UV Graphics to launch new products and expand

After seeing strong demand for its Ultraflex range of flexo presses in the last two years, UV Graphics plans to introduce new products and expand production.
 Umesh Dongre of Shree Multi Sticks and Labels, Pune, with his second Ultraflex 6-color press from UV Graphics in three years
Indian press manufacturer UV Graphics has seen a consistent increase in business opportunities and has recently installed its presses in Bangalore, Surat, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad and two in Pune and another in Vasai. ‘One trend we are seeing is that the customers are coming back with repeat orders, which is a testimony of how well our machine has been accepted by the industry both on quality and after-sales verticals,’ says Abhay Datta, director of UV Graphics.
 
The company installed second machines at three satisfied customers – SM Packaging in Vasai, Shree Multi Stick in Pune and Hempra Multi Prints. SM Packaging installed its third machine in August 2021 and ordered the fourth machine for delivery in December 2021. UV Graphics also installed its presses at Shakthi Labels in Bangalore, Phoenix Labels in Surat, Fortune Labels in Ahmadabad, Royal Labels in Kundli, Milan Labels in Hyderabad and Skill Technocraft in Ahmedabad.
 
‘There has been encouraging demand for our newly launched high-speed servo slitters with turret which are also used with 100 percent inspection systems. This market is dominated by low-cost Chinese imports. A customer now has options of acquiring a good quality and accurate slitter and also choose an inspection system of their choice. Hence customers can acquire equipment from a manufacturer who excels in this field of experience and need not compromise,’ Datta explains.
 
UV Graphics has installed 11 Ultraflex USR slitters in the last five months and six flexo presses since April 2021.
 
‘The Indian industry was looking for a machine which was capable of high-quality print and efficiency. They had to look at overseas manufacturers,’ Datta says. ‘Now with the launch of Ultraflex, with its latest technology, high levels of automation and precision at affordable price, we have carved out a niche in the Indian label industry. The machine offers excellent ROI which encourages customers to expand with a small investment and short time horizons. Today, the Ultraflex range of presses have proven their mantle and customer testimony with repeat orders.’
 
Speaking about the installations during the pandemic, he explains that after the first lockdown, there was a sudden surge in the requirement for labels, with label converters doing good business as essential service providers. ‘Label printers were working day and night to complete unfinished orders and also provide to new orders along with challenges that accompanied them. And this was with minimal labor availability which required highest efficiency, both from the workforce and machinery. This also helped label printers assess how efficiency and turn-around time of a machine can multiply job conversions and help improve their balance sheets.’
 
UV Graphics saw escalating demand as converters with older and slower machines upgraded their set-up to increase productivity.
 
Datta lists quick make ready with 100 percent register within the first three meters, consistent quality, low waste, high productivity and ease of use, backed by efficient and quick after-sales support as a few of the reasons why customers opted for the Ultraflex presses.
 
According to him, label printers are now ‘aggressively’ looking at value additions to improve margins and digitalization for short to medium runs. ‘Though the initial cost of investment is still a deterrent, flexo will still be the first choice and will remain so especially in India for times to come.’
 
UV Graphics will be launching its wide web flexo press in 1,050mm width by the end of 2021 for the flexible packaging industry. The company will also launch its digital finishing line dedicated to digital label printers and high-speed die-cutting machines for in-mold labels.
 
The new press will be launched during FY 21-22 and the company will be expanding its production capacity with an additional factory space of 65,000sq ft.
 
‘We as manufacturers, cannot be complacent. R&D and product improvement is a way of Life at UV Graphics. We are upgrading our equipment with able and most valuable feedback from our customers and in coming days Ultraflex would only improve multi-fold.
 
‘We are ready to move hand in hand with our label print partners to accept and win over the challenges of new India. We wish the label industry a bright and prosperous future.’
Akanksha Meena is the Global Brands Editor for Labels and Labelling

Akanksha Meena

  • Global Brands Editor