Heidelberg kit increases productivity at Mangalore’s Prakash Offset

“Productivity in print is about increased machine speeds, larger capacities and minimised set-up/changeover times,” said Raghuveer Nayak, the director at Prakash Offset.

At Prakash Offset, the new Speedmaster SM 102 press, which joined the company’s fleet of six other Heidelberg presses, handles over 10 large-volume book printing applications.

Nayak is particularly impressed by the machine’s Intellistart, the process-oriented software, which cuts down setup time between jobs and the patented sheet guide plate with venture air nozzles, which ensures protective air cushion under the sheets to deliver sheets without marks and scratches.

The Speedmaster SM 102 press is capable of handling paper stock ranging from 0.03mm to 0.80mm and prints a maximum sheet size of up to 720x1020mm at 15,000sph.

“Twenty-five years ago, when we brought in our first Heidelberg MOV four-colour press, it neither had the speed nor features that matched our latest acquisition. So naturally, we are benefitted with these features significantly both in terms of productivity and efficiency,” said Nayak.

Prakash Offset was established by Nayak’s uncle, late K M Shanker Prabhu, to cater to its flourishing beedi business (beedi is a thin Indian cigarette filled with tobacco flake and wrapped in a specific leaf). Raghuveer, a chartered accountant by professions, joined his uncle’s printing business. In 1987 he invested in the Heidelberg MOV to start his association with Heidelberg and ten years later in 1997, he was joined by his cousin Anand Shankar Prabhu, and they continued to invest in new Heidelberg machines, making it an all-Heidelberg press.

“Heidelberg presses are work horses,” said Nayak. “Our excellent rapport with Heidelberg India is a great factor too. They constantly assess our growth needs and offer appropriate solutions at the right time.

With the Heidelberg SM 102 and XL 75, acquired in 2008, the company has the ability to enter the packaging segment too. “Yes, these machines can print on a variety of substrates of higher gsm stock and we would like to capatalise on that,” said Nayak when asked if they would at any time diversify into packaging.

With a workforce of 53 persons, Prakash Offset has gained the advantage of meeting future demands.