Janus International is a company providing a diverse range of solutions to a clientele across segments of the printing and packaging industry. The growth from a turnover of 98 lacs in 2003 to 100 crores in 2024 is just one among many of its growth story milestones.
The Domino K600i label embellishment UV system installed at Manpada, Thane (Maharashtra) based factory of Janus International is a Double bar with clear Ink and a first in Asia.
Ajay RaoRane, VP, digital printing solutions at Domino India, has been the guiding force for Denver Annunciation, Director, Janus International, when he was looking for a digital spot UV system to meet his specific market demands. He shares, “As a company we believe in building strong relationships. We have known Ajay RaoRane since 2008 and respect his work ethics. We always discuss business challenges that we face and when I mentioned that we required a digital spot UV system he offered us a solution that was a first in Asia.”
Denver considered a few more options before finalizing on the Domino K600i. “There were quite a few local options with imported Ink Jet heads. Since this was a first for the Indian market, we were comfortable working with a partner that would support us during the R&D process,” he says. He wanted someone who could provide solutions for applications as well as for day to day issues and road blocks. There was no one like Ajay for Denver.
“The Domino K600i printing solution chosen by Janus International for their embellishment application is from our reliable & robust K600i family of printers,” says Ajay RaoRane. “It’s a double bar configuration that enables higher deposition of the clear ink used for spot varnishing applications to enhance the value of the labels produced by them. The creative and sales teams at Janus International led by Janus Annunciation himself have used the capability of a printer to add value to the labels by offering various effects and printing Variable images/artifacts using clear ink,” he adds.
Its modular design and ease of integration with existing web handling systems provide flexibility and scalability, ensuring it can meet the evolving needs of modern printing setups.
“The Domino K600i stands as a powerhouse in digital printing, offering simplicity, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across a diverse range of substrates. It excels in producing high-quality digital variable data, text, barcodes, QR codes, and graphics at speeds up to 200m/min, tailored to meet specific customer configurations,” appraises and shares Ajay.
“Its versatility shines through various available configurations, including options for high-opacity white ink, a viable alternative to screen printing for labels and packaging. At Janus International, the K600i goes beyond traditional capabilities, supporting digital embellishments like high laydown digital spot varnish with UV67CL ink. Integration is seamless, whether into existing printing setups or standalone web handling systems, facilitated by Domino’s expert project teams who ensure flawless installation tailored to customer requirements and applications,” he explains.
Powered by Domino’s Generation 6 technology, the K600i boasts over 750 installations globally, offering both high-impact UV-curable inks and cost-effective aqueous pigmented inks. It’s a game-changer, boosting customer value and driving sales and profitability. “From straightforward variable data processing to complex print jobs managed via offline RIP software, the K600i adapts precisely to Janus International’s customer-centric approach, delivering exactly what our clients need,” asserts Ajay.
Denver’s father late Mr. Joe Annunciation started the business in the mid 90’s. “Initially he ran it as a canvasser without any equipment. Whenever there was a bottleneck or quality challenge only those machines were added, like hot foil stamping and Program cutting. The business received a boost with me joining in 2001. My brother Janus joined in 2006. We put our first offset, a two colour Solna in 2001 and our first flexo, a Gallus EM 280 in 2003,” informs Denver. Today Janus operates a total of 7 flexo presses, one HP Indigo 6900, 2 Heidelberg offset presses and UV ink jet from Fuji. “We also have two more presses in the pipeline that will be installed shortly,” adds Denver.
Though they are among the top companies with top class equipment and infrastructure, they don’t cater to any specific industry or application. According to Denver, “We have over 1000 customers and we work with customers where we can build a mindset that connects.” They have a diverse clientele with a range of solutions; and with the latest addition to their line-up, Janus will be able to expand the solutions and options range for its customers.
Choosing the latest equipment to serve their customers with the best solutions is their forte. “Most of our equipments have excellent features. We map these features to our customer requirements and create the solutions for them,” states Denver.
“Domino India has been phenomenal in all aspects like support, service and product. What puts them apart include: their thinking out of the box; integrating with local vendors; and always finding solutions to problems,” sums up Denver.
Talking of the advantages of Domino K600i, Denver continues, “During our day to day operations, the Domino K600i system enables us to give our customers solutions for any quantity that they need. It is an operator friendly system – our team was trained in a day! We see very low waste and low power consumption in the machine which makes it a clear winner in every aspect.”
Recommending the Domino K600i to fellow printers in India, Denver is all praises, “If you have a complex and challenging requirement, this is the best and the fastest system available in the market.”
Today, Janus International offers a wide array of services including pressure-sensitive & non-adhesive labels, in-mold labels and laminates, mono cartons and shrink sleeves, catering to a wide range of industries including alcobev cosmetics, food and industrial.
Janus was in search of embellishment equipment to enhance the look and feel of its label products. When they chose the Domino K600i print engine for embellishments on its labels using UV-curable clear ink, they were impressed with its capability to handle VDP and special tasks like digital decorations and security printing with special inks. In addition, the machine offers digital cold foil and digital varnish capabilities and can reach speeds up to 200 mtrs per min. Domino offers support through a dedicated team of experts and round-the-clock assistance.
Speaking on their relationship with Janus International, Ajay says, “For any project to be successful, the Customer and the OEM must work as partners rather than being buyers or sellers for the price of the box. Denver and Janus both understood what our offering is and what it can do for them to further enhance the value of their offerings to their customers. They also understood the Risks, the GAPS and stood by the Domino team in delivering the entire solution to their satisfaction.”
“Apart from Denver and Janus, they have a wonderful team lead by Manish Dharap and Datta Jadhav who are always ready to experiment with new solutions at their setup. They also played a big role in ensuring that their team is quickly trained and the machine was in production in the shortest possible time. At Domino, we prioritise partnership with our customers, ensuring their success and delivering an outstanding customer experience—what we call ‘The Domino Difference’,” concludes Ajay.
