The print landscape in Puducherry is dynamic, said Muthu Kumaran, proprietor of the 19-year-old print firm. “We expect nothing less than a constant influx of unexpected challenges and opportunities. Every customer brings a unique demand, from intricate packaging designs to large-format displays, keeping our team on our toes, driving continuous innovation and improvement in our processes.”

He added, “The AccurioShine 3600 has enabled us to expand our service offerings and improve output quality.”

Puducherry's position as a tourist hub creates a steady demand for print services, benefiting businesses like Shiva Graphics. Lower operational costs compared to larger cities enhance profitability. The city's unique character allows for specialised print offerings, catering to tourists. Potential government incentives and an improved work-life balance for employees further contribute to the attractiveness of Puducherry as a location for a printing business.

To cater to the printing needs of Puducherry, Shiva Graphics has a production set-up including a Heidelberg two-colour offset press, Xerox V180 digital press, a large-format press - eco-solvent and solvent engines,  binders, cutting machine and laminators capable of handling a wide range of print jobs, accommodating paper stocks from 90-gsm to 400-gsm. “This comprehensive offering allows us to cater to diverse customer demands, from lightweight flyers to heavy-duty brochures,” said Kumaran.

The firm sets a daily target of 10,000 prints, aiming to achieve an average output of 7,000 to 8,000 prints per day. Proofing constitutes approximately 9% of the overall workflow. To guarantee accurate colour reproduction, Shiva Graphics employs precise colour management techniques. “While offset printing still accounts for 30% of the business, the digital print department, established to cater to the growing demand for quick turnaround and short-run jobs, now contributes to 70% of the revenue,” informed Kumaran.

While Shiva Graphics has established a strong foothold in the Puducherry market, it is not bereft of challenges. The limited industrial base in the region compared to larger cities like Chennai results in a relatively smaller pool of potential clients. Moreover, the seasonal nature of tourism can lead to fluctuations in demand. “To mitigate these challenges, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach. We actively engage in local community initiatives, participating in trade fairs and networking events to expand our reach. Additionally, a digital marketing strategy, including social media and online advertising, has been instrumental in attracting new customers.”

Shiva Graphics currently processes 1,60,000 prints per month but aims to triple this figure to 3,00,000 within five years. “This ambitious target necessitates strategic expansion, including the establishment of new branches and the integration of advanced technologies like the AccurioShine 3600,” said Kumaran, for whom, beyond the business, music is a passion, and laddu is a cherished office treat.

Kumaran signed off saying, his mantra is – print as unique as your thoughts. “It encapsulates our commitment to delivering exceptional and customised print solutions.”