"Invest only in that equipment that fulfills a particular operation," says Ranesh Bajaj

Which among the product in your portfolio is fast moving? Which is your star product?

Our complete solutions in pre-press as well as brand protection are performing well. It is difficult to choose one of the two as both contribute equally to our success.

What trend are these products picking up in the market?

Commercial print is becoming a difficult market to operate in and hence more and more people are looking to move in to digital or to labels and packaging. This may cause some turmoil in these markets as well and hence it is essential to ride out these change waves. 

A hi-end machine investment or regular upgradation of an entry level machine, what do you suggest to the printers?

Invest only in that equipment that fulfills a particular operation in the manufacturing cycle, that you are producing or intending to produce. Trying to set up a capacity and then go job hunting is disastrous in such difficult times. It is best to equip yourself only for confirmed production requests. 

Big investments v/s small incremental technologies. Your views. 

Wait for the economy to stabilise post the 2014 elections and also see how demand for print settles in. Times are changing and it is essential to do a very thorough due diligence on markets as well as printed products.

According to you, do you think a printer will invest in hi-end accessories, software etc., when he can invest in a new/used machine at the same cost. 

Yes. Because capacity is already in excess. Only value addition will enable a printer to make some money. 

What are the investment trends you see in smaller cities and at bottom of the pyramid?

CTP and digital. Only these two are technologies that will grow, according to me.