Welcome To India
Nilpeter captures all the attention from the label fraternity for its recent joint venture with Protech Machinery resulting in Nilpeter India.

Peter Eriksen, Member of Nilpeter India Board & Executive Assistant, Nilpeter Denmark spoke on the developments this JV would bring to the company and the Indian Label Industry.

Nilpeter enters India. How do you think both; your company and the Indian label industry will benefit from this?
It is an equal and mutual benefit. Nilpeter is a global player and a preferred machine and solution supplier to printers who provides value added labels to the big multinational producers of supermarkets products. The promising development within this segment makes it even more interesting to be a part of the future label business in India.

The Indian Label Industry is still young, but possesses great eagerness and commitment to develop into a more exciting forum as seen worldwide. Nilpeter can benefit from this commitment by establishing new partnerships in India. The Indian label industry can benefit from Nilpeter by accepting us as a local supplier, and taking advantage of our global experience and perspective.

What do you conclude from your pre joint venture study of the Indian market/ customers?
We already knew the growing prospects of the Indian market as we have been following the Indian label industry from the side line for a long time. Our research on the Indian market tells us that it is all about having the right partner and the right people! When the right people and partner approached us, we made the decision of entering the Indian label market. We appreciate the support and encouragement we received from the Indian market for this endeavor. The label association in India has also been very informative and welcoming of the initiatives taken by Nilpeter, which made things easier for us. Ultimately, as is said - where there is a will there is a way!

Post joint venture, how has the responsibilities been shared between Nilpeter and Protech Machinery?
Between the joint venture, the core competences and strengths have been equally utilised. Both companies have many years of experiences in manufacturing and developing machinery for the printing industry, and through on-going mutual know-how sharing, we make out a great team. India is a huge country and in order to cover the territory from a service point of view, we would be utilising Proteck\'s well renowned service and support network. The more specialised label application know-how is supported through the Nilpeter India team. Most importantly, the two companies share the same set of values when it comes to putting the customer first and never compromising on quality.

What made you choose Chennai as the new office location?
Since Chennai is the home domicile of Proteck, the decision was easy. We have manufacturing and human resource capabilities at first hand and many other Danish industries are also being established in the same area, which is popularly referred to as \'Denmark Road\'. Furthermore Chennai is easy accessible from both SEAsia and Europe and the city in developing fast.

What are your plans for Nilpeter India?
We are yet to formulate an apposite plan and start new developments in India. This would be a gradual process. Currently, with the product assortment provided from manufacturing plants in USA and Denmark, Nilpeter is able to meet most requirements of today\'s label printer, covering all segments. Naturally we will look towards utilising the R&D opportunities that an organisation in India provides. We would look for excellent human resources on a high innovative and creative level. The flexo press we plan to build in India is going to be of the same Nilpeter quality standard that we are known for.

What are the new additions in Nilpeter\'s product list? Any specific product we should look forward to?
It is customary for us to reveal the latest technology and developments during the trade shows. At Labelexpo in Brussels this year, we promise to come up with something really interesting. We would not let down the label industry, but we will keep the suspense until then. For now I can reveal that products would keep being leaner and more flexible than ever, and we would also be bringing live a new patented printing method.

Could you throw some light on the global reach of Nilpeter?
Nilpeter has various daughter companies worldwide as our mission is to be local, globally. This means that Nilpeter is committed to support the customer with a quick and efficient response. We are fortunate to have manufacturing capabilities on more locations, which make us more flexible in the ever changing global economy.

What is Nilpeter\'s Mantra of success?
Team work and strong partnerships with industry supplier\'s customers are essential ingredients of success. Our motto \'…your printing partner\' means that our extensive know-how build since 1919 is available to our customers and we truly believe that our success is based on the success of our partners.

What next? Is Nilpeter deciding on some other new ventures in the nearby future?
Not at this point of time but yes, Nilpeter always looks for new challenges and opportunities. Let us see what we take on as our next venture!

<gerda.gerschwiler@gallus-group.com>

28.01.2009