A glimpse of Ludhiana & Amritsar signage players
Punjab boasts of a vibrant signage market, which is home to a host of signage players and experts whose state-of-the-art production facilities are well equipped with advanced printers and machines. The traveling bandwagon of Sign & Graphics roams around two key cities in the state, Ludhiana & Amritsar, meeting with a handful of popular signage players. Some of them work for big projects all over Punjab and beyond. Jyaneswar Laishram reports who these players are, how they work and what they deliver.
Basant Arts (Ludhiana)
A household name
Basant Arts is a household name in the signage market of Punjab. Everybody knows the company for its innovative works and legacy it maintains for years. A brainchild of signage veteran Basant Kumar, who is an artist and professional sign maker, Basant Arts has a history of more than 40 years in the industry, widely acknowledged for their landmark projects accomplished for top-notch corporate biggies in and around the region. Today, at the helm of Basant Arts are two sons of Basant Kumar—Anu Basant and Ashu Basant.
The production facility of Basant Kumar is well equipped with a line of back-to-back printers and a range of advanced machines. “We have installed a complete range of printing machines and finishing equipments in our facility for producing all sorts of signage,” says Ashu Basant, Director, Basant Arts. He adds that their focus is on channel letters. That’s why the company’s production facility has been recently upgraded with three brand new Dobosen channel letter bending machines, which are directly imported from China.
In the clientele of Basant Arts are big corporate clients whose projects are dotted with unique attraction across the region. Ashu mentions Coca-Cola is one of their clients for which they have completed quite a number of remarkable projects. “We involved in branding of the beverage company’s Hoshiapur manufacturing plant. The applications consisted of acrylic cut-outs, graphics on canvas and fabric,” he adds. Basant Arts has also involved in branding of more than 40 MI stores all over Punjab. The job consisted of creating shop-front fascias as well as acrylic graphics for racks and 2×2 logos implemented inside the stores. Further in the list are 150 EasyDay and 5 Lifestyle stores across Punjab, Himachal and J&K.
Poly Plast Corporation (Amritsar)
A quality provider
Over the last two decades, Poly Plast Corporation has been a leading sign maker and PSP in Amritsar. The company has a well-equipped state-of-the-art production set-up where installed a line of advanced machines, including UV flatbed and roll-to-roll printers, CNC router, laser engravers—all from Kartar Corp. “Our UV flatbed printer is of 10×6 ft, which is perfect to meet the demand for larger than life graphics from our clients,” mentions Harvinder Singh from Poly Plast Corporation. He adds that they could meet instant demand for any laser-engraved signage or display items as their facility is equipped with two laser engravers (8×4 ft and 3×4 ft).
Poly Plast Corporation is a trusted sign maker for their customers. They are trustful for efficiency in products and services they offer. “We believe in quality. Most of our customers are long-term partners who are satisfied with the quality we offer and they come to us repeatedly for projects of all kinds,” shares Harvinder. The mention of some key customers of Poly Plast Corporation will include ADS Spirit from the liquor sector, Wave Beverage (Coke) from the soft drink segment and MI from the telecom industry.
“We are proud to say that we have a strong team of professional sign makers. The team consists of well-experienced designers who could convert dreams and ideas of customers into graphics,” says Harvinder, adding that it’s important to have an absolute team for handling signage projects that stand out in the crowd. Poly Plast Corporation executes signage projects for big corporate companies based in all cities and towns of Punjab.
EKAM Signage (Amritsar)
A 3D-letter expert
A unit of Ekam Traders, Ekam Signage is an expert in 3D-letter sign making. This signage company, located in the C-Block Market at Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar, is a small and compact sign making corner where manufactured outstanding range of letter signs. The portfolio includes 3D letters, LED boards, brass/steel/acrylic letters, solid letters, liquid acrylic letters, channel letters, plates and others. “We are quite young in the market. It’s been just six years in the industry. I would say we are exploring new verticals for further expansion,” informs Jaspreet Singh of EKAM Signage. He adds that their earlier activities involved only in name-plate making, which was done manually.
Being an expert of 3D-letter signs, EKAM Signage has a state-of-the-art production facility, which is equipped with a line of versatile and advanced machines, including a GCC laser engraver (from Angel India Cad Cam), a 4 ft Graphtech cutting plotter (from Keith Electronics), a Kartar Corp UV roll-to-roll printer and others. “We manufacture both indoor and outdoor sign systems. Our client list includes a number of luxury hotels in Punjab. For them we have made name plates and modular directional signs,” mentions Jaspreet.
Some of the hotels in the client list of EKAM Signage include Taj Group, Lemon Tree, Treebo Trend, ITC Group and others. The creative team of the company consists of six sign making professionals. “For some projects, we hire third party installers,” says Jaspreet. When asked about their next plan to adopt new machine or technology, he mentions that they are planning to expand their neon LED making to a new level.
Nav Traders/BM Media (Ludhiana)
A source of complete consumables
Nav Traders, a leading supplier of a wide range of media and inks under BM Media, is an authentic source of consumables for wide-format printing. With its head office in Ludhiana, the company has two other branches located in Chandigarh and Bathinda, with a network of dealers across the country. “Through our wide network of dealers we are able to present in all major cities and towns of the country. Delhi, Mumbai, Telangana, Kerala… you just name a place, our dealers are there,” says Viney Jain of Nav Traders/BM Media.
Incepted in the year 1992, engaging in mere job works (printing), Nav Traders has come a long way to become what they are today. “In the year 2004, we started working as a distributor of Redsail cutting plotters. In the following year, we added media and inks to our product line,” mentions Viney, adding that Inifiniti SK4 inks are key products in the portfolio. Later on, the portfolio expanded with the addition of new products such as Sun Fabric, Pioneers media. our product line,” mentions Viney, adding that Inifiniti SK4 inks are key products in the portfolio. Later on, the portfolio expanded with the addition of new products such as Sun Fabric, Pioneers media.
“As on today, our product portfolio is a complete range that consists of printheads we directly import from the manufacturers. The brands are Konica Minolta, Spectra, EPSON and others,” says Viney. The clientele of Nav Traders include some of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of digital large-format printers, such as VK Enterprises, Daksh Enterprises, Aaple Jet, etc. Viney conclusively mentions that they are now focusing on expanding their line of printable fabrics and other eco-friendly products.
God Signage (Ludhiana)
A house of LED moving displays
Just about few years ago, like any other traditional signage shop, God Signage was extensively engaged in flex printing for conventional signage applications. Today, the company is no longer in this tradition. “In 2018, we winded up our flex printing activity and switched to supplying LED-based signage solutions, which include LED moving screens, outdoor video walls and signage LCDs,” shares Jaspal Singh of God Signage. The LCDs are designed with touch screen and non-touch screen operations. As per the choice and requirement of customers, God Sign offers LED screens of single, seven and multiple colours.
‘Go Digital for a Smarter Tomorrow’— this is the slogan of God Signage. With this slogan, Jaspal says they are venturing into a new landscape of signage, which is innovative, environment friendly and futuristic. “For the convenience of our customers, we have opened our showroom in Jammu Colony in Ludhiana, where most of our products are on display along with some samples,” he mentions. He adds that the showroom is first-of-its-kind in the city.
In a short span of its venture into the digital signage world, God Signage has partnered with a handful of big corporate clients, viz. Burger King, McDonald’s, Avon Cycles and others. “We maintain quality in every product we develop. All LED boards we supply to our customers are with one year warrantee,” says Jaspal. He comments that the prospect of digital signage is now gaining new momentum. God Sign, according to him, is looking forward to upgrading its product portfolio with innovations in LED-based signage displays as well other technologies that will bring a new paradigm shift.
Sonu Graphics (Amritsar)
A tradition in sign making
Before the year 2007, Sonu Graphics was known as Sonu Painters, because it was a painting shop run by Ravinder Singh, a commercial painter. He painted portraits and posters with a group of painters. “When the advent of digital large-format printers had brought a new revolution in poster making around one and a half decades ago, we decided to adopt the technology to start a new venture. Then we discontinued our old art of sign making. However, our tradition of sign making in still in our blood,” says Ravinder Singh of Sonu Graphics. Today the company has a team of eight sign-making professionals, among which two are graphic designers.
On the inception of Sonu Graphics, Ravinder recalls that they opened their wide-format printing facility in 2007 with an Edgeprint printer. In the following year, it was upgraded with a Kartar Corp CNC router. “In the year 2010, we shifted our production facility from Pulti Ghar to Indira Palace Road. Between 2010 and 2015, we invested in a new line of machines, comprising a Mehta CNC router (8x4ft), a Mehta laser engraver, a Mimaki CJV150-160B print & cut machine, an Edgeprint (with KM512 printhead) and an Edgeprint laminator,” mentions Ravinder.
Sonu Graphics works for some big customers in the hospitality industry. Lemon Tree, Ramada and Treebo Trend are three major clients (hotels) of Sonu Graphics. “Apart from big corporate players, we have a chunk of regular local customers including departmental stores and sweets shops in our client list. We accept walk-in customers as well,” mentions Ravinder. He adds that they work for customers based in other parts of Punjab, beyond Amritsar, such as Pathankot and Patiala. Even some are based in Himachal Pradesh. Ravinder says that the production facility of Sonu Graphics will equip with an UV printer soon.
Rajhans (Amritsar)
A special graphic arts expert
Rajhans, which is also commonly known as Rajhans Foto Cente, is one of the leading PSPs in Punjab. “We used to run a photo lab around a decade ago. In the year 2008, we started the digital large-format printing business with the installation of an Edgeprint printer with Konica Minolta 512 printhead. “Our team consists of well-experienced graphic designers and professional photographers. People come to us for special graphic arts, designing and photography—these are our fields of expertise,” says JS Karwal.
The production facility of Rajhans is equipped with a couple of Edgeprint printers and Roland VersaEXPRESS RF-640 eco-silvent . “We work for our customers mainly in three cities of Punjab—Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Our clientele is a mix of some corporate customers and local companies,” informs Karwal. He mentions Gujarat Gas, Inox and Punjab National Bank as their three major clients which have been partnered with them for more than seven years. Rajhans has a creative team of sixteen professionals. As per requirement, they hire sign fabricators and installers when it comes to handling projects outside Amritsar. “Apart from the big companies, we have a number of medical stores, shops, etc in our client list. We are also engaged in production of prints for poll campaigns for some political parties,” says Karwal, adding that they have also recently started working in wallpaper installation and branding projects in some corporate offices in Amritsar. The next step plan of Rajhans is to adopt a new and advanced eco-solvent printer.
Kar Nikhar (Ludhiana)
A specialist in interior décors
Ludhiana-based Kar Nikhar is one of the premium signage firms in the region with expertise in interior decors. Paramjit Singh of Kar Nikhar says their works primarily involve with router-cut signage and displays. “We are expertise in stainless steel letters. We make steel letters of diverse thicknesses. These items are best for making brands stand out and installations could take place virtually on any surface,” says Paramjit. He adds that they are also expertise in making translite frames.
The production facility of Kar Nikhar is equipped with a line of advanced printers and machines, such as EPSON SC B6070, Roland VS 640i print & cut eco-solvent printer, Redsail cutting plotter, Senfeng laser cutter, Mehta CNC router, Mehta laser engraver (4x8ft), Titan fiber metal cutter and others. “We do grilling of stainless steel gates for customers based in almost all cities and towns of Punjab. Our clientele consists of some vendors and agencies. We closely tie-up with them for works and projects they mediate. That’s why we are open to say that we don’t directly deal with end-customers.
Most of the clients of Kar Nikhar are from hospitality sector. “We have completed quite a number of interior decor projects for hotels and corporate buildings in many parts of Punjab,” informs Paramjit. He mentions that there is tendency of letter signs to gain a new momentum of growth in near future. “Now that the industry is moving towards environmental-friendly signage solutions, letter sign will absolutely be one of the alternatives. This sign system is suitable for shop-fronts and fascias,” comments Paramjit. Kar Nikhar is planning to upgrade its production facility with some advanced cut letter making machines.
JD Creations (Ludhiana)
A creation of creativity
What it takes as vital element in brand promotion is an innovative signage. In this, JD Creations is creator of brand promotional sign systems, which are innovative and involving. This signage company is known for its customised sign systems that stand out unique amid the crowds. They work for architects, designers, hotels, real estate firms, clubs, ad agencies and others. “Like any other conventional PSP in the city, we started our business as a flex printer. We stopped doing that around six years back when we switched to making only cut letters, modular signs and LED-based sign systems,” says Amandeep Rana of JD Creations.
“We produce customised sign systems which are especially designed for brand promotion of corporate companies. Our aim is to work little differently from what others do in a traditional or conventional way. For this we maintain a production set-up equipped with some advanced machines, such as waterjet cutting machine, channel bending machine, CNC & laser engraving machines, etc,” mentions Amandeep. The machines are: a KMT waterjet cutting machine, Tiger Tech CNC router & IPS channel letter bending machine (from Kartar Corporation), two Mehta CNC routers and others. JD Creations has a clientele comprising some of the luxury hotels and resorts in Punjab, such as Hyatt Regency, Radisson Hotel, Palm Court, Vest Western, Stella and Friends Hotel. In addition, the list also consists of others from the hospitality sector—Upper House, TRP, Hong Kong Lounge, FBC, etc. Behind the all creative creations of JD Creations is a strong team of 40 professionals, which consist of a host of imaginative minds, experienced sign makers and well-trained machine operators.
Gaurav Graphics (Ludhiana)
A crowded local corner
There is always a jam-packed crowd at the reception lobby of Gaurav Graphics. This PSP is quite popular among local walk-in customers in the city for offering quality prints and on-time delivery. When asked about why they welcome only local customers, Guarav Kumar, founder of Guarav Graphics, says they are happy to serve only the walk-in customers. “We used to work for some big corporate companies earlier. Payment part was the main problem in working with these honchos. We had to wait for months, which in turn affected a lot in the business,” he explains.
Host of customers gathered at the reception of Gaurav Graphics are mainly consist of retail shop owners, wholesalers, representatives from schools/institutes, sports clubs and many others who come for personal printouts. “Ludhiana is a city dotted with an archipelago of coaching centres conducting classes for students who wish to study in overseas countries like Canada, Germany and Australia. From time to time, these coaching centres carry out outdoor campaigns announcing new batches, programmes, etc. We work for them on regular basis,” informs Gaurav.
“It has been just six years that we started working with our own printing set-up. Earlier we used to work as a jobber, with help from some PSPs who are known to us,” says Gaurav, adding that today, they are proud to own a facility equipped with Allwin (with KM 512i printhead) and Skycolor 4180TS eco-solvent printer. The facility is also equipped with a sun-board laminator. A team of nine sign-making professionals handles the overall machine operation, fabrication and installation jobs at Gaurav Graphics.
JK Publicity (Amritsar)
A painter-turned PSP
Jagjiwan Singh is passionate about painting. He chose the profession in his tender age and carved a career out of it when he finished school. “I opened my painting shop in Amritsar around 40 years ago, with a group of painters, engaging in making posters, shop front sign boards, outdoor wall ads, etc. Our activities also involved screen printing on fabric materials,” mentions Jagjiwan of JK Publicity. “New trends in the advertising and graphic arts industry have subsided many traditional ways. Today, digital large-format printers have replaced all manual practices of poster painting,” he narrates.
It was in the year 2005 Jagjiwan pushed aside painting and switched to digital large-format printing, by opening a production facility installed with an Allwin printer. “We have a handful of old partners, such as Tata and Rupa, who are considered as our major clients,” mentions Jagjiwan, adding that their client list predominantly contains local customers such as departmental stores, sweets shops, gift outlets, medical stores, etc.
“Apart from Amritsar, our customers come from other cities and towns of Punjab. We have some regular customers in Chandigarh. They are simply local store owners who have outlets in other cities of Punjab, such as Amritsar and Jalandhar. Whenever they need any signage print for POP/POS or outdoor campaigns, they come straight to us. We are proud to say our customers trust in the products and service we offer,” says Jagjiwsan. He mentions that they are planning to upgrade their facility with an advanced eco-solvent printer soon.
LeafBerry (Ludhiana)
A proficient OOH player
Founded in partnership with Lead Ads Private Limited, Ludhiana-based LeafBerry is a leading outdoor advertising major, which provides a wide array of outdoor solutions like gantries, uni-poles, bus shelters, pillar signage, pole kiosks, mall media, etc. “We operate in a niche segment with a unique approach of customised and integrated solutions,” says Amrinder Singh Sandhu of LeafBerry. He adds that they work with a mission to become a one-stop outdoor advertising solution provider and vision to provide highly creative quality OOH ads. LeafBerry has exclusive outdoor ad space right of 28 railway stations across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, that include Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Phagwara, Pathankot, Patiala, Amritsar, etc. “Outside Punjab, we are present at the railway stations of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (Shimla) and Kalka (Haryana),” mentions Amrinder, adding that they are also expertise in transit media. For that LeafBerry has tied up with ISBTs in Punjab and they have government tenders for 96 bus shelters.
The company has partnered with a host of corporate biggies such as Omega, Burger King, Zomato, Airtel, among others. Amrinder says that it’s the company’s flawless execution of projects that makes them the first choice among other OOH companies in the region. “Our extensive research and development for excellence defines the quality and innovation we offer,” he adds. LeafBerry resolves all the complexities to yield best OOH solutions.
Singh Glow Sign (Amritsar)
A fine print provider
Singh Glow Sign boasts of a production facility equipped with a line of advanced printers, with which they could deliver finest prints in accordance to the demands of their customers from different industrial clusters. The printers at the facility include Roland VersaArt RS-640, HP Latex 5100, Caldron CJ, Allwin, Lotus and WitColor. “Since we established in the year 2005, we keep upgrading our production facility from time to time with advanced printers,” says Kulpreet Singh of Singh Glow Sign.
Recalling the early days of Singh Glow Signs, Kulpreet mentions that he was an artist who produced hand-painted signage boards and hoardings for some big corporate companies as well as a number of local departmental stores all over Punjab. “Our works were well recognised all over Punjab. Still a number of customers in our client list are our decades old partners. However, most of the customers in the list are those agencies who bring big promotional campaigns for multinational companies,” shares Kulpreet.
“Far beyond Amritsar, we handle projects in other cities and towns of Punjab, such as Ludhiana, Jallandhar, Phagwara, Pathankot, Patiala, so on. We would say we cover almost 90 percent of Punjab when it comes to counting our footprints,” says Kulprint. He adds that they are planning to expand their presence in the neighbouring regions such as Chandigarh and Haryana.