SIGN X ENTERPRISES (Bhopal)

Ajay Choubey and Raju Moolchandani

Sign X Enterprises is attuned to a peculiar eminence: an introducer of new printers/technology in Bhopal’s signage sector. “Our aim is to present the latest service or products to our customers in the region. It gives us the notion that we try to bring the industry of Madhya Pradesh to a new level,” says Ajay Choubey, partner, Sign X Enterprises. Of couse everyone in the industry considers this signage major a dock for new arrivals.

First DGI VT-92 printer in Madhya Pradesh was installed at Sign X Enterprises in the year 2003. “It was during the last three elections, Lok Shabha, Vidhan Sabha and Panchayat that were held simultaneously in Bhopal, we could capture a new opportunity which in turn pumped up our infrastructure with a new 10-ft Nutek, Mutoh Toucan and Mutoh Osprey printers,” mentions Ajay. And the current portfolio at the company’s state-of-the-art multi-storey facility comprises two latest high-end printers: Roland SP 540 V and Mimaki UJB 160 that make the line perfect to meet all sorts of demands from their customers. “Today, we’re fit to invite those looking for 20,000-25,000 sq ft print a day,” declares Ajay.

Having been associated and looking ahead to rope in with more applications, companies in Sign X Enterprises’ client list are Seagram, Smirnoff, UB Groups (liquor), Samsung, Onida (electronics), Airtel, Reliance (telecom) and agencies of Madhya Pradesh Government in public sector. Others from miscellaneous industrial sectors include SBI in banking and Sun TV, Dish TV in satellite television. “UNICEF is also one of the big customers for whom we work for their popular campaigns like pulse polio, iodine awareness etc,” mentions Ajay.

The company’s big achievements so far include the launch of Vodafone across Bhopal. Eight months from today, Sign X Enterprises is planning to hit a new ground: UV printing. “I expect Bhopal in near future will bring in new prospects in indoor (in-store) parameters. With the entry of multiplex cinemas and big malls, we can see the prospect of UV technology,” says Raju Moolchandani, partner, Sign X Enterprises adding that they will invest for the next

level technology after proper evaluation of the market.



FLEX INDIA (Bhopal)

Shailendra Chauhan

This company equipped with high-end printers, such as 10 feet Infinity and two Colorjet with Spectra printheads delights in business with up-market clients. Established in 2002, Flex India is a known fraternity in the signage market of Madhya Pradesh and a print provider to a range of clients from the industrial segments like banking and telecom. Tata Indicom, Bank of Baroda, SBI, Union Bank, HPCL, etc are some leading names in the company’s client list.

In addition to printing, Flex India offers fabrication job for hoarding and other signage materials. “In fabrication part, we generally work for leading petroleum companies,” reveals Shailendra Chauhan. He also mentions that they supply glow signs, not composite parts, to various petrol pumps across Madhya Pradesh.

A number of leading advertising agencies are in close association with the company and works of various corporates are executed through the agencies. “Maheswari Advertising, Bhopal is one of the agencies whose outdoor hoardings are seen all over Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh and we’ve tied up with the company on a long term basis,” mentions Shailendra adding that other well-known ad agencies for whom Flex India provides prints include Lintas, O&M, Trikaya Grey Advertising, etc.

Flex India plans to go for UV printing in future. “It’s our aim to first install an entry-level UV flatbed printer either from Mimaki or Roland for a test drive. Bhopal is now growing with possibility to construct big shopping malls, hypermarkets and cineplexes,” opines Shailendra adding that UV printing will offer new opportunity in the domain of indoor displays/publicity.



ZERO GRAPHICS (Indore)
Journey of success continues

Sudhir Jain

Recalling the past that shaped Zero Graphics—a leading heavyweight in Indore’s outdoor segment—will be a striking story to impress even a scriptwriter. On September 18, 1996 a group of young artists gathered in a small room for a discussion over a business to unfold. They wanted to do something new that could sprout a new trend in the city’s signage market. In the group was Sudhir Jain who led the team that eventually formed Zero Graphics engaging in screen-printing activity with outstanding capacity. “We continued working only through agencies until 2000 but entered into the direct market thereafter to start large-format printing of cloth banners, sun packs and sun boards, everything manually in our small facility,” tells Sudhir Jain, CEO, Zero Graphics.

Shined like the Pole Star in screen-printing domain all over Indore, Zero Graphics had perfect reasons for being popular in the market. Amid high market competition, the company’s recognition spread like wild fire all over Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh. It was their commitments, service and most importantly the execution that worked great. “Still our impression of multi-colour screen printing on cloth exists in the market and hopefully nobody in the region could produce 7000 banners a day,” says Sudhir proudly.

In the year 2000, Zero Graphics installed the region’s first UV screen-printing machine, a vital element behind their growth. Large-format 3x2 screen-printing machines from Unitech and Umrao Systems formed the machine portfolio at the company’s facility, which is now a complete production unit with a line of high-end flex printers. “We flagged off our journey into flex printing last year with the installation of a Gongjheng printer,” explains Sudhir adding that their recent entry into flex zone doesn’t mean that the company is a stranger in the segment. “We’ve been serving many clients whose jobs were being outsourced by us. Then we finally opened a new facility in December 2008 equipped with an eco-solvent HP Designjet 8000 printer,” mentions Sudhir. Since demands from all industrial segments increased substantially, the company sought help from HP to upgrade their production capacity. On November 15, 2009 Zero Graphics installed HP Scitex XP5300 and another HP Scitex FB950 is also planned to add soon.

Today the strength of the company lies in the combination of screen and digital process. All telecom giants like Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, Tata Docomo, BSNL, etc form Zero Graphics’ client list which also includes other corporate leaders like LG, Sony and big ad agencies operating across the region. In addition, leading liquor companies are also included in the list where Dettol, Mortein and Harpic exclusively go for UV printing for their in-shop displays.

Zero Graphics has highly professional team that makes the company move fast forward.



NAVIN DIGITECH PVT LTD (Indore)
On a new track

Jagdish Wadhwani with his wife Jyoti

Abig boss in Indore’s printing fraternity, Navin Digitech Pvt Ltd is a 27 years old company vastly popular for manual typewriting and photocopying. But a new feather in its cap, Navin Digitech today has become a printer that offers A-Z of printing including digital flex.

The company owns two DGI printers (Megajet and Polajet) with Spectra printheads. In-shop materials are major works Navin Digitech delivers using two HP printers: HP 6100 and HP 5500. “Maximum number of customers come from a mixed crowd of upmarket retail sector,” says Jagdish Wadhwani, proprietor, Navin Digitech Pvt Ltd. The company’s unique aim is to deliver the best and concrete product that can fulfil their clients to the fullest.



AJAY TRADING CO (Bhopal)
Mix of offerings

Ajay Choubey

A total recall of who initiated Bhopal’s signage segment will bring the early days of Ajay Trading Co, established in 1987 as a signage maker using cut-and-paste vinyl. It was when the industry was not fully attuned to the call of flex printing. “We used polycarbonate and acrylic sheets to make signage of all types,” recollects Ajay. He further explains that acrylic cutter moulded everything and embossed on boards in which it took 3-4 days to finish a 3x10 feet signage board. This was how Ajay Trading had brought up themselves in the industry.

Trend of new products and technology has transformed the business with Ajay Trading Co as the company began to trade polycarbonate sheets and flex media. After gaining a new business impetus in flex domain, the company opened its branch in Jaipur to distribute Technobase brand imported from China which is compatible with Mutoh and all range of Chinese printers available in India.

Ajay Trading’s flex volume is around 4-5 containers a month, distributed by its branches. In addition to the flex range of 200-300 gsm are acrylic sheets, radium, reflective, PVC forex sheets, etc in the product line. “Ajay Trading is not simply a vendor but also acts as a guide to customers for whom we provide consultation to select right kind of substrate for different applications,” says Ajay.

Rishika Enterprises is a division of Ajay Trading to operate router cutting. Equipped with a high-end router cutter from Mehta Cad Cam Systems, the division extensively works for companies like Tata Sky, TVS, etc. LED signage, which is now at entry level, is also one of the main activities at Rishika Enterprises. “LED materials are imported from China but this activity is under trial as it may take some time to get on full growth because this sector in Madhya Pradesh is still in the initial stage,” comments Ajay concluding that Rishika Enterprises believes in educating the market about the technologies, advantages, prospects and etc, etc.



FLeX IMPACT (Bhopal)
Growing to take a new turn

Ajay Galgate

The New Year Day of 1988 was not simply the first day of the year but also an opening chapter of a printer under the name Art Line engaged largely in business of screen printing, offset and graphic designing. Slowly and steadily, the company grew to take a big turn in their business as they branched out flex printing unit by adopting DGI and Mutoh Tucan printers which in turn transformed the company and changed its name into Flex Impact.

Today, everyone in Bhopal’s signage segment recognises Flex Impact for its gamut of works for prominent clients like Reliance, SBI, Dainik Bhaskar and others. “Some of our main customers like Hindustan Petroleum and LIC have been associated for a long time under annual contracts,” says Ajay Galgate, proprietor, Flex Impact.

The company’s expansion plan includes a lead towards indoor sector to catch up potentials being seen as Bhopal is set to launch 4-5 new shopping malls soon. To update the existing infrastructure, Flex Impact is in search of a high-resolution printer of 1440 dpi. As of now, the company’s clients are predominantly from financial institutes, professional colleges and insurance companies. Sooner or later, the list will be getting increased with new clientele from in-store sector.



BALAJI corp (Bhopal)
Adding their bit of co-operation

Triloki Agarwal

The general saying, “First impression is a last impression” proves well while one visits Balaji’s facility as their reception area displays sample works in a much professional manner. This company engaged in a variety of printed materials is also known for creating stunning wide-format banners. “In addition to a bunch of corporate works executed via agencies, we directly work for a range of companies from different sectors,” says Triloki Agarwal, proprietor, Balaji Corporation. A team of designers at Balaji deliver significantly good artworks for quite a few event management companies they have been associated.

Kick started with a ColorJet and Ghongzheng printers two years back, Balaji Corporation’s production facility continues to update as per the market demands from time to time. Their facility has recently upgraded with a new HP5500 inkjet printer to formulate new standards in quality and volumes of production.

Dealing in media and inks is yet another business activity at Balaji Corporation which distributes X-Print flex and Aqua Tint inks in and around Bhopal. “We keep both backlit and frontlit media from X-Print and our plan is to increase the range soon,” comments Triloki. He mentions that the signage market of Bhopal is catching up with new prospects and Balaji wishes to keep a pace with it by investing into new technologies.



VARSHNEY PAPER MART (Bhopal)
With shelves full of materials

Vaibhav Varshney with his father Nagendra Kumar Varshney

Vaibhav Varshney, proprietor of Varshney Paper Mart once had an apprehension about Bhopal being small to run flex distribution business. “Just to test climate of the market, I procured some materials from Delhi market and offered to local printers for trails,” says Vaibhav. It was a big surprise as those printers signalled positively to continue the operations in bigger volume. It was Pioneer that offered Vaibhav the authorised dealership in Bhopal. “In the same time Olympics brand from China was also sold successfully and I had to compete courageously,” says Vaibhav admitting his early struggle towards establishing a new business.

Varshney Paper Mart, a known paper shop in Bhopal, is eventually expanded as a leading flex media house supplying an array of brands from Aditya. “Volume of flex business got bigger during Lok Sabha Elections in June 2009. We even imported two containers directly from China and supplied to all areas including Mahakaushal region that covers Bhopal, Jabalapur and Nagpur. In addition to a range of media, such as backlit, frontlit, vinyl etc., Varshney Paper Mart is a variety store for other items like machine parts and inks. Nutek inks, Blackjet, Titan, Saven are the ink brands available at Varshney Paper Mart.

“Bhopal’s signage market is quite in a young stage in compared to that of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. There is a need for the involvement of more corporate players. As of now, public sector is the main segment to churn out business and major activities take place only when political events happen around the city,” comments Vaibhav mentioning further that the product like standy is of no use in Bhopal because the city has not yet developed with big shopping malls or cineplexes. Pointing out volume of sales, Vaibhav reveals that 95 percent of media in demand across Bhopal is frontlit and rest are the mix.

Flex brands of 260-340 gsm and 100-120 micron vinyl films from Aditya are currently shelved at Varshney Paper Mart. Foreseeing what the future holds, Vaibhav mentions that the 260 gsm frontlit media will stay for a while. He concludes that backlit will find a new business path in the market.



SHRIJI ADVERTISING AGENCY (Bhopal)
Delivering the best

Shriji Advertisign Agency

Just a few companies having the state-of-the-art facilities in Bhopal could work with corporate players whose presence in the city’s signage market is still not sufficient. Shriji Advertising Agency is one such major in the league of those catering works to corporate leaders in and around the city. “You must make yourself fit to work for heavyweight clients,” explains Brajendra Gupta, proprietor, while talking about the company’s stance to deliver the best in Bhopal.

Vutek Ultra Vu 3360 EC, Multijet PG 3212E, Caldron and Nutek printers with XAAR printheads are currently in the company facility, which was unveiled in 2003 merely by installing a 10-ft DGI machine from Apsom Technologies. Adding a new 10-ft Nutek printer in the same year, Shriji got matured sooner than expected when the company developed its infrastructure to meet the demands coming from corporate giants.

“It’s the question of how capable you are when it comes to catering best outputs for corporate clients,” comments Brajendra. He mentions that it’s the machine portfolio that can line up big companies at your gateway. “When we first approached Reliance Telecommunication, whose works were being executed at Ahmedabad, it was mandatory for us to upgrade machine portfolio to avail the opportunity,” says Brajendra adding that Vutek Ultra Vu 3360 was an answer to it. Arrival of Tata Docomo was an additional inculcation to Shriji Advertising to magnify its production power. To meet demands from every angle, the company has set up its own fabrication unit for glow signboards, flex boards, canopies and scrollers.

Corporate players in Shriji’s client list are every single player from telecom sector, namely Idea, Vodafone, BSNL and others. “We have done the recent launch campaigns for Tata Docomo and Vodafone across the region,” says Brajendra. Above all, public sector occupies major portion of Shriji’s clientele as the company is in sole association with Public Relation Department (Jan Sampark) of Bhopal.

Where does Shriji want to make its next move? It’s nowhere but the UV flatbed domain in a superior way because this will be the next-level development. “For us, the market is not ready to go for UV printing in full swing. Currently what we do is pasting on sun boards after getting printed on vinyl to fill up the gap of UV flatbed printing,” reveals Brajendra. Well, it is wait and watch for Shriji Advertising and see what they will bring to the signage industry of Bhopal.



KANIKA DIGITAL PRINTS PVT LTD (Indore)
Crossing state borders

Amit Jain

An outdoor advertising agency that involves in 360-degree communication business, Kanika Digital is home to all types of printing and related activities. Multifaceted status of the company can be characterised as a creative agency, offset printers, outdoor hoarding provider and digital printing as well. Stressing on the company’s journey into the world of wide-format digital printing in 2006, Amit Jain, proprietor, Kanika Digital Prints Pvt Ltd says, “We opened our wide-format with a Vutek Ultra UV II 3360 FC, which was the first-of-its-kind printer in all over central Indian region. In the very next year, the company’s infrastructure boosted to an unmatched level following the addition of Grandjet and HP Designjet 5500 printers. Further the portfolio update continued with new HP Scitex Grandjet and Mimaki JV 5 eco-solvent printers in the successive year.

Marking its broader presence to handle a new horde of cross border clients beyond Madhya Pradesh, Kanika Digital recently opened its new production unit in Goregaon, Mumbai equipped with two Vutek Utra II 3360 FC printers, an HP XLJet and a Mimaki JV5 printer.

Commenting on the company’s future plans, Amit confidently says that UV technology will bring next level boom for the company. “We have already ordered machines from a high-end company and everything will be settled for installation soon,” he adds. Recognised for their big achievements in different industrial segments, Kanika Digital is the printer behind the launch of Tata Docomo across the city of Indore. “We were closely involved in Reliance launch too and specifically inaugural campaigns at Central Mall, a key shopping spot in Indore city,” remarks Amit adding that the most challenging part was that their team completed the entire work in two days.

Next move of the company is the opening of its third production branch in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Planning to unveil in May-June 2010, this new unit is an attempt to capture a new momentum of business in the region.



PERFECT SCAN (Indore)
Small is beautiful

Prakash Upadhyay

Roping in a good number of clients in the gradually developing signage sector of Indore city, Perfect Scan makes a healthy business over a period of seven years since its inception. The company installed a DGI printer and added a new 10-ft Yaslan printer within another six months. But it was not the end as just after running three successful years, the portfolio updated with a new Roland Soljet Pro III XJ-740 printer. “A pinch of variety, our facility has A3 size Xerox machine for short run jobs,” asserts Prakash Upadhyay, proprietor, Perfect Scan.

Coca Cola, Lux Hosiery (Kolkata), Titan, Reliance, Eicher and others from different industries have been rushing in to Perfect Scan, which caters not only print but also complete signage solutions. “For Coca Cola, we have done signage installations in entire Madhya Pradesh,” mentions Prakash adding that other regions like Raipur are also covered in the company’s installation projects. Ahmedabad and Baroda are yet other cities, Perfect Scan reaches clients through its branches.

By and large, Perfect Scan has also been involved with a range of installations in petrol pumps across Madhya Pradesh. The company has tied up with leading agencies in Indore, such as Rag, Focus, Deepak Advertising, etc and fruitfully instrumental in developing new jobs to a greater extent.



IMPACT ADVERTISING (Indore)
Eying for router/engraver

Sunil Kumar

Ten years ago Impact Advertising was unveiled with a Graphtec vinyl cutting and fabrication machine. Pacing in tune with the new market trends, the company switched over to printing business with the installation of an array of high-end printers–DGI, Mimaki, Yaslan, HP XLJet and HP XL1500–to deliver a complete signage solution.

By and large, like other players in the industry, telecom sector is the area where Impact Advertising has minted a good business. Idea, Vodafone, Tata Docomo, Reliance, Nokia, etc are some major clients the company have been associated since its entry into flex domain. Right from acrylic, digital printing up to fabrication works, Impact Advertising has benchmarked a signage solution, which is planned to add router cutting and engraving machines soon.

Served for both small and medium clients as well as corporate giants, Impact Advertising utilises HP XL1500 printer to get into the in-store segment and Yaslan printer in their facility for miscellaneous works at local level. “We have set up a separate unit for corporate jobs wherein HP XL1500 is installed,” says Sunil Kumar, director, Impact Adverting.

Impact Advertising has been observing the market pulse of Indore and found gradual increase in mall culture, corporate showrooms all over the city that would tender a new business opportunity in the in-store segment. “With our plans for router cutting and laser engraving machines, UV printer is also a priority to cater the indoor signage sector,” says Sunil adding that UV technology is not in full stage in the region but is desirable to make inroads offering newer advantages and options to develop new business.



SHANTI ENTERPRISES (Indore)
A house of flex

S N Bansal

The company was a small business firm established in 1987 involved with main activity in acrylic sheets getting from Mumbai and Delhi. Then becoming a manufacturer themselves and entering into exports business, Shanti Enterprises has been following the new trends in the region’s signage market. When flex printing hit the industry in a mass scale, they installed a five-feet DGI printer in 2002. In addition to printing, they initiated distributorship of flex media imported from China.

Today, Shanti Enterprises is an authorised dealer of Star Flex, Onex and X-Print brands. The company’s product line also includes LG vinyl and it caters to around 80-90 printers around Indore and other satellites towns, namely Khanwa, Bhopal, Ujjain, Buranpur and Narda. “The brands that circulate dominantly in and around Indore are X-sprint, Onex and Pioneer,” opines S N Bansal, proprietor, Shanti Enterprises adding that the rest of the market is filled by Chinese brands.