Under Forty: Sanandan Seth (Replika Press)

When did you decide to join the business?
In 1998. Just when I finally boarded my flight for London College of Printing. At 18, I was fully aware that I have to become a worthy and successful third generation printer.

Where do you learn the tricks of the trade?
The word ‘tricks’ has a negative connotation. I learnt the lessons at the college but experienced the trade when my father, my mentor, entrusted me with the responsibilities. I interacted with our clients to know their expectations. I made presentations. It’s these sessions that has made me what I’m today. I learnt from my blunders.

What is your greatest print / business achievement to date?
Being Blackwell Science UK’s sole print supplier for five years, 2002 onwards.

What technology has made the biggest difference to your business?
The IT set up, and the bindery and finishing equipment. This has given Replika a boost in terms of quality and productivity and savings in manpower and paved the way for us to win the PrintWeek India Post Press Company of the Year Award four years in a row.

The most frequently used mantra in your organization? Your motto in life?
Transparency, value addition, and innovation

For a working lunch if you met the PM of India, what would you talk to him about?
I would request him to chalk out and execute a crash programme to make India a global printing hub. Currently printers in India face multiple problems both in exports and imports. Unless we improve our logistics we can never become competitive

One person who impressed you with wisdom. Why?
My father for bestowing his experience of forty years in the trade on me. He is a planner, an architect, a builder, and an administrator par excellence. He is meticulous and a perfectionist to the last.

Best print compliment received
Neil Bradford, controller printing, Penguin Random House, recommending Replika for the Best Printer of the Year title.

If you were NOT in this industry, you would have ...
Not stayed in India.