Though digital is the talk, customers want more value-addition and quality output

KBA displayed a raft of new machines which included Rotajet, Rapdia 105, 106 and Rapida 76 and wide format Rapida 145.Rapida 105 was the flagship machine for KBA in the Indian market. However, it has gone through a period of transition, from its feeder to the delivery. The speed has increased from 15,000 to 17,000 cph, and most of the features of 106 were adopted in the new 105.

During Drupa, a large number of packaging printers visited us. Two things should be prioritised before entering the packaging sector; first, the cost of ownership and second, the number of sheets you get from the pallet. Cost of ownership includes other sub-factors such as sturdiness of the press, cost of parts, delivery and service on the time, and thus, related features of the press should be scrutinised.

As the demand for packaging is growing, people are coming out of the price factor cocoon, and are really keen to see that how many sheets can be produced from a pallet.

For us, Drupa began in January 2012 itself when large number of orders were finalised and we promised to deliver the models which would be showcased at Drupa. However, convincing customers was the biggest challenge for manufacturers present at Drupa.

The machines displayed at Drupa were available with us since January 2012, hence there would be no delay in installing them on the Indian frontiers. We could finalise orders for ITC Chennai, TCPL and the two printing presses order from Parksons Packaging. Only Rapida 76 will be available in start of 2013.