New office bearers appointed at SMPA

Hampered by power cuts, price hikes and labour trouble, SMPA has decided to put its best foot forward by taking various initiatives. Speaking to PrintWeek India, Marirajan, the newly appointed president said, “The abrupt hike in paper prices is our immediate and major concern. There has been a 20% hike in paper prices in last six month and the decision taken by the paper mills is with immediate effect in spite of them having stocks for six months.”

He further added that, “The delivery of the paper is always delayed by more than a month and this especially affects small scale printers and seasonal business like printing of notebooks and calendars.” SMPA plans to take up the issue with local dealers and represent the issue national paper mill association to on behalf of printers at Sivakasi.

In addition, SMPA has successfully launched MSE Cluster Development Programme and a Common Facility Center for printing industry. The project, which has been approved by Government of India and Government of Tamilnadu, will help the print fraternity by providing governmental financial support.

Also, SMPA'S Sivakasi Institute of Printing Technology offers students with a diploma degree in printing technology, also saw a change in the management. The institute boasts of equipped laboratories and provides training for the students at the member presses.

This article was originally published on 3 June, 2013