PrintPack 2025: Pinnacle Traxim signs a deal for the HP Indigo 6K

Sonipat-based Pinnacle Traxim has signed a deal to acquire the HP Indigo 6K in a bid to enhance short-run, high-quality label production. The company’s last investment in the label business was in January 2022, when it installed a Gallus Labelmaster 440 narrow-web flexo printing press.

Pinnacle currently runs three flexographic presses alongside its digital setup. The addition of the Indigo 6K is expected to improve productivity and attract customers requiring short-run jobs. The company primarily serves the pharmaceutical sector but has expanded into cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and other packaging applications. The new press will enable the production of in-mould labels (IML), shrink sleeves, and pouches.

"The need for short-run, high-quality jobs has grown significantly," said a Pinnacle spokesperson. "With this investment, we can cater to a broader customer base and meet the increasing demand for flexible printing solutions,” said Sandeep Juneja, plant head, Pinnacle Traxim, while talking to PrintWeek/WhatPackaging? at the TechNova stand, HP’s partner in India, which facilitated the deal.

Amit Khurana, CEO at TechNova, said his team has been working with Pinnacle for the last year and a half on how the company could benefit by bringing in the HP 6K digital press. “The discussion centred on short-run jobs and the potential to shift to digital printing. This would free up flexo machines for long and mid-run jobs, which led to this deal.” 

The label printing business, established by Surendra Kumar Juneja and Lalit Kumar Gulati in 2008, is managed by members of the Juneja family.

"We were facing challenges printing on certain substrates, particularly for short-run shrink sleeve jobs," Juneja explained. "Previously, these jobs were only feasible with flexographic technology. The Indigo 6K overcomes those limitations. Its seven-colour capability sets it apart from the market."

Pinnacle operates primarily in northern India but plans to expand to the western region. The expansion is intended to increase capacity rather than diversify into new product categories. The company remains committed to flexible packaging and does not plan to enter the carton segment.

Although there are no immediate plans for further HP purchases, Pinnacle is considering a 200K model in the future. “The move to the Indigo 6K is part of a broader transition from flexographic and toner-based printing to liquid electrophotography. Digital technology is viewed as a means to enhance efficiency, particularly in short-run production,” said A Appadurai, country business manager - Indigo and inkjet business solutions at HP.

Sustainability was also a key factor in the investment decision. "Digital printing minimises waste by reducing minimum order quantities and enabling just-in-time production," Appadurai said while explaining the benefits. "Shorter product life cycles in pharmaceuticals and FMCG make flexibility crucial. With frequent product updates and regulatory changes, brands need packaging solutions that prevent stockpiling obsolete materials."

Pinnacle reported 10-15% growth in the past year and expects further expansion in 2025, with the Indigo 6K playing a role in achieving its projected 25% growth rate. The ability to efficiently handle smaller print runs is expected to attract new customers, including startups and niche brands. "While flexographic printing remains cost-effective for high-volume runs, digital is increasingly viable for shorter jobs," Juneja said.

Appadurai added, "The shift towards shorter runs and more variations in packaging has made digital printing an attractive alternative. Brands looking to reduce inventory costs and respond quickly to market changes are driving digital adoption."

Pinnacle is also enhancing post-press capabilities. It currently operates offline die-cutting and sheeting machines and plans to introduce rotary flexographic equipment for inline finishing. “This will streamline production and improve efficiency for both long and short-run jobs,” said Juneja.

The decision to invest in digital printing aligns with Pinnacle’s growth strategy, and the Indigo 6K is expected to be integral to the company’s expansion. "This investment reinforces our commitment to offering a broader range of print solutions while maintaining operational efficiency," Juneja concluded.