Maxcess plots growth for India

India is currently a hub for many global firms seeking opportunities in its rapidly growing industrial sector. The government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which offers significant advantages in cost efficiency and supply chain resilience, is another key driver why companies are significantly increasing their investments in Indian manufacturing facilities.

Maxcess, a global supplier of automated web handling products and customization services, is poised to capitalize on the opportunities in the Indian market.

The India story
Maxcess is launching two significant initiatives that will increase its local presence. ‘First, the company will commence domestic production of its Fife Guiding systems in 2025. This local manufacturing move aims to serve India’s growing web converting industries better while reducing lead times and import costs,’ shares Niraj Muni, general manager of Maxcess India.

He further adds: ‘Concurrently, Maxcess is establishing an R&D center in India that will have dual strategic importance. Beyond supporting APAC regional needs, this center will serve as a global innovation base, leveraging India’s strong IT talent pool to develop next-generation web handling technology.’

The facility will focus on industrial IoT integration, predictive maintenance algorithms and automation software that will enhance Maxcess products worldwide.

These investments demonstrate the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market, while also enhancing its global competitiveness. By combining local manufacturing with R&D capabilities, the company positions itself to capitalize on both India’s domestic growth and the worldwide demand for smarter web handling technologies.

Speaking about what they foresee for the Indian market, Muni emphasizes: ‘India represents a rapidly expanding market, particularly in the printing and packaging industries. Both end-users and OEMs are witnessing substantial growth, showing transformative shifts and promising opportunities in the future.’

Keen eye on technology
Founded in 1939 as Fife, the company strategically expanded through key acquisitions, beginning with Tidland in 1995 and Magpowr in 1996. This growth trajectory culminated in 1998 with the establishment of Maxcess Group. Operating from over 30 manufacturing and sales sites worldwide, the company currently employs more than 2,000 professionals.

Maxcess enables its customers to maximize productivity through innovative products and services worldwide by combining global service and support across the RotoMetrics, Fife, Tidland, Magpowr, Webex, Valley Roller, Componex, ICD and Maxcess Vision Systems brands. It now provides a diverse range of web handling technologies, encompassing rotary dies, guiding, slitting and winding, tension control, precision rolls and vision inspection products.

Muni shares: ‘Over the past five years, RotoMetrics has merged its legacy with Maxcess, positioning itself to introduce innovative solutions. Automation and digital technology are at the core of this innovation.’

For instance, in 2022, RotoMetrics unveiled the AccuAdjust Dual Adjust Anvil, followed by the RotoAdjust automation system in January 2024. This plug-and-play automation system, paired with IoT software, offers greater operator control, enhanced productivity and Industry 4.0 analytics for smarter operations.

“By implementing AI technology in manufacturing, we have operationalized numerous processes, with more developments in the pipeline”

Talking about some of the upcoming products and the technology involved, Muni comments: ‘The upcoming RotoScan, described as the industry’s first fully automated intelligent die station, will be launched in 2025. This is the future of adjustable anvils. It leverages AI to offer in-line real-time adjustments for material variations. This requires minimal operator assistance because of initiative-taking monitoring, significantly reducing scrap and waste.’

He adds: ‘By implementing AI technology in manufacturing, we have operationalized numerous processes, with more developments in the pipeline.’

AI technology continues to unfold new possibilities at Maxcess. VisionMax, its intelligent vision inspection system, is a highly AI-integrated machine. It utilizes this technology to design systems for detecting and removing defects, even at speeds exceeding 700m/min. VisionMax can precisely identify and address these issues, enabling rewind and inspection processes.

‘These are just a few examples of how we are leveraging AI technology moving forward,’ shares Muni.

What’s new at Maxcess
Maxcess is also focusing on enabling customers through its training programs. In the die-cutting segment, Maxcess is the only supplier offering over 20 training programs, resulting in reduced die damage and extended die life.

‘Our training programs are designed to simplify processes, provide expertise and gain profitability. We have collaborated with many customers to conduct exclusive training for end-users. Our technical expertise is unmatched by competitors,’ concludes Muni.