The apparel industry today is looking to associate with technology players who not only give ‘machines’ but also solutions and offer a complete package related to the need. In the printing segment, one company, which is equipped to partner the industry with a complete chain in printing technology, is Dhaval Colour Chem or DCC as it is popularly known as.
DCC has over the years forged strategic tie-ups with the world’s best names in printing to offer complete printing solutions of international standards. “The company has been in the business of screen printing supplies for over a quarter of a century and has the unique distinction of being the only company in India that provides a one-stop solution for all screen printing needs,” says a proud Dhaval Dadia, Executive Director, DCC.
Today, DCC is providing under one roof a product range that begins with colour separation software, and includes frames, films, paper, printing machines to all accessories required in both screen and digital printing. “In the textile chain printing is the only process that is dependent on multi-chain processes and only if all the processes are done properly, does the end result come out perfect,” says Dhaval. That is why in-depth knowledge of every aspect of printing is a must to service the print industry.
With years of experience and a qualified team separately for the screen printing segment and the digital printing segment, DCC is focused on providing turnkey projects synchronized with the best products and technology from all over the world. “We are offering integrated solutions and the industry has responded very positively and 50% of our installations are on a turnkey bases. This is so because the industry is interested to work with companies that can provide more than just technology,” says Dhaval.
The brands that the company is working in screen printing include M&R Printing Equipment, USA for printing machines; Rutland, USA for ink; Strech Devices, USA for roller frames; Arjowiggins, France for transfer paper; Reliant, UK for fusing and heat transfer machines; and Maag, Germany for flocking equipment. Specific to digital printing, the com
pany has partnerships with Epson, Japan for digital and sublimation printing machine; Wasatch Computer Technology, USA for colour management software; Jetcol, Holland for digital transfer paper; J-Teck3, Italy for sublimation; and reactive ink and Monti Antonio, Italy for patented heating cylinder technology.
In the screen printing division, DCC provides a range of printing machines starting from manual machines to very high-end automatic printing machine with the ability to handle up to 60 colours. “We are operating at both the levels… entry level with a 10 station 8 colour automatic printing machine (Diamond back XL) that is 40% cheaper than its next model for those companies who want to upgrade from manual machines to the Rs. One crore Alpha Oval targeted at companies working with bigger and more up-market brands,” says Dhaval.
Indeed, there is space at both ends of the market and DCC has the machine that fits into every need and budget. “There are many manufacturers in the industry who are still depending on manual printing, but the advantages of using automatic systems are too many to ignore, especially as manpower becomes expensive,” says Dhaval. Firstly, the manpower requirement in an automatic machine is drastically lower and secondly, the running cost is also considerably cheaper. While it would cost around Rs. 10 to print a certain design, using an automatic system would cut down the cost to around Rs. 7 per piece. Another advantage is the fast change over time between designs, which is not more than 15 minutes.
The company has invested in a first of its kind showroom facility that is fully equipped with all automatic equipments, ink room, art room, etc. required in a printing unit. Dhaval feels that there is no completion between screen printing and digital printing. “The two technologies are different with distinct applications and customer base. In fact, 60% of our customers in screen printing have bought digital printing machine from us to supplement their value adding capabilities,” says Dhaval. While screen printing is more versatile for mass production and specialized printing effects like foil, digital printing is in demand for high-end brands looking for exclusive image reproduction.
Training is an important element to the package that DCC is offering and the company is proud of the feedback that it receives from the units where installations are done. “We support the company till the machine is running smoothly and all pre-preparation processes are in place for optimal results,” says Dhaval. Being a multi-process chain, printing is a science and the skill levels required are higher than any other value addition technique like embroidery or even washing. “Indian exporters can differentiate themselves only through value addition, so it is important to understand the possibilities and create uniqueness,” says Dhaval.
DCC has just finished construction of a new factory in Mumbai to manufacture ink under a joint venture with Rutland. Commercial production is slated to begin from early April. “We are already manufacturing GOTs and Oeko-Tex certified PVC- free ink, which is popular in the EU and Rutland is a world leader in phthalate free plastisol. So we have pooled in our strengths to create a high-tech manufacturing unit that will produce both types of inks for the Indian and global market at affordable prices,” avers Dhaval. With the JV, DCC will have exclusive marketing rights in six countries, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, while Rutland holds right for the rest of the world. The inks have been co-branded and named Rutland-DCC.
With 2010 proving to be a very successful year for DCC, the company is very upbeat for growth in 2011. “We are always looking at new innovations in printing and only recently we have developed a technique to print sublimation on 100% cotton, earlier perfect results were possible only on polyester and cotton blends. Going forward this is our area of concentration and many new applications are being tested,” concludes Dhaval.
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