manage and sell our devices. We also provide training for service engineers through dedicated programs to maintain high service standards.

How does Konica Minolta position itself in the digital printing space?

This is the perfect time for digital printing. We are witnessing a significant shift from traditional print methods to digital, primarily due to the reduction in print run lengths. This transition makes digital printing a more viable and cost-effective solution. At Konica Minolta, we are well-positioned to support this shift with our reliable technology, robust service infrastructure, and innovative digital printing solutions.

How does Konica Minolta support its customers across India?

We take pride in being a trusted and reliable brand in India. Our service and support structure spans across the country, covering regions from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to southern states, as well as the eastern and western regions. Since printing is a service-intensive industry, our ability to provide strong after-sales support is crucial. We have a dedicated service network ensuring customer satisfaction, and we are happy to share that our customers have given us positive feedback regarding our support and services this year.

What is your message to the businesses transitioning to digital printing?

The digital printing industry is evolving rapidly, and businesses that embrace this transformation will gain a competitive edge. With our comprehensive range of digital printing solutions, Konica Minolta is committed to helping businesses transition smoothly into the digital era. Our focus remains on innovation, customer satisfaction, and providing reliable solutions that meet the needs of an ever-changing market.

SS Color Lab invests in Konica Minolta

SS Color Lab invests in Konica Minolta

-Kolkata-based SS Color Lab recently invested in the AccurioPress C3080, C7090, and C73hc to enhance its printing capabilities, particularly for catalogues, brochures, and other high-quality commercial print applications.

India, 12 February,2025: Goutam Adhikary of SS Color Lab said, “These machines have helped us improve print quality, increase efficiency, and expand into premium printing segments. The Konica Minolta team gave training and education to ensure the smooth adoption of the new equipment.”

SS Color Lab is a well-established name in the digital print industry with a legacy of 45 years in the printing business, operating out of Kolkata. Founded in 2018 by Goutam Adhikary, the company has built a strong reputation over the past six years, serving a diverse clientele utilising our extensive industry expertise to deliver high-quality printing solutions.

The company’s primary clientele consists of vendors who rely on it for high-quality printing solutions. The company specialises in photo albums, catalogues, brochures, and commercial printing, catering to a wide range of printing needs with precision and efficiency.

SS-Color-Lab

The team consists of 12 dedicated professionals who work collaboratively to ensure high-quality printing solutions and exceptional service for our clients.

Adhikary said the investment has yielded positive returns since the installation in 2023, with a steady monthly print volume of 1.5 lakh pages.

Konica Minolta Introduces High-Speed AccurioPress C14010S at PrintPack 2025

Konica Minolta Introduces High-Speed AccurioPress C14010S at PrintPack 2025

India, 11 February,2025: Konica Minolta successfully concluded its participation at PrintPack 2025, marking the reveal of its AccurioPress C14010S. The five-day exhibition, held at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, demonstrated Konica Minolta’s comprehensive portfolio of digital printing solutions. The event witnessed an overwhelming response with 2000+ visitors exploring Konica Minolta’s innovative solutions.

The new AccurioPress C14010S with capability of white toner printing, showcases groundbreaking automation features including the standard Intelligent Quality Optimizer (IQ-601) and Paper Inspection Unit (AI-101). These innovations significantly reduce the need for manual intervention and specialized expertise in printing operations, allowing businesses to focus on creative and value-added services.

Konica Minolta marked its presence by showcasing the AccurioPress C14010S, which captivated industry professionals with its innovative white toner capability. The system demonstrates exceptional versatility with its ability to print at speeds of up to 140 A4 pages per minute, maintain consistent quality across media weights from 52 to 450 g/m², and achieve stunning white prints on colored and transparent media. Even when using white toner, the system maintains impressive speeds of up to 120 sheets per minute.

The exhibition drew diverse audiences including:

  • Commercial Printers: Exploring digital color solutions for marketing collateral, catalogs, and premium print products
  • Packaging Converters: Seeking short-run packaging solutions and prototyping capabilities
  • Book Publishers: Investigating mono production systems for educational and trade publications
  • Photo Studios: Looking for high-quality photo printing solutions

Key applications showcased included:

  • Production Printing Color: High-end photo books, luxury packaging, real estate brochures, marketing collateral, and specialty prints featuring white toner applications
  • Production Printing Mono: Educational textbooks, training manuals, financial documents, and legal publications demonstrated on the AccurioPress 6272P and AccurioPrint 2100
  • Industrial Printing: Short-run labels, packaging prototypes, specialty applications with embellishments
  • C14010S-PrintPack-2025

    The exhibition featured an impressive array of Konica Minolta’s production printing portfolio, including the high-performance AccurioPress C12000, the versatile mid-range AccurioPress C7100, C4080, and AccurioPrint C4065 series, and the specialized AccurioPress C84hc with high-chroma technology. In the monochrome segment, the AccurioPress 6272P and AccurioPrint 2100 demonstrated exceptional productivity for high-volume commercial printing applications. The AccurioLabel 230 demonstrated advanced capabilities in digital label printing, while the MGI AccurioShine 3600 and AccurioShine 101 displayed sophisticated digital embellishment solutions.

    Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director at Konica Minolta Business Solution India Pvt. Ltd., reflected on the event’s success, saying, “The response at PrintPack 2025 validates our strategic focus on digital transformation in the printing industry. The enthusiastic reception of our AccurioPress C14010S demonstrated the market’s readiness for innovative printing solutions. The strategic partnerships formed during this exhibition will enable local businesses to compete globally, reducing waste, and creating new opportunities for young professionals entering the field. Our larger endeavour is building a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive printing ecosystem that will benefit everyone from rural textbook publishers to urban marketing agencies.”

    Konica Minolta will continue developing targeted digital printing solutions that address specific market inefficiencies, particularly in high-volume variable data printing and short-run packaging. The positive response at PrintPack 2025 reflects their commitment on precision engineering, as they continue to support India’s evolving print sector.

There’s an increased interest from offset printers to embrace digital: Katsuhisa Asari

There’s an increased interest from offset printers to embrace digital: Katsuhisa Asari

India, 02 February,2025: The overall demand for print remains strong, with businesses embracing hybrid solutions that combine digital and offset technologies for greater flexibility and efficiency, says Katsuhisa Asari, managing director, Konica Minolta India.

Let’s start with a quick update on the state of the industry. How has your company and your customers fared throughout 2024?

In 2024, Konica Minolta witnessed significant growth, driving strong demand for digital printing and automation solutions. Our customers have seen increased efficiency and quality in their print jobs. Looking ahead to 2025, we foresee continued adoption of digital technologies, an increased focus on sustainability, and growth in premium print segments like embellishments and personalised packaging. We are also witnessing an increased interest from offset printers to embrace digital for their short-run print requirements and automation.

Which has been your most popular press (most sold/ordered in the last 12 months), and why is it popular?

Naming one machine is difficult, as we have different categories of machines to suit the different segments of the customers. For high-value and embellishment, the MGI AccurioShine 3600 is the most popular press. For high-volume printing, the AccurioPress 12000, for mid-print volume, the AccurioPress C7100, for light volume, the AccurioPress C4065, for monochrome, the AccurioPress 7120, for photobook printing, the AccurioPress C84HC are the most popular models. All the models are leading products in their business segments.

Each model provides unique value propositions to the customers to match their business requirements and have a good TCO and ROI. Konica Minolta also has a big support system to maintain the health of the machines. This is one of the strengths of Konica Minolta in maintaining our leadership and confidence of the customers in India.

Are volumes up? How do you see the overall demand for print?

Yes, overall volumes are increasing, particularly for the applications in the labels, packaging, personalisation, and embellishment segments. The overall demand for print remains strong, with businesses embracing hybrid solutions that combine digital and offset technologies for greater flexibility and efficiency.

The printing industry is witnessing a significant shift towards digital printing technologies. How is your company adapting to this trend, and what steps are being taken to ensure the continued relevance of offset printing?

Konica Minolta has been at the forefront of digital transformation, offering solutions like the AccurioPress series and AccurioShine 3600, which enable shorter runs, personalisation, and embellishments. For offset printing, we collaborate with customers to integrate digital capabilities alongside their traditional systems, ensuring a seamless transition.

Konica Minolta provides the controllers which can be combined with the offset workflow. The controllers have capabilities to simulate different industry standards or different print environments using additional software like AccurioPro Color Manager.

The printing industry is witnessing a significant shift towards digital printing technologies. How is your company adapting to this trend, and what steps are being taken to ensure the continued relevance of offset printing?

Konica Minolta has been at the forefront of digital transformation, offering solutions like the AccurioPress series and AccurioShine 3600, which enable shorter runs, personalisation, and embellishments. For offset printing, we collaborate with customers to integrate digital capabilities alongside their traditional systems, ensuring a seamless transition.

Konica Minolta provides the controllers which can be combined with the offset workflow. The controllers have capabilities to simulate different industry standards or different print environments using additional software like AccurioPro Color Manager.

Is the growth rate similar in the Indian market? Is that growth rate a good number or is there scope for improvement?

In India, the growth rate for digital printing is indeed aligning with these global trends, reflecting a strong shift towards digital technologies. The Indian digital printing market is continuously growing due to increased demand for customisation and shorter print runs, particularly in sectors like packaging and labels. However, while the offset printing market may see slower growth, there remains substantial scope for improvement through the adoption of advanced technologies such as automation and AI.

Overall, the growth rates in India are promising, but there is still significant potential for further enhancement, especially in tier-II and -III cities where digital adoption can be accelerated.

As demand grows for shorter print runs and personalisation, digital printing offers distinct advantages. How is your company innovating to meet these changing demands while maintaining the strengths of offset technology?

Our focus is on bringing in innovation by -introducing new products like the AccurioShine 3600, AccurioLabel 400 and AccurioPrint C14010S, which provide high-quality, on-demand solutions for personalization. Our focus is on hybrid systems and advanced software solutions to integrate offset and digital workflows efficiently.

Our endeavour is to provide solutions to integrate their basic requirements for the CMYK prints and create more opportunities to expand their business horizon by enhancing their capabilities to do more applications like printing on specials substrates like transparent, textured media etc. We have also introduced solutions to do Spot UV and foil using digital processes to create eye-catching effects and upselling the same application at a higher value.

India is also witnessing a surge in labels & packaging applications because of increased personalisation and customisation. AccurioLabel 230 & AccurioLabel 400 are creating more business opportunities for the printers to expand to other business areas.

Sustainability is increasingly important across industries. How is your company integrating sustainable practices into manufacturing, and what steps are being taken to minimise the environmental impact of offset printing?

Konica Minolta is committed to sustainability through energy-efficient presses, eco-friendly toner technology (Simitri V), and reduced waste during production. We also support our customers in adopting green practices like recycling and sustainable media usage. We are also running a programme to collect empty toner bottles from major cities.

embrace-digital

The decline in traditional print media, such as newspapers and magazines, has impacted the industry. How has this shift impacted your business, and what strategies have you adopted to navigate these changes?

The decline in traditional print media has led us to focus on growth segments like packaging, labels, and marketing materials. Our strategy includes offering advanced digital and embellishment solutions to cater to these high-demand areas.

Collaboration and partnerships often drive innovation. Can you share any recent collaborations or initiatives your company has undertaken to enhance your product offerings or explore new markets?

Konica Minolta has always been at the forefront of technology and we have technologies in digital laser and inkjet which are leading the transformation of the printing industry. We continue to develop and bring more products with our efforts to meet the customer expectations for their growth.

Advancements in technology are transforming manufacturing processes. How is your company leveraging emerging technologies, such as automation and AI, to improve efficiency and product quality?

Our presses incorporate advanced automation features such as AI-driven colour correction and media handling. These innovations ensure consistent quality while reducing manual intervention and increasing productivity and efficiency. Konica Minolta has introduced technologies like IQ-501 (Intelligent Quality Optimiser) which can do real-time colour correction, and media registration and can also be configured to read the VDP jobs for verification. The device can be configured to reject the prints which do not match the standard parameter set in the device.

What are some of the latest advancements in offset technology that are shaping the packaging segment?

In the packaging segment, recent advancements in offset technology include tactile varnish finishes and digital embellishment technologies that enable high-value customised packaging solutions. These innovations allow for unique textures and visual effects, enhancing product appeal. Additionally, offset printers are adopting hybrid systems that combine traditional offset printing with digital capabilities, providing greater flexibility for shorter print runs and personalised packaging while maintaining high-quality output.

We are also seeing leading paper packaging players diversify into new areas of the packaging business. Your views of big companies diversifying into new areas, and expanding their portfolio?

Diversification into new packaging segments reflects the demand for innovative and sustainable solutions. It’s a positive trend that drives the industry forward; we support it by offering technologies that cater to specialised needs like labels and flexible packaging.

Looking to the future, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities for the offset/digital printing industry in the next five years?

Key challenges include rising demand for sustainability, competition from emerging markets, and the need for constant innovation. Opportunities lie in automation, personalisation, and expanding into high-growth segments like packaging and digital embellishments. Konica Minolta is investing heavily in R&D to stay ahead of these trends. Our focus is more on increasing the efficiency and productivity of the machines with predictable maintenance and auto-machine correction capabilities. Konica Minolta has already made steps in this direction with a host of workflow applications for customers and machine software’s to make them more predictable.

Swizett Packaging embarks on digital journey

Swizett Packaging embarks on digital journey

-The Indian converter meets the ever-increasing need for shorter-run jobs with its new Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230.

India, 31 January,2024 Established in 2021, Swizett Packaging is one of the leading Ahmedabad-based packaging companies with deep roots dating back to 1990. Founded by Jiteen Vadgama, the company initially started as a graphic design venture. Over the years, Vadgama’s vision evolved into a thriving packaging enterprise, employing approximately 50 individuals and operating from a modern 10,000sqft facility divided into a carton manufacturing and digital label units.

Reflecting on the company’s growth, Vadgama, director at Swizett Packaging, explains: ‘Our commitment to quality and
precision has been instrumental in carving out a niche in the competitive packaging industry.’

Swizett-Packaging

With a long-standing history in pharmaceutical packaging Swizett has a unique understanding of its unique requirements which has paved the way for expansion into other sectors, including nutraceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides and perfumes.

Investment for greater efficiency and precision

A significant milestone for Swizett Packaging was the acquisition of the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230. In response to the growing demand for smaller, more personalized orders, especially in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors, Swizett chose this machines for high-quality print and efficient operation.

Vijay Kamat, national product manager for industrial print at Konica Minolta, shares: ‘Designed to meet the growing demand for smaller, medium-sized print jobs with rapid turnaround times, the AccurioLabel 230 offers on-demand full-color printing, sampling capabilities, variable data and graphics customization, fixed-price printing and compatibility with a wide range of substrates. Additionally, it comes equipped with software packages for color management and job composition.’

The label line, installed at Swizett, is a 4-color narrow web digital press with 330mm maximum width printing. With a speed of 23.4m/min, it accommodates most coated and uncoated papers as well as PP and PET media. It also features text thinning for small fonts, especially useful in pharma labels. Additionally, the machine is capable of printing pre-printed media, including overprinting flexo white pre-printed on clear PP labels.

Changing market dynamics

Swizett Packaging can now offer its customers greater flexibility in order volumes, allowing brands to experiment with seasonal promotions, limited editions and product variations.

‘With the rise in small and medium businesses, boost in the start-up ecosystem and the popularity of “Make in India” initiative, smaller runs are increasing,’ explains Vadgama, adding that larger SKUs are also on the rise, driven by brand owners expanding their presence in rural India and boosting exports.

‘When quality customization is the only challenge left, the AccurioLabel 230 is the perfect answer,’ says Vadgama.

Kamat agrees: ‘Digital printing’s flexibility and efficiency make it a natural fit for start-ups and smaller businesses, enabling them to quickly produce a variety of SKUs in smaller quantities. In the world of luxury packaging, start-ups are increasingly embracing Konica Minolta’s products, driven by the need for digital features like variable data printing, security elements, track-and-trace capabilities and augmented reality.’

Expanding product portfolio

Vadgama explains that the AccurioLabel 230 has enabled Swizett to expand its product offering and has allowed it to serve a wider range of clients.

‘We’re now equipped to handle orders of all sizes, offering unmatched flexibility,’ he shares. ‘One notable area of growth has been the roll label segment, which has flourished thanks to this technological investment. To complement our expanding product line, we have also invested in finishing equipment from India-based RK Label Printing Machinery. Its RK-IFP 350 model features an intermittent rotary flexo coater with die-cutter, a flatbed hot foil stamper and a slitter rewinder with visual inspection.’

We keep adapting to the changing needs of our clients, which is key to maintaining strong relationships.

These additions have boosted Swizett’s production capacity and further reaffirmed its commitment to quality and precision.

Keeping an eye on the future

Looking to the future, Vadgama reveals that the company is actively exploring new technologies that would further reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.

‘Sustainability is the new mantra at Swizett. We believe that it’s our responsibility to minimize our environmental impact while providing exceptional products and services. And we believe we will be able to deliver on both the parameters with our investment in our new AccurioLabel 230,’ concludes Vadgama.

bizhub 1i Series MFPs Receive A3 Line of the Year Award from Key Point Intelligence – Konica Minolta

bizhub 1i Series MFPs Receive A3 Line of the Year Award from Key Point Intelligence – Konica Minolta

India, 29 January,2025: Konica Minolta, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Toshimitsu Oyuki, hereinafter referred to as “Konica Minolta”) has received the “Buyers Lab (BLI) 2025 A3 Line of the Year Award” for its bizhub 1i series of A3 MFPs from Keypoint Intelligence, Inc.*, an independent U.S.-based evaluation organization for office document equipment and solution products.

The A3 Line of the Year Award is given to only one company in the A3 size MFP category with the best product lineup of the year. In addition to the high performance aspects such as reliability, image quality, and productivity of Konica Minolta’s bizhub 1i A3 multifunction printer, each model in the series has a design quality that consistently takes into account user usability, such as easy-to-understand operability, cloud support and security functions that support diversifying work places and hours. Key Points Intelligence’s outstandings in all of the evaluation criteria tested were cited as reasons for selection.

In addition to the A3 Line of the Year Award, four models – bizhub C451i, bizhub C551i, bizhub C651i, and bizhub C751i – have also won the BLI Pick Awards 2025. The speed of job processing time, such as scanning and printing, was evaluated as a big plus for the digitization needs of office environments and hybrid work styles that are shared by multiple users.

iSeries-MFPs

“The bizhub i-Series A3 Line of the Year Award from Keypoint Intelligence validates our endeavour to delivering top of the line document equipment solutions to the Indian market,” said Mr. Manish Gupta, Head of Product Lifecycle Management and Planning Division, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, India. “Being the only company to receive this coveted recognition in the A3 MFP category cements us as innovators in the industry. The bizhub 1i Series has been particularly well-received in India, where the face of businesses is ever changing. The series’ advanced security features, cloud connectivity, and exceptional productivity align perfectly with the evolving needs of Indian enterprises, from large corporations to growing SMEs.”

Konica Minolta is working on five materiality issues (key issues) through its business, including “improving job satisfaction and corporate revitalization.” We will continue to contribute to the creation of an environment where workers can increase productivity, create creative time, and work while each individual shines.

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