Interview from Mr. E.P. Sankaran,Managing Director, Sunitha Printers
With over 40 years in the printing industry, Our technical team has the experience to execute and deliver print jobs with a quick turnaround time.
PRINT3 : Can you share the history and mission of Sunitha printers?
E.P.Sankaran : Sunitha Printers was founded in 1981 by Mr. EP Sankaran after he completed his graduation. He started the company as a small letterpress printing press in Royapettah, Chennai, with a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction. In 1988, the company made a significant leap by transitioning to offset printing, which allowed for higher efficiency, larger print volumes, and an expanded client base, including publishing and corporate sectors.
By 2005, we adopted digital printing technology, which enabled faster turnarounds and more customized solutions, keeping us competitive and meeting the evolving needs of our clients. In 2002, Mr. Sankaran’s elder son Sumesh Sankaran joined the company after completing his MBA, bringing a strategic business perspective. In 2008, his younger son Sujesh Sankaran, an engineer, joined, further enhancing the company with his technical expertise, driving innovation and operational efficiency.
In 2012, we moved to a 12,000 sq. ft. facility in Chintadripet, further expanding our capabilities and enabling us to serve a wider range of industries and clients.
“Our aim is to empower businesses by providing a complete solution that takes care of all your offset printing and digital printing requirements guaranteed to elevate brand image”
Our mission at Sunitha Printers is to deliver superior, innovative printing solutions by combining the best of technology with traditional craftsmanship. With a legacy of excellence, we continuously strive for growth, quality, and exceptional service to meet our clients’ diverse needs and ensure their satisfaction.
P3 : What sets your printing services apart from competitors in Chennai?
EPS : Our printing services stand out in Chennai because we offer high-quality, custom solutions with quick turnarounds at competitive prices. We use advanced technology for vibrant, crisp prints and prioritize eco-friendly practices. With a focus on excellent customer service, we ensure every project meets your exact needs, on time, and within budget.
P3 : How do you balance quality, affordability, and quick turnaround times?
EPS : We balance quality, affordability, and quick turnaround
times by using efficient, advanced printing technology and streamlined processes. Our team focuses on maintaining high standards while optimizing production to reduce costs and time. This allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring fast delivery without sacrificing the final product’s excellence.
P3 : What are your most popular products, and why do they stand out?
EPS : Our most popular products are books, including hardcover and paperback editions. They stand out due to our commitment to high-quality printing, durable binding, and vibrant colors. We offer custom options for authors, publishers, and businesses, ensuring each book reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Whether it’s a novel, educational book, or company publication, we ensure top-notch production, quick turnaround, and competitive pricing, making every book a standout piece.
“We have a wide range of pre-press, press and post-press printing equipment to aid us in delivering the desired quality”
P3 : How do you customize products to meet unique customer requirements?
EPS : To customize products in a printing press, we focus on understanding the customer’s unique needs, including design, material, and quantity preferences. I offer flexible options such as different paper types, finishes, and printing methods (digital, offset,) to meet those needs. We also ensure precise colour matching using Pantone or CMYK, and provide finishing touches like embossing, foil stamping, and die-cutting for added customization. Depending on the order, I accommodate small or large runs, offer quick turnaround times, and focus on sustainable materials when requested. Lastly, we ensure the product is packaged and fulfilled according to the customer’s specifications.”
This concise approach demonstrates your understanding of customization and how to meet customer expectations effectively in a printing press environment.
P3 : Do you offer eco-friendly printing solutions or materials?
EPS : Yes, We offer eco-friendly printing solutions, including recycled paper, soy-based inks, water-based inks, and sustainable coatings. We also use energy-efficient equipment and offer eco-friendly packaging options to minimize environmental impact
P3 : What printing technologies do you use (offset, digital, etc.)?
EPS : We use a combination of offset printing and digital printing technologies. Offset printing is ideal for large-volume projects, providing high-quality, precise color reproduction at a lower cost per unit. Digital printing, on the other hand, is great for smaller runs, faster turnaround times, and customization, offering flexibility without the need for extensive setup. This combination allows us to offer efficient, high-quality solutions for a wide range of customer needs.
P3 : How do you ensure quality control during the printing process?
EPS : To ensure quality control during the printing process, we implement several key steps. First, we conduct thorough pre-press checks to verify design files, color accuracy, and material specifications. During printing, We perform regular inspections to monitor color consistency, registration, and print alignment. We also use proofing techniques, such as test prints or digital proofs, to confirm quality before full production. Lastly, we conduct a final inspection of each print run to ensure that the finished product meets all client requirements and standards. This multi-step approach helps us maintain consistent, high-quality results.
P3 : Can you explain the steps from order placement to delivery?
EPS : “Once an order is placed, we follow these steps:
- Order Confirmation: We review the order details, including specifications, materials, and delivery requirements, and confirm with the client.
- Design & Proofing: If needed, our team works on the design or reviews the client’s files. We provide a digital proof for approval before moving forward.
- Pre-Press Setup: After the proof is approved, we prepare the files for printing, including color calibration and material selection.
- Printing: Depending on the order, we use either offset or digital printing. We conduct regular quality checks throughout the printing process.
- Post-Press: After printing, the product undergoes finishing processes, such as cutting, binding, or coating, based on customer requirements.
- Final Quality Check: A final inspection ensures the product meets all specifications.
- Packaging & Delivery: The finished product is carefully packaged and shipped to the client within the agreed timeframe.
This process ensures accuracy, quality, and timely delivery for every order.”
P3 : What is the typical profile of your clients, and how do you cater to their needs?
EPS : Our typical clients include publishers and corporate teams. For publishers, we provide high-quality, large-volume printing for books, magazines, and other publications, ensuring precise color reproduction and consistent quality. For corporate marketing, we cater to branding needs with customized materials like brochures, business cards, and promotional items, offering flexibility, fast turnaround, and tailored designs.
P3 : How do you handle feedback and resolve customer concerns?
EPS : In a printing press, we handle feedback by first listening carefully to the customer’s concerns and understanding the issue. If there’s a problem with the print quality, timing, or customization, we quickly assess the situation and take immediate action, whether that means reprinting, adjusting the design, or addressing any production errors. We maintain transparent communication throughout the process, ensuring the client is informed of the resolution. Our goal is to resolve any concerns efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction while continually improving our processes based on their feedback.
P3 : Do you offer consultation services for clients unsure about their printing needs?
EPS : We offer consultation services to help clients select the right materials, printing methods, and finishes based on their needs. We provide expert advice on design, paper types, and technologies to ensure the best results. Additionally, we offer a sample copy before production to ensure the client is satisfied with the design and quality, allowing them to approve the final version before the full print run.
P3 : How has the company evolved over the past 40 years?
EPS : Over the past 40 years, the company has evolved significantly. We began with letterpress printing, then transitioned to offset and digital printing, enabling us to offer faster, higher-quality solutions. We expanded from a 500 sq. ft. rented space to owning a 12,000 sq. ft. facility. Our capabilities have grown with the addition of advanced machinery for both printing and post-production, shifting from labor-intensive processes to machine-driven efficiency. Today, we serve a wide range of clients across multiple sectors, including publishing, corporate, schools, hospitals, and hospitality, providing customized printing solutions to meet diverse needs.
P3 : What are your future goals and expansion plans for Sunitha printers?
EPS : Our future goals for Sunitha Printers include expanding into packaging solutions, offering custom packaging options alongside our traditional printing services. We aim to incorporate innovative packaging technologies to meet the growing demand in industries like retail, food, and e-commerce. Additionally, we plan to enhance our use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in both printing and packaging. With the addition of packaging services, we hope to diversify our offerings, increase our market reach, and provide end-to-end solutions for our clients.
P3 : How do you stay updated with trends and innovations in the printing industry?
EPS : We stay updated with trends and innovations in theprinting industry by regularly attending industry trade shows, conferences, and workshops. We also subscribe to industry journals, follow key thought leaders, and engage with online forums and communities. Additionally, we maintain strong relationships with suppliers and equipment manufacturers to stay informed about the latest technologies and materials. By continually investing in new technologies and training our team, we ensure that we remain competitive and offer cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
“We have a wide range of pre-press, press and post-press printing equipment to aid us in delivering the desired quality”