WICMA Symposium 2023

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WICMA Symposium 2023 was held in the exquisite surroundings of the Radisson Spa & Resorts, Lonavala on 14^th & 15^th Sept 2023. This was the 10th edition of the Symposium - an event which has evolved into one of the most important industry events in the Western Region.

Growth is vital for the survival of any industry and therefore it is very important that we are abreast with the latest strategies to drive growth in our respective businesses. It was in this context, that the theme of this year’s WICMA Symposium was chosen as ‘BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR GROWTH’.

The event saw a record attendance of over 260 participants comprising corrugators, paper mill owners, machinery and accessory suppliers from all over India. CORPEX 2023, a table-top exhibition, with 12 exhibitors, was held as a synchronising event.

The inaugural session was held on the first day. The lighting of the ceremonial inaugural lamp provided an auspicious start to the proceedings. WICMA members, Shri Ashish Gandhi & Shri Dushyant Patil were felicitated on their elevation to the top posts of two local Industry Associations. There was a celebration and felicitation of the R&D Centre Team for being bestowed with the highly coveted NABL accreditation as well as being approved by Director General Shipping, Govt of India as an IMDG testing centre for UN Certification for corrugated packaging used in shipping hazardous goods by SEA. On the occasion, Shri M. Rajagopal of M/s McSparr Test Systems & Chemicals Pvt Ltd. was felicitated for his support in manufacturing a crucial equipment with non-standard specifications within the shortest lead time.

Shri Pradip Bosmaya, Past President of WICMA & FCBM, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his meritorious and dedicated services to WICMA and the Corrugated Industry

The Symposium program comprised information-packed technical sessions, panel discussion and a vivacious Evening program where a musical band regaled participants while they enjoyed a Gala Dinner. The technical sessions spread over two days were based on the Symposium Theme - ‘BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR GROWTH’.

The first was a motivational session addressed by Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, one of India’s foremost business authors famed for his Chanakya series. He enlightened delegates on the strategies to overcome challenges and drive business growth.

There were two panel discussions – one on kraft paper and the other on corrugated machinery. Panellists comprised representatives of some prominent paper mills and corrugated machinery manufacturers. There was a lively discussion on quality matters, new innovations, and technologies.

The technical session titled “Corrugator’s perspective on Business Strategy for Growth” had four corrugators, Shri Hemendra Agrawal from Jaipur, Shri Aditya Agarwal from Guwahati, Shri Vernon Mathias from Goa and Shri Rakesh Shah from Pune , who presented on successful strategies implemented by them to overcome challenges and which were instrumental in substantial growth of their own enterprises.

This was followed by sessions by Shri Subhasis Kumar Roy on “ TRUE CARE – An Industry 4.0 Initiative in Maintenance”, Dr Ipshita Guha on “ Who is my Customer? Rethinking Business Strategy” and Shri Pravin Jagtap on “Transmissions in Corrugation Industry”

The WICMA AGM was held on 14^th Sept 2023.  The new President Shri Anil Loya took charge from Shri Kirtikumar Gandhi.  Shri Rohit Bubna was elected Vice President. At the Managing Committee meeting following the AGM, Shri Shlok Kedia was nominated as Hon. Secretary and Shri Satyajit Patel was nominated as Hon. Treasurer.

WICMA thanks Sponsors and Exhibitors and delegates who supported and participated in WICMA SYMPOSIUM 2023, making it one of the most successful and memorable events in recent times.

R&D – Experiential Learning Mission (ELM)

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REPORT

FCBM delegation led by the R&D Chairman embarked on a first of its kind – Experiential Learning Mission (ELM) to Bangkok, Thailand from 24-26 September 2023.

We had participation from PAN India with a total of 15 delegates who from following 5 Regional Associations - ACCT, EICMA, KCBMA, SICBMA &WICMA.

 

It was particularly encouraging to see young generation turn up for this visit.

Highlights-

• CorruTec Asia 2023 at BITEC was a good show, our delegation was greeted by Mr. Chusak – President of the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association. Interesting innovation we saw was the advent of G Flute by a local Thai box manufacturer amongst a host of digital printing solutions. Next CorruTec Asia is from 22-25 September 2025.

 

• We visited Thai Container Group, Patumthani plant which hubs a Flexo Press of 6 colour 2.5-meter-wide Conprinta, Germany. The machine uses belt technology with registration error of +/- 0.35 mm. Just to give a perspective post print error margin is +/-3mm and offset error margin is +/-0.2mm.

 

The plant head interacted with the group and exchanged ideas and they are open to even taking up print jobs for us as some of the members enquired. They invited us for a lavish lunch at Marias Garden Restaurant nearby and treated us to some authentic Thai food.

This is the first time ever they have received an Indian delegation at their plant.
 

• We visited Siam Kraft, Banpong Mill where we saw the PM # 16 which is 7.5meter wide and produces 1200 Tons per Day!


We had visited this earlier in 2018 alongside the MC Meeting that was conducted by FCBM in the term of Mr. Pradip Bosmaya.


The storage and inventory management were a sight to see with 100% automation and the robotics involved. They are tracking wastages at a microscopic level and are now handling over 100,000 tons of paper reels with less than 100 kgs wastage!

We also noticed the Length/ liner meterage is mentioned on the packaging label on the reels, This international norm is now catching up with mills in india with continuous efforts being made by R&D team to impress upon the advantages of Linear Meterage, launched earlier this year.

 

• Not to miss, the delegation gelled well and enjoyed dinner at Jhol- a Michelin star restaurant in Bangkok on the final night and shared each other’s experiences.

With a successful outing, R&D team will now plan more such “Experiential Learning Mission” in the future.

 

Thank you,

Ankkit Agarwal

R & D Chairman

RCBMA AGM 2023

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RCBMA conducted its 22nd AGM at Hotel Holiday Inn Express, Jaipur on 26th August 2023.

The meeting was attended by more than 110 members from entire Rajasthan. We had presence of members from cities like Ajmer , Bhilwara , Alwar , Jodhpur , Kota and more adjoining areas of Jaipur. 
 

2. The Secretary, Lohit Agarwal gave the presentation for the achievements of the last tenure. He informed the members about the events organised during the last two years. Also, how RCBMA helped the members in the last two years.
 
2. FCBM Ex-Officio Mr. V.K. Dewan was welcomed by RCBMA members. 
 
3. Treasurer Mr. Gaurav Mangal presented the RCBMA accounts before the house which was approved unanimously by all the members present .
 
5. Election Officer Mr. Govind Gurbani declared the nominations received for various posts and announced the new post bearers elected unanimously.
     Mr. Hemendra Agarwal was elected as President
     Mr. Rahul Dewan as Secretary 
     Mr. Navratan Mal Jain as Treasurer.
 
6. Past President Rajeev Katta welcomed the GCBMA President to the dias and honored him with a token of gratitude. FCBM Past president Shri V.K. Dewan welcomed other GCBMA members to the meeting.

Around 20 new members present in the meeting introduced themselves to the house.

The meeting was followed by a presentation by GCBMA members on the upcoming FCBM Conference at Goa. President GCBMA, Shri Prahladbhai Patel welcomed all RCBMA delegates to the Conference. Conference chairman, Shri Amrutbhai Patel informed the members about the online registration process.
    
It was followed by a live musical performance by a local band. Members joined in to dance and sing followed by dinner. It was a beautiful evening with new members and from across Rajasthan meeting everyone. 

Rahul Dewan 
Secretary ,RCBMA
Director- Packwell India Pvt Ltd