India-based HBD Packaging inks deal for Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106, a seven-color printing press with online coating; HBD currently converts 15,000-18,000 tonnes of paper, board, kraft per annum, expects production to rise to 25,000 tonnes with the press

April 7, 2025 (Print Week (India)) –

Greater Noida-based HBD Packaging has taken a major step forward by signing a deal for the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106, a seven-colour printing press with online coating. This high-end German press is known for its advanced features, unmatched precision, and exceptional productivity, making it a perfect fit for fast-growing packaging convertors like HBD.

Rajiv Bhargava , founder of HBD Packaging , said, "This is truly a dream come true. We wanted to buy a Koenig & Bauer press in 2004, but due to budget limitations, we couldn't proceed. After 21 years, the dream has finally materialised. We chose this machine both on technical and commercial grounds to meet the rising demand for printed packaging from our existing and newly acquired clients in the FMCG and food and beverage sectors."

HBD currently converts 15,000 to 18,000 tonnes of paper, board, and kraft per annum. With the new K&B press, this is expected to rise to 25,000 tonnes, boosting the company's production capacity by 40-50%. The machine is expected to arrive by July 2025 , with commercial production starting by August.

The Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 is a 750x1060-mm press, capable of running at 18,000 impressions per hour. It supports printing on paper, board, corrugated sheets, and select plastic substrates, making it highly adaptable for packaging needs.

Bhargava added, "We needed a press that delivers faster turnaround and short makeready time. The K&B Rapida 106 checked all the boxes. We evaluated several brands, but the unique features of K&B stood out - especially the SIS (Sensoric Infeed System), a side-lay-free solution that enhances precision and reduces waste. Delivery of the press in four months is also one of the major reasons."

Aditya Surana , director at Indo Polygraph Machinery , the Indian representative of Koenig & Bauer , stated: "We thank HBD Packaging for their trust. This installation proves that Koenig & Bauer presses are not only for select players but for any progressive packaging converter aiming to deliver high-quality print with efficiency. In fact, the first UV printing press in India was a Koenig & Bauer , originally configured for HBD Packaging but couldn't deliver due to some reasons. The Rapida 106 comes with fully automatic plate changing, simultaneous blanket and roller washing, and disengageable printing units. It's a raised press offering automation that significantly cuts down changeover time. We've installed over 80 brand new presses in the last decade, and over 500 printing units are now running in India ."

HBD Packaging , with over four decades of industry experience, is a full-service packaging specialist offering mono cartons, rigid boxes, and 3-ply corrugated cartons. With a current annual turnover of approx 140 crore , the company is growing at a CAGR of 12-13%, steadily expanding its footprint in the packaging sector.

"We're not just investing in a machine; we're investing in the future of our company," concluded Bhargava. "And with Koenig & Bauer , that future looks promising."