Kashpia Printing and Packaging marks growth with Mark Andy

One of Bangladesh’s leading packaging printing companies, Kashpia Printing and Packaging, has installed its second Mark Andy press, a Performance Series P7E. The company once again chose its long-time associate Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), a Mark Andy distributor in India, as the supplier of the
press. The deal was sealed on the show floor of Labelexpo Europe in 2023.

A dream turned reality 
Entrepreneur Mohammad Shahin Howlader founded Kashpia Print and Packaging in 2007 after 16 years of experience in the print industry. He identified a gap in the market for high-quality labels and flexible packaging. With a modest personal investment and a clear vision, he established Kashpia to deliver packaging tailored to the needs of Bangladesh’s emerging industries. 

Howlader started the business focusing on delivering service and quality. Kashpia manufactures and supplies corrugated boxes, folding cartons, self-adhesive labels, foil prints and holographic labels. 

‘I realized early on that the packaging industry in Bangladesh was poised for growth,’ recalls Howlader. ‘But there was a lack of modern equipment and technical know-how. I wanted Kashpia to bridge that gap and set new benchmarks for quality and innovation.’ 

Kashpia’s commitment to excellence, the latest technology and timely delivery has earned it a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the Bangladeshi packaging industry. Today, it caters to diverse sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and household products. Some of the big names in the industry, such as Unilever, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are its clients. 

Making a ‘mark’ 
Mark Andy’s press was not new to Kashpia. When the time came to look for another technology to meet the growing demand for high-quality labels and flexible packaging, Howlader and his team didn’t think twice. The company already owned a Mark Andy P7 and was familiar with the platform. The decision was also influenced by the need to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and deliver superior print quality. Howlader states: ‘The Mark Andy P7E aligns perfectly with our mission of adopting cutting-edge technology to exceed customer expectations. Its versatility and performance are unmatched.’

“This investment is a testament to our dedication to staying ahead of industry trends”

The 330mm (13in) P7E flexo printing press features UV curing, cold foil, and other modern enhancements. 

The acquisition was facilitated through FIG, Kashpia’s long-standing partner. FIG has brought advanced flexographic technology and machinery to India, enabling companies like Kashpia to stay ahead of the curve. It also represents some of the leading international brands, such as Mark Andy, Rhyguan, Luster, Rotoflex, Dym, and DCM ATN. 

‘The P7E is designed to address converters’ evolving needs,’ explains Gourav Roy, managing director of FIG. ‘Its advanced features improve print quality and optimize production workflows, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a dynamic market.’ 

Partnership 
Kashpia’s collaboration with FIG dates back to 2010, when the company first ventured into flexographic printing. FIG provided the equipment, training and support needed to optimize production. This partnership has been pivotal in Kashpia’s growth, ensuring easy integration of new technologies and processes.

‘FIG has been more than just a supplier; it has been a strategic partner,’ says Howlader. ‘Its expertise and guidance have played a crucial role in our journey. Apart from our newly ordered second Mark Andy narrow-web flexo printing press, we are already a user of some advanced machines from FIG, which includes our first Mark Andy press. We found FIG to be a reliable partner that constantly boosts growth in our business to a new level. We look forward to maintaining the continuity of this partnership.’

Commenting on the collaboration, Roy remarks: ‘As a reputed packaging printing company in Bangladesh, Kashpia has already been using equipment supplied by FIG, and such a repeat Mark Andy press order we receive from the company boosts our confidence and morale. We hope the new Mark Andy press will fulfill its customers’ increasing demands for narrow web flexo jobs.’

“We have always been impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of FIG’s technical support team. They are just a phone call away”

Apart from the latest installation, other equipment at Kashpia’s facility includes a Mark Andy P7, Rotoflex HSI slitter rewinder and a KDS efficiency management system from FIG.

The partnership is not just on paper; it goes beyond, as Roy recalls: ‘After the installation, Kashpia sought some technical assistance. Our team of experts packed their bags at once, although we didn’t want to send them alone amid the political turmoil in Bangladesh. So, we accompanied our team. Considering the situation, Howlader invited us to stay at his residence and personally took care of our security. That’s the kind of association we have built with our clients.’

Howlander adds: ‘We have always been impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of FIG’s technical support team. They are just a phone call away. This has helped forge a different relationship with Gourav and his team. They are not just our suppliers; they are our family.’

Post-installations, FIG assists customers through a centralized customer support department operated from its head office in Delhi, connecting to Mumbai and Chennai branches. Its after-sales service and technical support are major factors that help clients choose FIG.

The company closed several sales of Mark Andy presses and finishing machines from Rhyguan and DCM ATN at Labelexpo India 2024.

A bright future ahead
With the addition of the Mark Andy P7E, Kashpia Print and Packaging is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging
opportunities in Bangladesh’s packaging industry. The new press enhances the company’s capabilities and reinforces its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

‘This investment is a testament to our dedication to staying ahead of industry trends,’ says Howlader. ‘We’re excited about the possibilities that the P7E brings and look forward to delivering even greater value to our clients.’

As Kashpia continues to set new benchmarks, its journey inspires other businesses in Bangladesh to embrace technology and drive growth. The installation of the Mark Andy P7E marks a milestone for Kashpia and a significant step forward for the country’s print packaging industry.

FIG at Labelexpo India 2024
FIG celebrated its successful participation in Labelexpo India
2024, showcasing machines from Rhyguan and Luster, and
securing major deals with top label and packaging companies.

According to Gourav Roy, managing director of FIG, Rhyguan and Luster machines and Mark Andy presses have been gaining ground in India. ‘Over the last few months, we have made some landmark installations of Rhyguan and Mark Andy machines, and serious inquiries keep coming,’ he says. ‘MBR Flexibles (Ahmedabad), PrintWrap (Chennai), and Dhanlakshmi Labels (Hyderabad), to mention a few, have recently upgraded their machine portfolios with Rhyguan and
Mark Andy presses from FIG.’

With partner delegates from Mark Andy, Rhyguan, DCM ATN and others present at Labelexpo, FIG witnessed a crowd of new buyers at its booth.

Mumbai-based Barcom Industries purchased two Mark Andy presses. FIG has previously sold Mark Andy 830, Mark Andy Scout, a string of Mark Andy 2200, and Mark Andy Performance Series P5 presses to Barcom. The company was
the first to install a Mark Andy Digital One in Asia in 2018. Apart from Mark Andy, Barcom’s other machines bought
from FIG include Rotoflex inspection slitter rewinders with 100 percent detection systems, Rotoflex HSI label inspection, slitting and rewinding machines with 100 percent Nikka L1 inspection cameras and Rotoflex bi-directional pharma inspection system.

Gurugram-based Meraki Propack, FIG’s new customer, purchased a Rhyguan Top 520 dual die-cutting machine engineered for die-cutting labels in two steps and fitted with a servo-driven semi-rotary dual die-cutting unit that runs in full rotary mode. Its dual die-station features its own independent registration and tension control.

One of the leading providers of label and packaging products, Dehradun-headquartered Zircon Industries is yet another long-term FIG customer that booked five finishing systems from the French company DCM ATN, the first installations of the machines in India from FIG.

Mumbai-based Innovative Label Solutions also bought a Rhyguan Smart 450 slitter-rewinder with a Luster 100 percent camera from FIG.

‘Labelexpo India 2024 was positive, and the show’s overall atmosphere reflected the industry’s determination to drive a profound dynamic to make the printing and packaging industry more productive, innovative, and sustainable with the latest machines, equipment and technology,’ comments Roy.

‘It was one of the most successful editions of Labelexpo India for FIG,’ he adds. ‘On all three days of the show, we received an overwhelming response from trade visitors showing keen interest in all that we presented and demonstrated at our booth as technological advancements and innovations that inspired the printing, packaging, and label industries. We feel great that some landmark machine deals were announced during the show.’

Apart from the deals, FIG also announced its newly formed
partnership with DCM ATN. Based in Nanterre, France, DCM ATN manufactures machines for printing, waxing and lamination, slitting, rewinding, rewinding and inspection, and
shrink sleeves.