JDC Printing Technologies, a leading player in Sri Lanka’s packaging and printing industry, has announced a joint venture with India-based flexo trade shop Digiflex to strengthen its presence in the flexographic printing sector. The partnership, named GDC Digiflex, will operate as a 50-50 collaboration, focusing initially on the flexo market in India.
Chandula Parera, managing director of JDC, in an interview with Packaging South Asia shared the company’s excitement about the venture, calling it a strategic move to expand beyond Sri Lanka. “This partnership with Digiflex is a great opportunity for us to step into the Indian market. Together, we aim to replicate our success in Sri Lanka, where we are the market leader. This venture will also help Digiflex in the Sri Lankan market,” Parera said.
In Sri Lanka, JDC dominates the flexo printing market, supplying plates and other products critical to the industry. The company works with global brands and has established itself as the go-to supplier for flexo plates.
Parera highlighted the growing demand for flexo technology in Sri Lanka, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. “The shift from offset to flexo has gained momentum, creating a booming market. We see similar growth trends in India, making it the perfect time to enter,” he explained.
GDC Digiflex plans to focus solely on the flexo sector initially, with aspirations to expand into other technologies as the partnership grows. “Flexo is our priority for now, but we aim to diversify into other areas in the future,” Parera noted.
The joint venture made its debut at Labelexpo India, where JDC and Digiflex showcased their collaboration to industry stakeholders and potential clients. “Our main goal at Labelexpo is to introduce GDC Digiflex to the Indian market and build connections with customers,” Parera said.
At Labelexpo, Hyderabad-based Digiflex placed an order for a Flexcel NX Wide 4260 System, adding the larger format option to complement its Flexcel NX Mid System that was installed in 2014.
The latest acquisition involves a large-format machine, with dimensions of 42×60 inches, which will support the company’s move into the flexible packaging segment while maintaining its dominance in the corrugation industry.
