Mark Andy MEA director Ian Pollock speaks to Packaging MEA on how Mark Andy and and FIG had a shared goal to expand into MEA, and as they already worked so well together, it made perfect sense to partner up
Mark Andy, a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industries boasting nearly 75 years’ experience, recently furthered its reach with an acquisition of Presstek and other allied companies.
Launched in Missouri in 1946, the company has grown across the United States and in the past decade expanded to the UK and Eastern Europe. Most recently, it has partnered with Flexo Image Graphics Pvt Ltd (FIG) to do business in the MEA region.
Already supplying leading global brands, it would appear the company is set to grow further still, with its mantra of “The supplies you need, the expertise you want”.
As Mark Andy sets up here, Packaging MEA speaks with two key figures: Mark Andy Director Ian Pollock, and FIG regional dealer Gourav Roy.
Ian Pollock (IP)
Packaging MEA (PMEA): Following the acquisition of Presstek and other allied companies, Mark Andy is now a force to be reckoned with in the narrow web print sector. Congratulations! Kindly give us a brief update.
IP: The acquisition of Presstek further strengthened Mark Andy’s presence in the graphic arts market, allowing us access to the commercial sector in particular, an area with enormous growth potential due to the decline in traditional printed material.
PMEA: What drove your decision to tie-up with FIG for the MEA region?
IP: FIG and Mark Andy have enjoyed a long-standing relationship based on many years of mutual trust. When FIG decided to expand into the UAE, it was really a no-brainer for us to tie up with them. Their experience, technical support capability and willingness to expand was a huge factor, and Mark Andy is very happy to throw its full weight behind the move.
PMEA: What do you envision for Mark Andy in MEA in the next five years?
IP: There is no denying that times are tough right now and that the global pandemic will have a lasting effect on the industry, so our short-term aim is to offer support to existing customers while providing them and others with a variety of opportunities to enter new market sectors with some exciting new products. We will also be able to advise customers in MEA on the swing towards digital production and how this can transform a business.
PMEA: How is Mark Andy’s after-sales service handled? How will it be handled with this tie-up?
IP: Our after-market support in the region will be handled by FIG direct. Second-level support will be offered by Mark Andy where required, but don’t forget, FIG is no newcomer to Mark Andy customers and technology, and it already has full access to spare parts and consumables from the Mark Andy Print Products business unit.
PMEA: Would Mark Andy’s digital print solutions be introduced to MEA, or is it a bit too early?
IP: With the speed with which the market is changing, I’d say it’s certainly not too early. Now is a great time for label converters to start looking seriously at digital options. Waiting will only allow competitors to take advantage of this growing segment.
PMEA: How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors in the region?
IP: First, we have a tried and trusted partner representing us with many years of experience. Next, it is a product range with proven productivity and reliability. Last, but by no means least, is our commitment to support the customer whether with remote advice or actual hands-on technicians on site. If you couple these with the most comprehensive range of narrow and mid web flexo presses and both toner and inkjet digital engines, along with consumables, you can appreciate why many converters see Mark Andy as a one-stop shop.
PMEA: Is there anything
else you’d like to share with us?
IP: Mark Andy remains committed to innovation and technology to improve performance of its equipment to the benefit of its customers. An example of this is our new series of Evolution flexo presses. They are affordable yet offer high performance, and best of all can be specified precisely to meet a converter’s requirements, safe in the knowledge that they can be retrospectively upgraded to meet any change in market demand.
On the digital side, our DPro label press series has become a very popular choice among label converters and those looking to bring short-run print production in-house. Originally designed as a four-colour digital toner-based press with flexo station and semi rotary die-cutting, it’s evolved into a scalable product offering four-colour digital, a pre-digital flexo station that allows white to be printed on clear film, a post-digital flexo station, semi rotary die-cutting, and a roll to cut sheet finishing option. It’s also available as a roll to roll machine, and all of this has been developed in less than 12 months to fulfill customer demands.
Gourav Roy (GR)
PMEA: Congratulations! What does the extension of your partnership with Mark Andy beyond India mean for FIG?
GR: Thank you, it means a lot to us. FIG was established in 2000 and has spent the past 20 years building a very successful business in South Asia with close to 450 machines installed. We always wanted to expand our territory, and when the opportunity arose to offer our acclaimed service and support to label and packaging converters in the MEA region, we jumped at it.
PMEA: How will you reach out to existing and potential clients in the GCC?
GR: I’d like to introduce Mr C Kannivannan (known as Kani) at this point. He is the General Manager of FIG FCZ LLC. His first task is to take care of Mark Andy’s customers and their flexo presses, Rotoflex slitter rewinder/inspection systems and Presstek products, principally in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
PMEA: Is the new company a separate entity from FIG India or is it a spinoff of FIGs Indian company?
GR: Flexo Image Graphics FCZ LLC is a separate company and has nothing to do with FIG’s Indian operation. The management is different. FIG FCZ LLC is registered in the Free Zone.
PMEA: Will FIG have a dedicated sales and service team for the GCC or will that be operated from India?
GR: Kani comes with 23 years of experience and technical knowledge and has a good relationship with converters in the region. Our Indian service team can be used when needed, but the intention is to create our own local resources to support every installation here.