In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Swapnil Patel, Executive Director at Lineomatic India Private Limited, shares how the company is driving innovation in paper converting machinery tailored to Indian mills. He highlights key offerings such as the A4 cut size sheeter with 8 pockets capable of 150 tonnes per day production and an entry-level folio size sheeter designed for paper traders and board mills– machines that were once only available through imports. Mr. Patel discusses how Lineomatic’s in-house manufacturing, automation-first design, and Make in India approach are addressing cost, quality, and sustainability challenges across the paper industry.
Paper Mart: First, could you explain your company’s key offerings and their relevance to the Indian pulp and paper industry’s dynamic needs?
Swapnil Patel: Lineomatic specializes in manufacturing high-performance machinery for paper converting and stationery production, including cut size sheeter, folio size sheeter, automatic reel to sheet ruling/flexo printing machinery, exercise notebooks machinery, folio size ream wrapping machine, cut size ream wrapping machine, paper bag machinery, etc. These machines cater directly to the evolving needs of the Indian paper industry—providing automation, precision, and scalability for both small and large mills. In an environment where quality, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency are crucial, our solutions bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern manufacturing needs.
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PM: In recent years, have you introduced any new products, upgrades, or solutions specifically designed for Indian paper mills? What gap in the market were they trying to fill?
SP: Yes, in recent years, Lineomatic has introduced several innovative machines, such as an entry-level model of the folio size sheeter targeted at paper traders, printers, and paper/board mills, and an A4 cut size sheeter with 8 pockets capable of delivering up to 150 tons of production per day. Earlier, such machines were not available in India and had to be imported. With these introductions, Indian companies now have access to world-class, Made-in-India solutions, reducing dependency on imports while ensuring quality and service support domestically.
PM: Could you describe the typical technological and operational issues in Indian mills and explain your company’s approach to resolving them?
SP: Indian mills often grapple with manual dependency, our approach involves offering integrated automation, user-friendly HMI controls, and robust machinery that performs reliably across variable input conditions. Training and after-sales support ensure that mills can sustain performance with minimal technical intervention.
PM: Sustainability is a growing priority. How do your solutions help mills reduce water and energy consumption, emissions, or chemical usage? Can you share a recent case study or implementation?
SP: Our latest generation of machines is engineered for reduced power consumption and is equipped with servo mechanisms to ensure energy efficiency. Additionally, we provide machines with the latest automation features designed to minimize paper wastage during operation. These technologies not only enhance productivity but also support mills in achieving their sustainability and cost-saving goals.
PM: Given the increasing digitalization, to what extent have Indian mills integrated smart sensors, automation, and AI systems? What are the key enablers or barriers in your view?
SP: Indian paper mills have upgraded their machines with the latest technologies available in the market. Key enablers of this digital transformation include AI, smart sensors, and Industry 4.0 solutions. However, one of the major barriers remains the skill gap—particularly in operating and maintaining advanced automated systems. Bridging this gap through training and support will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of digitalization.
Lineomatic has introduced several innovative machines, such as an entry-level model of the folio size sheeter targeted at paper traders, printers, and paper/board mills, and an A4 cut size sheeter with 8 pockets capable of delivering up to 150 tons of production per day. Earlier, such machines were not available in India and had to be imported.
PM: Mill owners often demand a balance between performance and cost. How do you ensure your technologies remain both efficient and economically viable, especially for small and mid-sized mills?
SP: Since our inception, we have focused on quality, performance, and realistic costing. To build truly high-performing machines, we manufacture all critical mechanical precision parts in-house, including wall structures, rollers, cutters, and more. This backward integration approach gives us complete control over quality and consistency. By producing everything—from components to the final machine—under one roof and in compliance with international standards, we ensure that every Lineomatic machine delivers superior reliability and long-term value.
PM: Many Indian mills face inconsistency in raw materials and quality variability. Can your technology or machinery help bring more stability or predictability to mill operations? How so?
SP: Yes, our machines are designed to handle paper GSM variation and grade inconsistency—with the help of proper tension control systems, adaptive feeding mechanisms, and precision cutting systems. These technologies help mills achieve stable output and consistent quality, even when upstream raw materials vary in properties and performance.
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PM: Are you investing in “Make in India” or localization efforts in terms of manufacturing, support, or technology customization?
SP: We are a strong proponent of the Make in India initiative. All our machinery is designed, engineered, and manufactured in India, ensuring that Indian customers benefit from locally produced, high-quality solutions backed by domestic service and support.
PM: Looking ahead, what kind of innovations or technological shifts do you foresee reshaping the Indian paper industry in the next 3–5 years?
SP: Our focus is to provide automation solutions, AI-integrated technology, and tailor-made products according to customer-specific requirements. We believe this approach will empower Indian paper mills to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Indian mills often grapple with manual dependency, our approach involves offering integrated automation, user-friendly HMI controls, and robust machinery that performs reliably across variable input conditions.
