Men behind the web offset machines: Satish Bajwa, chairman and managing director, Pressline

On choosing the right machine: Though most buyers go by word of mouth it is essential for a buyer to assess his requirement and benchmark manufacturers’ credentials and facilities. We have a substantial market share with large book printers/publishers and reputed newspapers. 
 

On standardisation: The standards to be set for the press is correct blanket setting and packing, to give that kiss impression between the cylinders, constant and correct nip pressure between all rubber rollers, end to end, balancing the PH in the fountain and overall lubrication. When the key consideration is good print quality and minimisation of waste, following good maintenance guidelines from the manufacturer can ensure cost reduction in consumables including newsprint.
 

On managing costs: Increasing cost has to be adjusted without a compromise on quality of inputs required for a robust machine. It would be pretence by anyone to state that a manufacturer absorbs the increasing cost. Rather in an economy, it is shared. An interesting analogy of this would be the low cover price of Indian newspapers to attract circulation is offset by heavy or combined advertisement rates. 
 

On future of newspapers: There are two primary reasons that prove that newspapers will continue to flourish in India: urban population of 40% which comprises over 40 year-olds who will not bend over a laptop; plus  the growing literacy rate. The future is certain for web machine manufacturers with the above factors as well as newspapers opting for multi-city or town editions for a wider reach, localised news coverage and the advantage of combined advertisement rates. Also, the massive economic drive, towards foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail industry by the government will see the rise of FMCGs which rely on good and large format colour reproduction in the print media to reach out to potential customers on a daily basis. Digital media will not suffice for bridging the visual impact that print media provides. This is evident in the innovative folding options along with gluing the large format advertisement as seen these days with the likes of Times of India, now front-paging FMCG advertisements. Others will follow suit.  
 

On the myth of cheap labour: The labour size has to be effective even if it may be still cheaper comparatively, and if automation is cost effective it has to be practiced. Example here would be our blanket washer, which plays a major role for long run editions in saving newsprint and consumable cost apart from minimising the environmental hazards.
 

On Ideal cut-off: Cut-off size should be reader friendly. Maximising the print area is critical with narrow gap cylinder, which is in demand these days.
 

On digital media: Mobiles and internet are not a threat in our society; as we live as composite families of all ages and interests. Both print and digital will continue to be used in a single family.

On 49% FDI in media: The outflow of funds may be detrimental if FDI in print media is allowed as it may interfere with the economy of interrelated services.
 

On hyper-local editions: Even a contract printer has to print on a web offset in local or hyper-local sites. This augments growth for manufacturer.