​Print & Beyond 2025: In search of a new mantra

KMPA president Louis Francis welcomed the attendees and Raju N Kutty, chairman of Print & Beyond, opened the day’s knowledge session for the benefit of the 200 delegates in the room. The inaugural address was delivered by Satish Malhotra, president of AIFMP, who highlighted the industry’s tech-evolution. He urged the gathering to take pride in the industry and ensure constant innovation to stay relevant. Emphasising the boom in digital printing, the need for sustainable practices, and the role of automation and Industry 4.0, Malhotra encouraged attendees to embrace trends and reinvent the business.

Dr Frank Hornung’s roadmap for the industry in Kochi echoes Obama's leadership mantra: Above all, get things done
On 22 February at the Radisson Blu Kochi, more than 200 delegates gathered to hear Dr Frank Hornung, global CEO of Edelmann Group at the ninth edition of Print & Beyond. His keynote address was a call for leaders to dream big and take decisive action in order to thrive today and endure tomorrow.

Dr Hornung set the stage by emphasising the event’s theme: Building organisations that outlive their founders. He challenged the audience to envision the pride and fulfillment of being part of a company that thrives for generations. Drawing on his international experience, he shared timeless, straightforward principles that form the backbone of long-lasting organisations. His message was unambiguous: Remain curious, think innovatively, and be humble. These are values that should be embedded within your business.

Hornung drew an intriguing parallel between business leaders, NASA astronauts, and sports stars — each striving for targets beyond imagination. He emphasised, “Your people do not follow you. They follow the vision of the leader.”

He challenged the audience to envision what it would feel like to be part of a company that endures through generations. Drawing on experiences from international companies, he shared timeless principles that, despite their simplicity, form the backbone of long-lasting organisations. The message was clear: stay curious, think innovatively, and apply these enduring principles to your own business.

According to the Edelmann CEO, having a bold vision is only the beginning — execution is paramount. He stated, “Success requires a well-defined strategy, one that involves making deliberate choices rather than simply drifting along.” He advocated for breaking the vision into annual team meetings and measurable targets, ensuring that each step taken achieves the far-reaching goal.

Citing research by Tim Collins, Hornung highlighted the traits of superior leadership. He argued that leaders who combine humility with unwavering determination — prioritising the organisation’s success over personal accolades — cultivate loyalty and long-term commitment. Hornung encouraged leaders to engage in continuous self-reflection and personal development to remain effective in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Hornung stressed the importance of building a strong second-line command and fostering transparency within an organisation. He emphasised that an environment of honest feedback and open communication enables leaders to address issues directly and promote collaborative problem-solving.

Advocating for decisions based on facts and figures, Hornung remarked, “While some family-owned businesses may rely on instinct, basing decisions on data minimises uncertainty and leads to more reliable outcomes.” He further illustrated that simplicity in decision-making can effectively cut through complexity, often yielding success by addressing the root causes of issues in a straightforward manner. Moreover, he underscored that an engaged workforce — where employees feel genuinely appreciated and valued—is fundamental to organisational success.

Brilliant Printers' Anil Rego discloses the path to company's growth driven by process-driven management

Bengaluru-based Brilliant Printers’ Anil Rego sparked passion when he narrated his father’s early career and how he worked his way up, gaining hands-on experience in operations and supervision. By 1970, his father established his own printing company in a modest 100-sqft space with a single treadle machine. Today, the company has grown to occupy over three-lakh-sqft of operational space, employing nearly a thousand people and exporting to 70 countries.

Speaking at the Kerala Master Printers Association’s (KMPA) Print & Beyond conference in Kochi on 22 February 2025, Rego attributed this growth to a commitment to integrity and continuous adaptation. “We have built this business on strong ethical foundations. There have been times when we lost orders due to our principles, but these very values have ensured our long-term credibility,” he said.

A crucial turning point came in 2014 when the company moved to a new facility, reinforcing its strategy of becoming a leading export-driven book printer. The investment in high-end book finishing equipment, including gilding machines, was part of a long-term vision. “Every investment we make is with sustainability in mind. We don’t overpromise returns; instead, we engage investors with realistic projections,” said Rego.

The shift from a traditional family-run operation to a structured, process-driven organisation was another major transformation. The restructuring involved hiring professionals with expertise in business optimisation. “Process-driven management has been key to our scalability. Leadership is not about micromanagement but about building systems that allow the business to grow sustainably,” he explained.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought challenges but also opportunities. A surge in book demand led to a 36% increase in sales. “Readers turned to books during lockdowns, and we adapted quickly. We set ambitious targets and aligned our expansion plans accordingly,” Rego noted.

Financial discipline has also been a cornerstone of Brilliant Printers’ strategy. The company formalised budgeting practices, ensuring stability even during volatile market conditions. “Budgeting is not just about cost-cutting; it’s about sustainability. Monthly reviews allow us to adjust and remain resilient,” Rego said.

Despite the rise of digital content, Rego believes printed books will continue to thrive. “The industry is evolving, but books remain relevant. Our focus is on enhancing our capabilities while staying true to our principles of quality and ethical business practices,” he stated.

Rego plans further investments in technology and infrastructure. “We are in this for the long run. The next phase of growth will be defined by process efficiency and technological advancements, but our core ethos of integrity will remain unchanged,” Rego concluded.

Trigon emphasises digital proofing and packaging solutions

Anil Namugade, director of Trigon Digital, has experienced first-hand how the transition to digital has reshaped the printing landscape.

Speaking at the Kerala Master Printers Association’s (KMPA) Print & Beyond Conference in Kochi on 22 February 2025, Namugade showed how Trigon Digital, despite challenges, positioned itself as a leader in digital proofing and packaging solutions, leveraging automation and market-specific innovations to cater to brand owners and emerging businesses.

“The evolution of digital technology has allowed us to address industry pain points by providing flexible, scalable, and cost-effective proofing and packaging solutions,” said Namugade. “Rather than competing on price, we focus on offering value through interactive packaging, QR code-enabled engagement, and rapid prototyping.”

Trigon Digital’s journey began with an emphasis on colour proofing solutions, particularly for the packaging segment. “Early on, the high costs of proofing technology hindered adoption in India, but as the market evolved, so did the demand for faster, more efficient processes,” Namugade noted. The company has since expanded its portfolio to include narrow-web digital printing and short-run packaging, catering to the needs of startups and brands requiring high customisation.

Namugade stressed the impact of e-commerce on packaging, particularly the increasing demand for smaller batch sizes and shorter turnaround times. “E-commerce has changed the game, pushing us to innovate and provide digital packaging solutions that align with changing consumer expectations,” he explained.

Investing in automation and workforce training has been a key part of Trigon Digital’s strategy. “Technology plays a crucial role, but leadership must ensure that employees understand both the technical processes and customer objectives. A psychologically safe work environment fosters innovation,” Namugade added.

Despite advancements in AI-driven workflows, Namugade believes human expertise remains indispensable. “Automation optimises efficiency, but print quality and colour accuracy still require skilled decision-making. It’s about striking the right balance between technology and craftsmanship.”

Trigon Digital plans to continue investing in digital packaging solutions and expanding its reach. “India is emerging as a key market for digital packaging, and we are committed to refining our processes, expanding globally, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable, technology-driven solutions,” Namugade concluded.

Vijayshri Packaging drives efficiency through growth and automation

Indore-based Vijayshri Packaging has positioned itself as a key player in the mono carton and corrugated packaging segment, focusing on structured growth, process discipline, and automation.

Speaking at the Kerala Master Printers Association’s (KMPA) Print & Beyond conference in Kochi on 22 February 2025, Ayush Jain, director at Vijayshri Packaging, highlighted the company’s journey from a commercial printing operation to a nationally recognised packaging firm.

“Our shift from commercial printing to packaging was a calculated move based on long-term scalability. While commercial printing had its strengths, packaging offered greater potential for expansion and sustainability,” said Jain. “The transition required us to rethink our processes, invest in automation, and instil discipline in raw material management.”

Vijayshri’s growth strategy has revolved around optimising operations through process standardisation and technology integration. “Raw material efficiency has been one of our key focus areas. By standardising substrates, investing in in-house sheeting, and implementing structured inventory management, we have reduced stockholding periods significantly,” Jain noted.

Investments in new printing and finishing technology have played a crucial role in Vijayshri’s expansion. “Upgrading our equipment was necessary to maintain quality and reliability. Today, we operate with a mix of new multi-level machines, which have enabled us to enhance our output and strengthen customer confidence,” he added.

Jain also emphasised the company’s commitment to workplace organisation and housekeeping. “A structured workplace leads to better productivity. We have implemented colour-coded navigation systems, strict gangway discipline, and well-defined workstation layouts to ensure seamless operations,” he explained.

Beyond automation and efficiency, Jain stressed the importance of organisational culture in sustaining long-term success. “A company’s culture plays a critical role in employee retention and engagement. We focus on fostering a sense of ownership among our workforce, ensuring they feel valued beyond monetary incentives. This has been key to building a motivated and committed team,” he said.

Vijayshri Packaging aims to strengthen its national footprint and continue investing in technological advancements. “Our goal is to enhance our capabilities while staying true to our core principles of structured growth and operational excellence. With automation, disciplined execution, and a strong cultural foundation, we are well-positioned to scale further,” Jain concluded.