Without compromising on R&D expenses, which is an ongoing initiative, Kodak is definitely on a re-structuring track to meet the challenges of today’s crisis, conveys Steve Green, regional managing director, Consumer Digital Group and Graphic Communications Group, Asia Pacific Region, Eastman Kodak, who was in New Delhi for a short while.

Accompanied by Ravi Karamcheti, managing director – Consumer Digital Group & Graphic Communications Group, India Cluster; Regional SPG director P&OS, Asia Pacific Region, and Bhalchandra Nikumb, head - Sales & Channel Management, India Cluster, Graphic Communications Group, Steve communicated his happiness over the broader portfolio of products, that Kodak is offering to its customers today.

This will defintely help to build confidence amongst the industry and Kodak customers, since their requirements get taken care of by a reputed company like Kodak. Commenting on the current global trends in the industry, Steve mentioned that newspaper segment had been slightly impacted by the current recessionary situation, however there is immense potential and considerable growth being recorded globally, in the Packaging segment on account of increased consumer demand with respect to Packaged Goods and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) segment, and more so specifically in the growing Asian economies of China and India.

The consumption and hence the production of Packaged Goods is directly linked to the consuming population growth, the Asian economics are a classic example of this, and hence Kodak expects Packaging requirements to go up for the Asian market. For Kodak, this is a great opportunity and we are already geared up with a host of equipment and consumables, including many products specifically for the Packaging segment. Comparing the per-capita income in China vs India, Ravi Karamcheti did mention that the urban area of China does command more per-capita income than India, however the rural areas of both countries are alike in this respect. Hence more or less similar opportunities exist in both countries.

The key growth engine drivers for Kodak, in the larger perspective, are the Pre-Press segment, Digital Printing solutions and Digital Cameras segment. As such, there is substantial focus towards Research & Development in these areas.

“The Stream Color Inkjet Press demonstrated at Drupa-08 will be ready by next year for commercial launch. The Mono-chrome heads using Stream technology have already been launched & will be demonstrated live at China Print. We shall be showcasing our entire range of products in the upcoming China Print 09 trade show in Beijing next month and customers coming from India, shall have a good opportunity to experience our integrated range of Printing, Packaging, Newspaper and Imaging Portfolio Solutions.” concluded Steve.