As the name suggests, Valsad-based Excel Graphics, belonging to the Excel Group of Industries, has been striving to excel in every area of its operations. With the pioneering experience and self oriented techniques, coupled with latest production methods and experienced craftsmen, Excel is specialised in the field of graphic anodizing, produces diversified items in multi-coloured anodized aluminium for electronic, engineering, defense, automotive, electrical, refrigeration and numerous other industries.

Going down the memory lane, an official in the company recalls, "the year 1947 to be cherished in the memory of all Indians, when our country became Independent. It was (1947) indeed eventful for us also. The year saw the birth of Excel Process Works at Erla in Mumbai thanks to the pioneering efforts of Late Shri P. N. Desai and the Late Shri V. G. Jhaveri. Our specialty at that time was production of high quality brass name plates. Brass was stylish and decorative but it was expensive as well. There had to be a suitable alternative".

So, in 1953, Excel pioneered the process of aluminium anodizing. All the processes involved in aluminium anodizing were developed by the company indigenously, by developing machines and tools for this purpose and through constant R & D efforts.

But due to rapid industrial growth over the past years, the company has outgrown in the year 1966 at Valsad, This apart, it also gave its technical know-how to its joint venture at Malayasia.

The Directors of Excel Process decided to establish an industrial unit in at Valsad in Gujarat. The company purchased a plot in 1959 in the same year Bombay State was bifurcated as State of Maharashtra and State of Gujarat. The company completed the setting up of the unit in 1966 and Excel Graphics Pvt. Ltd. commenced manufacturing of aluminium anodized name plates and lithographic name plates. In its initial stage, the company was catering to small and big industries in Gujarat State. But later Excel Graphics

expanded and started manufacturing cycle name plates. Due to continuous quality consciousness and developing new techniques Excel Graphics received industrial awards for designing and printing. Since then the company is meeting the requirement of name plates of various industries. Excel's electro-chemically photo processed and anodized product-identification plates, advertising gifts and give-aways, sales aids, novel decorations for electronics, dials and scales, charts and diagrams, data and instruction plates, instrument panels. permanent metal photographs, etc., made in glittering finishes with vivid colours, go a long way in beautifying the products and increase their sales value and appeal.

The company with its most complete and modern facilities for designing, photography, plate making, die making, anodizing, metal finishing, etching, embossing, diamond cutting, dyeing, printing, stamping and fabricating and placed in an excellent position meet the exact requirements of small and big industries both in public and private sectors.

The company's products in different finishes are supplied under our trade names anoal, anowhite, anofast, anorite, anoetch, velvet, brush, embossing, diamond cutting, etc., to meet specific requirements.

Excel jewelers to industry and a with a vision to 'excel' always in all its areas of operation, is "always first with the latest in graphic anodizing" and promise to maintain their lead with new techniques and products in years to come. In interview, the Project Manager, Mr. Shahid Sheikh of Excel Graphics shares some moments with Grafica News. Here is the excerpt of the interview:

How many Grafica Machines do you have?

We have a 8' x 4' Pre Press and Jet Air / UV Combo Drier with 40" x 60" Cam Shell Semi Automatic Printing M/c. We bought this machine In 2006.

Please give details of the applications for which Grafica Machine is used?

We use this machine mainly for metal labels, stickers and decals. Now a days we have taken some metal labels jobs of different industry like, automobile, domestic application manufacturer, and some of the safety industry jobs.

Please comment on the performance of Grafica machine. We are running machine daily in one shift. Over all performance of the screen printing machine as first impression is good. Are you planning to buy more machines, We are planning one more machine of size 20 x 30 or may be custom size as per our requirement and we may also plan for autogripping machine.

Do you find that buying Grafica machine was a right decision?

Still it is to early to comment, because once we run the machine for long run and in three shift then we will be in position to comment.

With your experience with Grafica technology, if a situation arises would you recommend Grafica to others?

Yes

Your comment on the future of screen printing?

The future of screen printing is bright.

Have you invested in digital technology?

No.

Did you attend any programme at Grafica's training institute, DMI? If yes what is your experience?

Yes. DMI helps updating the entrepreneurs with qualified people to serve the customers better. I have attended one programme on 'process colour screen printing' which was held in February 2007. I learnt there knowledge of pre press techniques required to make quality printing. I learnt the criticality of screen printing. I also learnt that 'cure' to be performed before and after printing. The knowledge will definitely help us to provide good quality service to customers. This knowledge will enable us to secure more jobs and grow in business. The techniques will enable us to make production faster and reduce lead time.