“It is a unique press with option print silver and white, apart from CMYK. We have the option to add gold, clear and pink in future. It helps us differentiate with competition and improve customer retention,” Karia said.

He said another notable feature of the machine is the XLS vacuum feeder. “With this now, we have the ability to print 13X47-inches at production speed and high accuracy. It has added further to our capability as a print service provider,” he said. “Xerox helps our operator with physical training, helps identify applications according to the market need and organises webinars periodically for developing hands-on approach. 

Established in 1984, and one of the oldest printers in Andheri (East) area and considered to be the pioneer in retail digital print in Mumbai, Allwyn has three locations in the locality and offers one-stop digital print solution provider, from pre- to post-press.

The products and services on offer include print-on-demand, brochures, visiting cards, booklets, books, finished products, flex printing, outdoor printing, canvas printing, cloth printing, digital photo lab, gift items, and any surface printing. 75% of the jobs come from walk-in customers.  

The company employs 50 people and produces 1,25,000 digital prints per month.

Stressing on the fact that decrease in margins due to higher input cost is one of the major challenges, Karia said another challenge is the downward trend of average selling price due to increase in digital print suppliers. “The challenge is to stand out, and yet, we cannot pass on the increased cost to our customer. Plus, the increased competition is putting pressure on revenues,” he said. “Differentiation is the key as four colour print is a commodity now, both to increase margins and increase our bouquet of offerings.”

He added the new investment has helped increase the company’s productivity, as the machine can print at 120-ppm without any drop in speed. The machine can print up to 400-gsm, 4+2 printing press with option to print six colours in one single pass with underlay and overlay option for special colours to mix and match for various metallic shades, powerful print server – Efi Fiery, which eases workflow. 

“So far, the machine has matched our expectations. We already have reached our pre-pandemic level in terms of volume, and are seeing traction for white applications. Our banner printing volume has also gone significantly due to the XLS vacuum feeder. Working on other applications, will see the addition of colour options like gold in future,” Karia said.

He said the company has a turnover of approximately Rs 5-crore and is looking to better its margins in the coming year as input cost remains a challenge and volumes showing signs of growth.