PrintPack 2025: Provin launches new roller rubber plant

The event, marked by optimism, highlighted the partnership’s commitment to delivering high-quality industrial rollers to the rapidly growing Indian printing industry. The joint venture aims to address the significant gap in the market for premium rollers, leveraging Katsura’s 125 years of expertise and Provin Technos’ deep understanding of the Indian market.

Vinay Kaushal, managing director of Provin Technos, on the remarkable growth of the Indian printing industry, which has surpassed global expectations. “Last year was a stellar year for our company, including record installations of high-end digital presses (nine RMGT presses and three Miyakashi product lines),” said Kaushal. He emphasised that the joint venture with Katsura Japan was the culmination of eight years of meticulous market research and preparation. “Today, we are proud to announce that our plant is operational, and shipments to customers have already begun,” he added.

Kaushal said that despite the country having approximately 200 rubber roller manufacturers, only one company currently delivers rollers that meet high-quality standards. This gap has led to widespread issues in the printing process, including uneven surfaces, run-out, and incorrect hardness, which result in problems such as streaking, poor ink transfer, and increased operational costs. "

The Indian market sees 16,00,000 rollers of all sizes worth Rs 1,626-crore sold annually. The average life of rollers, depending on the quality, ranges from three months to two years. “The demand for high-quality rollers is immense, but the supply is limited. This joint venture aims to bridge that gap,” explained Kaushal. He further elaborated on the benefits of using good rollers vis-a-vis the higher cost of such rollers. “Cost-benefit, plus the intangible benefits, are much bigger. If your cost of quality rollers is even five times, still it is viable.”

Yashuiro Katsura, president of Katsura Japan, took the stage to share his vision for the partnership. “India is an incredible country with a rich culture and a dynamic economy. The printing market here is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and it aligns perfectly with our mission to advance printing technology globally,” he said. Katsura highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and quality. "We are dedicated to producing the best rollers out there. Our customers’ success depends on the performance of our products, and we are constantly innovating to set new industry standards.”

The manufacturing process at the new facility is a testament to the partnership’s commitment to quality. The rollers will be produced in a 12,000 sqft site with a total of 17,000 sqft production area, using a meticulous process that includes compound mixing, vulcanisation, and grinding. Each step will be carefully monitored to ensure the highest standards are met. “It takes 10 to 12 days to produce a single roller,” said Kaushal. “Rushing the process compromises quality, so we adhere strictly to the necessary cooling times and quality checks.” The facility is equipped with technology, and the compound used in the rollers will be imported directly from Japan.

The event also shed light on the challenges faced by the Indian printing industry. Poor factory environments, limited environmental awareness, and inconsistent quality standards have hindered the production of high-quality rollers. “Many packaging companies are now demanding higher standards, but the current supply of rollers falls short,” said Kaushal. He compared the situation to driving a Mercedes with subpar tyres, emphasising rollers' critical role in the printing process. “Good quality rollers are essential for achieving superior print quality, reducing setup times, and lowering maintenance costs,” he added.

The joint venture is poised to set new benchmarks in the Indian printing industry. By combining Katsura’s technical expertise with Provin Technos’ market knowledge, the partnership aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions that exceed customer expectations. “We are confident that this collaboration will not only meet but also set new standards in the industry,” said Katsura. “Together, we will embark on a growth, innovation, and success journey.”