Shayak Mukherjee shares the story of TPH’s recent diversification towards labels and packaging, overwhelming response for their new products at Labelexpo India, future plans, rapidly evolving inkjet space and more.
The Printers House – Orient Group of Printing and Packaging made a remarkable debut at LabelExpo India 2024. Showcasing cutting-edge technology, the company presented the Orient ASR X-Press Flex, a state-of-the-art 10-colour Flexo Press engineered in India. “Featuring a patented gear design, this impressive machine achieves a pitch circle diameter (PCD) of less than 2 microns,” enlightens Mr. Shayak Mukherjee, GM, Sales, Orient Digital Division. “Additionally, the Orient Jet L&P Series UV Inkjet press, with its innovative ink-delivery system, boasts the lowest operational expenditure (Opex) in its category compared to competitors,” he adds. Both machines captivated attendees with live demonstrations at the Orient booth, K-44 in Hall No. 11.
Sharing the story of their recent diversification towards labels and packaging, Shayak Mukherjee narrates, “The Printers House (TPH) has established a reputation for excellence in the web offset market, and under the visionary leadership of Managing Director Mr. Rishab Kohli, the company has embarked on a bold journey of diversification. Over the past three years, extensive research and development have culminated in the creation of cutting-edge products, including the Flexo Press and the Folder Gluer Digital Press, specifically designed for labels, packaging, books, and commercial printing.”
“Market demand indicates a significant growth opportunity within the label and packaging sector. TPH aims to introduce a homegrown solution that upholds the same high-quality legacy for which the company is renowned, while also being tailored to meet the needs of these applications in the most cost-effective manner possible in terms of operational expenditure (Opex).”
“To achieve this, TPH has collaborated with leading industry suppliers for inkjet heads and drive electronics, while also developing a proprietary ink delivery system in partnership with Meteor UK. This commitment to innovation ensures that TPH delivers products of unparalleled quality, rivaling European machinery in the segment, all at a competitive price point for both the Indian and export markets.”
Orient ASR X-Press Flex, a key attraction at Orient’s Labelexpo India 2024 booth boasts several innovative features that set it apart in the printing industry. At the core of the advanced 10-colour flexo machine is Orient’s proprietary X-Gear design and gearbox integration system, which minimizes PCD runout to an impressive 2 microns. “This precision translates to a significantly faster operation, reduced noise levels, exceptional registration, and superior print quality,” reveals Shayak Mukherjee.
New introduction – the 6-colour digital inkjet press
Orient has introduced a 6-colour digital inkjet press which incorporates the patented ink delivery system. “Our cutting-edge OrientJet Ink Delivery System is designed for optimized ink utilization that not only reduces operational expenses but also enables printing on a diverse array of substrates. Our proprietary in-house software guarantees efficiency at every step of the printing process. We pride ourselves on being fully backward integrated, with all components manufactured in-house. This allows for a high degree of customization for our presses, while our rich history ensures exceptional metallurgy and industry-leading web handling capabilities,” explains Shayak.
“Our presses are designed for future-proofing; they can be upgraded to accommodate up to 8 colours and increase web widths to 450 mm in the field. This flexibility secures your investment, allowing for seamless enhancements as your needs evolve,” he continues.
Additionally, Orient offers a dedicated service and consumables team, ensuring that the presses from the brand maintain extremely low operating costs while delivering outstanding value. With a fully integrated manufacturing unit and a robust support staff available nationwide, Orient provides unparalleled service and performance.
Orient Digital Press offers fully customized solutions tailored to each customer’s specific application, requirements, and budget. Clients can begin with a CMYK+W configuration and later expand their colour capabilities by adding 6, 7, or even 8 colours, easily upgraded in the field. Additionally, customers can enhance their web width; for instance, if they start with a width of 330 mm, they have the option to upgrade to 450 mm in the future. This flexibility ensures that customers’ investments are well-protected. “Orient stands out as the sole manufacturer in this segment capable of providing such bespoke printing presses,” emphasises Shayak.
At the forefront of the rapidly evolving inkjet space
“The Printers House (TPH) has been at the forefront of bringing innovative solutions to the printing industry, particularly in the rapidly evolving inkjet space,” says Shayak. “Our flagship offerings, including the OrientJet L&P Series Digital Press, are designed for labels and packaging applications, providing unparalleled print quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness. These machines cater to a wide range of substrates and enable seamless customization, empowering businesses to stay ahead in a competitive market.”
TPH actively collaborates with technological leaders globally to incorporate state-of-the-art advancements in its products. The partnerships focus on enhancing digital inkjet capabilities through innovations in printhead technology, ink formulation, and software integration. These collaborations ensure that its customers, especially in India, receive cutting-edge solutions that are environmentally friendly, efficient, and tailored to market demands.
“Moreover, TPH’s legacy in ‘Made in India’ manufacturing enables us to deliver localized support, training, and cost-effective solutions while adhering to global standards of excellence. We are committed to driving the future of digital printing with a blend of robust technology and customer-centric innovation,” states Shayak Mukherjee.
An extraordinary Labelexpo India 2024 experience
Sharing his experience at the recent Labelexpo India,, Shayak enthusiastically claims, “ The Printers House (TPH) is thrilled to share that Labelexpo India 2024 has been an extraordinary experience, reaffirming the dynamic potential of the labels and packaging industry. Our participation at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, allowed us to showcase the cutting-edge OrientJet L&P Series Digital Label Press and the Orient ASR X-Press Flex Flexo Press, emphasizing our commitment to delivering innovative, Made-in-India solutions.”
Calling the visitors’ response as overwhelmingly positive, he shares the key highlights that include:
- Product Interest: Both live demonstrations and technical Q&A sessions attracted substantial attention, with many visitors expressing a keen interest in adopting our digital and flexo printing solutions.
- Business Opportunities: Received strong inquiries and several Letters of Intent (LOIs) for OrientJet L&P Series printers, highlighting a robust pipeline for future collaborations.
- Industry Engagement: The expo provided a platform to connect with top industry players, foster partnerships, and reinforce TPH’s position as a significant player in the label printing segment.
“Overall, Labelexpo India 2024 has been a resounding success, showcasing advancements and driving conversations about future-ready printing technologies,” he sums.
Their own manufacturing of web delivery and transport systems helps Orient to bring solutions that are better placed than competitive products. Shayak corroborates, “One of the most critical aspects of digital UV inkjet machines is the design stability of the web delivery and transport system. A well-engineered system ensures that the substrate moves seamlessly along the web path without any shuffling. If vibrations occur, the substrate risks contacting the inkjet printhead, potentially leading to damage. At TPH, we possess the expertise to manage web transport for newspaper printing at speeds ranging from 400 to 500 m/min, while also maintaining the necessary speed and stability of 75 m/min for label applications.”
“Moreover, our in-house manufacturing capabilities allow us to offer custom-made machines that can be upgraded in the field at the customer’s discretion. This flexibility not only secures their investment but also positions them for future growth. No other competitor offers this level of customization and support, giving Orient Press a distinct competitive advantage in the market,” he declares.
Delivering OpEx, among the lowest
What make Orient’s operational expenditure (OpEx) among the lowest is well described by Shayak. He says their innovative ink delivery system is designed to optimize ink consumption, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness for their customers. “We take pride in the exceptional quality of our mechanical components, which significantly extend their lifespan and reliability. Additionally, we have secured a favourable agreement with our ink partner, Kao Collins Japan, allowing us to pass the savings directly to our customers rather than retaining the profits ourselves,” he admits with a humble smile.
Orient offers a comprehensive service model through its Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), which not only includes printheads and spare parts but also provides engineers’ visits and support. Alternatively, customers can opt for their on-call service, which allows them to purchase spare parts and printheads as needed while requesting engineer visits on-demand. This level of flexibility in their service offerings sets TPH apart from other competitors in the industry.
The inkjet technology – taking head on the changing demands of quicker setup and faster production times
Inkjet technology has emerged as a game-changer in the printing industry, particularly for applications demanding quicker setup and faster production times, states Shayak, adding, “Here’s how it meets these needs and compares with other digital printing technologies:
- Quick Setup: Inkjet technology eliminates the need for traditional plates or screens, reducing setup time significantly. This makes it ideal for on-demand printing and short-run jobs.
- High-Speed Output: Modern inkjet systems, like the OrientJet L&P Series, are designed for high-speed, high-resolution production, ensuring minimal delays even for complex jobs.
- Seamless Transition: Inkjet allows for variable data printing without mechanical adjustments, enabling faster transitions between jobs compared to other methods like toner-based printing.
- Cost-Efficiency: While toner-based digital printing also offers fast setup, inkjet’s scalability and capability to handle larger substrates at a lower cost per print make it more advantageous for high-volume applications.
- Eco-Friendliness: Inkjet printing typically uses less energy and generates less waste than traditional methods, aligning with sustainable practices.
In comparison to other digital technologies, inkjet stands out for its speed, versatility, and ability to produce high-quality prints on a wider range of substrates.”
Speaking about the customer response for Orient’s labels and packaging solutions at Labelexpo and international markets, Shayak says, “As a first-time exhibitor at LabelExpo India 2024, we were thrilled by the overwhelming response we received. We successfully secured multiple letters of intent for both our digital and flexo presses. Following the exhibition, customers are scheduled to visit our factory for the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), after which we will commence order fulfillment.”
Orient’s European distributor, BBS Ltd, was also present at their booth during the event. They spent a week in India, where they not only participated in product training but also toured Orient’s manufacturing facility. “Given the positive interactions and interest generated at the exhibition, we are optimistic about securing significant business volumes from both the domestic and export markets,” envisages Shayak.
The future ahead
Orient generated significant excitement within the label industry through its innovative Flexo and Digital Press, resulting in numerous leads, inquiries, and signed letters of intent. As proud silver sponsors of the LMAI-Heidelberg Award Night, the company had the distinct privilege of presenting the Green Sustainable Award category this year. “Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that we have secured a prominent space at LabelExpo 2025 in Barcelona, where we will unveil a groundbreaking new product line that remains under wraps for now. We believe this development will be a true game-changer for the industry,” intriguingly hints Shayak.
The OrientJet L&P Series from The Printers House is where cutting-edge digital inkjet printing meets unparalleled speed, exceptional quality, and steadfast reliability. Tailored to meet the demands of contemporary businesses seeking rapid production without sacrificing print excellence, this series stands as a testament to innovation. “We take pride in offering a solution that not only boosts productivity but also champions sustainable printing practices,” concludes Shayak Mukherjee.
We are proud to contribute to India’s manufacturing legacy, says Mr. Rishab Kohli, Managing Director, The Printers House (TPH)
“We are delighted by the tremendous response at India Label Expo 2024, which marked our debut as exhibitors,” says Mr. Suprakash Mitra, Business Head – Orient Digital Division.
“The enthusiastic engagement and interest in our OrientJet L&P Series Digital Label Press showcase the industry’s recognition of our ‘Made in India’ innovations. The Expo provided a valuable platform to connect with stakeholders and demonstrate our advanced printing technologies. We thank all visitors for their support in making this a successful milestone for Orient Group,” he adds.
Equally thrilled by the overwhelming response Orient Group received at Labelexpo, Mr. Rishab Kohli, Managing Director, The Printers House (TPH) calls it a defining moment, “As first-time participants, showcasing our Made in India Flexo and Digital UV Inkjet printers on a global platform was a defining moment for us. Our flagship OrientJet L&P Series Digital UV Inkjet Printer and Orient X-Press Flex 10C Flexo Press attracted significant attention for their cutting-edge technology and high-quality output, proving that Indian engineering can compete with the best in the world.
This success is a testament to our commitment to innovation, precision, and customer-centric solutions. The positive feedback from industry leaders and prospective clients has reinforced our belief in designing solutions that address evolving market demands. We are proud to contribute to India’s manufacturing legacy and strengthen our position as a key player in the global label printing industry. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and all those who visited our booth at LabelExpo 2024, making this achievement possible. This milestone inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering excellence in printing technology.”