How many Labelexpo Europe has Mark Andy taken part in? What will be major highlights of your stand in this edition?
Mark Andy has participated in Labelexpo Europe since the beginning of the exhibition in 1980.  33 years now. Mark Andy is showcasing several new technologies including ProLED – most advance UV LED curing system, Mark Andy QCDC (Quick Change Die Cut), Mark Andy Versa Max – a mid web flexographic printing press designed for film and flexible packaging, Rotoflex Tracker – advanced horizontal finishing machine for inspection/slitting/rewinding, Rotoflex DSI die cutting system, and Rotoflex URC 2.0 control systems for finishing equipment, which will be featured on two Rotoflex machines – the VLI 440 and the VSI 330.

What have been the prime reasons for participating in the show for past 33 years?Labelexpo Europe is the premier exhibition for Europe and other parts of the world, for those who specialise in labels and package printing.  This is the primary market for Mark Andy and Rotoflex.  The exhibition provides direct access to more than 24,000 industry printers/converters, suppliers and other label and packaging specialists, all in one location.  We are proud to be one of the leading brands in global label and package printing equipment, and are just as proud to be the largest exhibitor.  Mark Andy and Rotoflex’s presence at this show allows us to continue building awareness and expose of our proven line of equipment. 

From the Indian market perspective, what should the Indian label manufacturer look forward to at your stand?
The Indian label and package printers can find the most profitable machines on the market today.  Mark Andy Performance Series, celebrating its 250th machine sales, has changed the industry by its highly productive printing platform design.

Indian label manufactures will also find how the finishing/rewinding workflow can add value to the bottom line and even more profitability for them.  Rotoflex’s new URC 2.0 drives more control and efficiency through easy-to-use operator interface that delivers unmatched defect detection and automatic sensor calibration, all which significantly increase product quality and workflow productivity.

What are the factors driving growth of label industry in India? What are the threats?
In India, population continues to grow and is increasingly becoming more educated and affluent. The demand for consumer products will continue to grow. The fluctuations in the global trade scenario results in substantial ups and downs in the Indian export business. That will continue to be a factor in all regional economies around the world. 

There is great deal of on-going research and development in the label manufacturing sector, so how should a prospective buyer zero-in on a certain technology? What technologies will play a major role in the near future?
Technology is dependent directly on what the label manufacturer is trying to achieve.  Whether it be application, lot size, capability, etc., there are different technologies that play an important role for each. A label manufacturer trying to compete in the market needs to fully understand the application and market segment. This will drive the necessary technology to be successful. 

Label converters strive to reduce production operation costs while continuing to bring innovation and value to their customers. Discussions with label converters show a common need for production flexibility. Do you have machines or products that address these concerns of an average label converter?
Both Mark Andy and Rotoflex have machines designed for utmost flexibility and productivity. The Performance Series printing platform and die-cutting system have both won Technical Awards for their innovation. Rotoflex’s URC 2.0, the new control system for the finishing equipment, also is designed specifically to reduce production costs and drive further efficiency. 

Given the present currency crisis, do you expect business from Indian label printers? How would you make things easy for those travelling to Labelexpo Europe with investment intentions?
We have continued to sell machines in  India this year. Other years have been a bit stronger, but with a variety of market segments across India exporting, and some areas not as severely affected by currency crisis, there continues to be opportunities for Indian manufacturers to make investments.