Line O Matic, a leading manufacturer in stationery machinery, converting machinery, and packaging & printing machinery, is committed to delivering high-quality products through safe, efficient, and sustainable practices. With over 50 years of experience and a production facility of 350,000 sq. ft. in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the company emphasizes innovation, reducing environmental impact, and maintaining top ethical standards. The company also focuses on cultivating top-tier talent for better customer services. In a recent interview, Mr. Uday Patel, Founder, Line O Matic, discussed his journey, industry challenges, and plans for future innovation in the pulp and paper machinery manufacturing sector.
Paper Mart: Please share your journey as the manufacturer of pulp and paper equipment? Are there any challenges you experienced in the initial stage and how you overcame them?
Uday Patel: Our journey began in 1961 as Gunvantrai Graphic Industries, where we specialized in producing manual machinery for the stationery industry. In 1997, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Uday Patel, we launched the Line O Matic brand, which introduced the automatic reel-to-sheet ruling machine. By 2005, we had further expanded our capabilities, venturing into the manufacturing of automatic machinery tailored for both the paper converting and stationery sectors.
Although we didn’t face significant challenges in the beginning, our primary focus remained on delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer support. Through unwavering dedication and continuous innovation, we established a strong foundation for our growth. Today, Line O Matic stands as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of stationery machinery, converting machinery, and printing and packaging machinery, recognized for its reliability and forward-thinking solutions.
PM: What types of paper grades and pulp types can your machines process?
UP: Our machines are primarily designed for the converting segment, specializing in folio size sheeters and cut size sheeters. Our cut size sheeter effectively converts paper into various formats, including A4, A3, FS, and legal sizes. Meanwhile, our folio size sheeter accommodates a wide range of writing and printing papers, as well as various types of boards, such as Folding Box Board (FBB) and duplex board. This versatility allows us to meet the diverse needs of our customers in the paper converting industries.
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PM: How is Line O Matic and its machinery unique to other similar companies available in the market?
UP: Line O Matic offers a diverse range of machinery tailored to meet the needs of all our customers ranging from small to large-scale production. Our machines incorporate cutting-edge automation technologies that streamline processes, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Some of the key features of Line O Matic machinery include high-speed production, sustainable design, durability and customization. Moreover, Line O Matic has established ultra-modern manufacturing facilities equipped with the latest machinery from leading countries to ensure the highest quality production standards.
Notably, over 90% of our parts are manufactured in-house using various CNC machines, setting us apart from similar products available in the market. This in-house capability not only guarantees superior quality but also enhances our responsiveness to customer requirements, making Line O Matic a trusted choice for reliable and innovative machinery solutions.
Equipped with a 200 KW solar plant, we ensure sustainability through various measures, including energy efficiency, waste minimization and recycling, use of eco-friendly materials, sustainable product design, and water conservation methods.
PM: What is the expected lifespan of your equipment, and what kind of maintenance and after-sale supports are provided by your company?
UP: The expected lifespan of our machinery largely depends on routine maintenance and the skill of the operators. With proper care, our equipment is designed to provide long-lasting performance.
To ensure that our customers receive the best possible maintenance and after-sale support, we have established a dedicated customer service division. This team is available for timely assistance and effective solutions, catering to our customers. Additionally, we have 80 skilled engineers who travel within India and overseas for machine installation and servicing. This extensive support network ensures that our customers have comprehensive maintenance services and technical assistance that they require, reinforcing our commitment to their success and satisfaction.
PM: What kind of training and support do you offer for operators and maintenance personnel?
UP: Line O Matic offers extensive training and support to equip our operators and maintenance personnel with the skills needed to efficiently manage and maintain our machinery. Our program includes on-site training for initial setup and commissioning, detailed maintenance protocols, and remote support available whenever needed.
PM: What are the lead times for production and delivery, and do you offer customization options? What is your annual production capacity?
UP: The production lead time for Line O Matic machinery generally ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on the specific model and its specifications. We also provide customization options tailored to meet individual customer requirements. Our annual production capacity exceeds 300+ machines.
PM: Discuss some of the major challenges you often experience in the industry?
UP: Line O Matic encounters several challenges that necessitate innovative strategies and adaptive solutions. The key challenges include global supply chain disruptions, rising costs of raw materials, need for customization to meet diverse market demands, and a shortage of skilled laborers. Addressing these issues requires continuous improvement and flexibility in our operations.
PM: Is sustainability a key feature in your machine manufacturing process? How do you ensure it?
UP: Sustainability is a fundamental value at Line O Matic, and we prioritize eco-friendly practices throughout our manufacturing process to reduce environmental impact and support long-term ecological goals. Equipped with a 200 KW solar plant, we ensure sustainability through various measures, including energy efficiency, waste minimization and recycling, use of eco-friendly materials, sustainable product design, and water conservation methods. These initiatives reflect our commitment to promote a greener future while delivering high-quality machinery.
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PM: What policy intervention would you like to see in place so that India produces more pulp and paper equipment manufacturers?
UP: To enhance the production of machinery manufacturers in India, several policy interventions could be advantageous. As a key player in the industry, Line O Matic advocates for policies that encourage innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. Some of the key interventions could be incentives for domestic manufacturing, promotion of export opportunities, and support for small and medium enterprises. These measures would help create a more robust and competitive manufacturing landscape in the country.
PM: Where do you see yourself in five years, and what innovative strategies are you planning to implement in the future?
UP: In the next five years, Line O Matic aims to establish itself as a leading company in converting machinery, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and advanced automation. Our strategic focus will be on global market expansion, digital transformation, and the development of smart machinery. Additionally, we plan to enhance our product customization and introduce next-generation automation technologies, positioning ourselves at the forefront of industry advancements.
