Thomson Press (India) Limited

Background

Established in 1967, Thomson Press (India) Limited is among the largest commercial printing companies in South Asia. As part of the esteemed India Today Media Group, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality printing solutions. With over five decades of experience, Thomson Press has expanded its operations to include five manufacturing units located in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Chennai. The company's mission is to become the "World’s Most Reliable Printer," emphasizing a commitment to quality, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled service.

Key Strategic Focus

Thomson Press offers a comprehensive range of printing services, acting as a one-stop shop for typesetting, prepress, printing, binding, packing, and delivery. The company's product portfolio includes:

Books: Hard and soft case, sewn, perfect bound, PUR bound, or stitched.

Thin Paper Products: Bibles, dictionaries, and directories.

Dated Products: Diaries, journals, agendas, and calendars.

Print on Demand: Books, catalogues, brochures, promotional materials, posters, reference books, personalized and variable printing, gift boxes, invitations, and photo albums.

Commercial & Publicity Materials: Brochures, catalogues, annual reports, pamphlets, posters, and advertisements.

Magazines: High-quality magazine printing services.

The company serves a diverse clientele, including domestic and international markets, with products exported to 90 countries, notably Europe and the USA.

Financials and Funding

Thomson Press (India) Limited is a privately held company with an authorized share capital of ₹220,000,000 and a paid-up capital of ₹136,627,370. The company has demonstrated financial growth, with net sales revenue increasing by 3.01% and total operating revenue by 2.28% in recent years. However, operating profit (EBIT) and net profit have seen declines of 45.4% and 48.51%, respectively. Total assets have grown by 11.52%, indicating a focus on asset expansion.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Thomson Press is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly skilled team, robust processes, and adoption of the latest technological advances. The company operates an extensive array of mono and multi-colour sheet-fed and web offset printing machines, along with automated binding, finishing, and distribution management systems. This technological prowess enables Thomson Press to deliver high-quality products efficiently and reliably.

Leadership Team

Aroon Purie, Chairman: An alumnus of the London School of Economics and a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants (England and Wales), Aroon Purie has served on the boards of numerous prestigious institutions. He was the first Asian to chair FIPP (The International Federation of the Periodical Press) from 2009 to 2011. Starting his career in 1970 at Thomson Press as Production Controller, he continues to guide the company's strategic direction.

Ankoor Purie, Managing Director: Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Print Management from the London College of Printing, Ankoor Purie oversees manufacturing across all Thomson Press units. He has been instrumental in spearheading manufacturing, quality, systems, and technology upgrades within the company.

Cushrow Jassawala, Executive Director - Printing: With a Post-Graduation in Human Resource Management from XLRI Jamshedpur and 23 years with the Tata Group, Cushrow Jassawala heads the Commercial Print business at Thomson Press, comprising offset and digital printing across five manufacturing units. He is an advocate of the "Theory of Constraints" operational strategy and aims to make Thomson Press the world's most reliable printer.

Anil Mehra, Group Executive & Finance Director: A Chartered Accountant and Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales and India, Anil Mehra has been associated with Thomson Press for over 47 years. He has played a pivotal role in creating various new-generation businesses within the India Today Group, spanning multimedia, education, finance, e-commerce, and other verticals.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics: The commercial printing industry in India is highly competitive, with numerous players offering a range of services. The market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a growing demand for high-quality printing solutions.

Competitor Analysis:

Printo.in: Based in Bangalore, Karnataka, Printo.in specializes in printing services and has approximately 256 employees.

Kyocera Document Solutions India: Located in Gurgaon, Haryana, this company focuses on document solutions and printing services, employing around 244 individuals.

Domino Printech India LLP: Also based in Gurgaon, Haryana, Domino Printech offers printing solutions with a workforce of about 295 employees.

SJS Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.: Operating out of Bangalore, Karnataka, SJS Enterprises provides printing services and has approximately 265 employees.

These competitors offer a range of printing services, contributing to the dynamic and competitive landscape of the industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Thomson Press has established itself as a reliable partner for numerous domestic and international clients, exporting products to 90 countries, including significant portions to Europe and the USA. The company's commitment to quality and timely delivery has fostered long-term relationships with clients across various sectors.

Operational Insights

Thomson Press's strategic focus on reliability and quality has positioned it as a leader in the commercial printing industry. The company's extensive manufacturing capabilities, combined with a skilled workforce and advanced technology, provide a competitive edge. Its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction ensures sustained growth and market leadership.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Thomson Press aims to solidify its position as the world's most reliable printer by enhancing operational efficiencies, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and expanding its global footprint. The company's focus on quality, timely delivery, and customer-centric solutions positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the printing industry.