In an exclusive interview with Mr. Hemen Vasa, the visionary founder of Unick Fix-a-Form and Printers Ltd. and his son Mr. Priyank Vasa, we explored the remarkable impact that the Domino N610i digital label press has had on their business over the past five years. Unick Fix-a-Form, known for being the first company in India to install this press, has seen its business evolve in ways that have far exceeded expectations.
The Digital Leap: A Strategic Necessity
Founded in 1984 as a licensee of Fix-a-Form International, Unick Fix-a-Form has always been at the forefront of innovation in the printing industry. Over the years, the company transitioned from letterpress to flexo and offset printing, becoming a full-fledged printing house by 2010. However, by 2019, the landscape had changed. The average job run length had dwindled to 300-500 running meters, particularly for export-oriented pharmaceutical jobs. This shift made high-end flexo printing increasingly unviable, and the company found itself at a crossroads: continue with the status quo or embrace the future with digital printing. The Vasa family chose the latter. “We realized that to stay profitable doing small run length jobs, to stay relevant in the marketplace and to remain ahead of the competition curve, we needed to cater to the growing demands of startups, private labels, and small pharmaceutical companies in Gujarat,” Priyank Vasa explained. “The Domino N610i digital label press was the perfect solution, offering us the flexibility to handle small volumes while maintaining the high quality our customers expect.”
Why Domino? A Partnership Rooted in Trust and Innovation
The decision to partner with Domino was not made lightly. Unick Fix-a-Form evaluated several digital technologies before choosing the Domino N610i. “Domino’s reputation as the market leader in UV inkjet technology, combined with their 28-year presence in India catering to variety of industry segments with their coding & marking solution and direct their service support, made them the obvious choice,” said Hemen Vasa. “We were looking for a reliable partner, and the Domino team, led by senior management, gave us the confidence we needed.”
The fact that Domino’s solution incorporated the ‘Make in India’ element, with a Multitec web handling system, further solidified their decision. Unick Fix-a-Form needed a partner that could not only provide good technology but also understand the unique needs of the Indian market. Domino delivered on all fronts.
The Domino Difference: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Since the installation of the Domino N610i, Unick Fix-a-Form has experienced transformative growth. The digital press has not only supported their flexo operations by freeing up capacity but has also allowed them to cater to smaller quantities, leading to increased customer satisfaction and more business. “We’ve seen a significant increase in our operational efficiency, with wastage reduced and more jobs being pushed out of the factory,” Priyank shared. “This has directly contributed to our profitability, enabling us to add another flexo machine within just two years to handle the increased business.”
During the pandemic, when many businesses faced operational challenges, Unick Fix-a-Form’s investment in the Domino N610i paid off immensely. With just one operator managing the entire digital printing and finishing operations, the company continued to fulfill orders seamlessly. “The Domino team provided exceptional remote support, ensuring our operations remained uninterrupted despite the global crisis,” Hemen Vasa emphasized. “Our supply chain was also robust, thanks to Domino’s proactive approach, allowing us to meet our customers’ needs without delay. We didn’t feel we were new to the world of digital printing.”
The ability to offer services for small volumes has attracted a new customer base, nearly quadrupling the customer base in just five years. Existing customers also gave more business because the logic is simple, faster you develop and deliver, they give you more business. Unick Fix-a-Form has also been able to venture into new market segments like printing of aluminium foil for pharma blisters, in-mould labelling (IML), Shrink Sleeves, Lamitube and complex variable data printing jobs for Track & Trace purposes.
Breaking New Ground in Clinical Trials Labeling
In the ever-evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, Unick Fix-a-Form has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and quality. A prime example of this is their groundbreaking work in clinical trials labeling, a field that demands precision, security, and adaptability. Leveraging the capabilities of the Domino N610i digital press, Unick Fix-a-Form has set a new standard in the industry.
One of the most remarkable projects undertaken by Unick Fix-a-Form involved the creation of specialized labels for clinical trials. This project was particularly challenging as it required the integration of variable data printing with static images, a task that necessitated a seamless collaboration between digital, flexo, and offset printing technologies.
The use of the Domino N610i was pivotal in this endeavor. The digital press allowed for the accurate and efficient printing of variable data, which is crucial in clinical trials where each label must be unique and traceable. Moreover, the integration of flexo and offset printing provided the flexibility needed to meet the specific requirements of the project, resulting in a label that was both functional and secure.
The clinical trials industry in India is rapidly growing, driven by the cost-effectiveness of conducting trials in the country. Unick Fix-a-Form’s innovative approach, supported by their digital printing capability, has positioned the company as a leader in this sector. The labels they produced featured advanced security measures, including blockchain-based QR codes, which provided an additional layer of protection and traceability—an essential feature for pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their trials to India.
Development and Certification: Expanding Capabilities
Unick Fix-a-Form’s dedication to innovation extends beyond individual projects. The company has recently received the GMI (Graphic Measures International) certification, a significant achievement that opens doors to larger supermarket chains and other major players who require certified quality. This certification is particularly valuable for Unick Fix-a-Form as it strengthens their position in the market, especially with deemed exporters in India producing medicines for global markets. This development aligns with their ongoing efforts in extended gamut printing, further enhancing their ability to cater to complex and high-quality printing requirements.
A Collaborative Success Story
One of the most significant aspects of Unick Fix-a-Form’s success has been the strong collaboration with the Domino team. “Training was conducted on-site, allowing us to train as many of our staff as needed, and it was delivered in an easy-to-understand manner, our operational team admired the way in which their every request was addressed on priority during the initial phase and even now during new developments.” Hemen Vasa noted. “The Domino team is always there to guide us, even for the simplest concerns. They are our partners every step of the way, especially during new developments.”
This partnership was crucial during challenging times, particularly, where the collaborative approach ensured smooth operations. The consistent support from Domino has been a cornerstone of Unick’s success, allowing them to confidently explore new opportunities and overcome obstacles.
Recognizing Excellence: Awards and Accolades
Unick Fix-a-Form’s journey with Domino has not gone unnoticed. The company has received several prestigious awards over the past five years, recognizing their innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence in the printing industry. These accolades are a testament to the successful integration of the Domino N610i into their operations and the significant impact it has had on their business growth.
Looking Ahead: A Future with Domino
As Unick Fix-a-Form looks to the future, their partnership with Domino remains strong. “Domino is our trusted partner, and we look forward to continuing our growth journey with them,” Priyank stated. “We’re excited about the next generation of Domino machines, which will further increase our capacity and enhance our offerings.”
In an industry where differentiation is key, Unick Fix-a-Form’s story is a testament to the power of digital innovation. Their journey with Domino over the past five years has been one of growth, increased profitability, and market leadership. For anyone considering a digital transformation, Unick Fix-a-Form’s experience is a powerful reminder that the right partner can make all the difference.
By Aditya Agarwal,
Senior Executive Marketing-Digital Printing Solutions at Domino Printech India
