The Mumbai-based Premier Computers is one of the most trusted providers of a large array of imaging consumables and components including toner cartridges, cartridge parts, laser printer parts, dot matrix parts, plotter parts and inkjet printer parts, and Teflon sleeves under their brand name PRM. In an interaction with Imaging Solution magazine, Mr. Devansh Sanghavi, Chief Operating Officer of Premier Computers (S/O Mr. Ashish Sanghavi, Founder of Premier Computers), shares his views about the current market conditions, brand philosophy and future plans.
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Please list the printer spares and other products you provide and explain how they are doing in the market?
PRM provides pressure rollers, Telfon sleeves, upper rollers, fuser, formatter, power supply, laser and upper scanners, ECUs, ADF spares, ink tank spares, compatible maintenance boxes, control panels, toner cartridges, toner powders, etc. This portfolio of products keeps performing well across market cycles and we are the leaders in India for these products. In the last couple of years, we have seen very good volume growth of these products.
Please share how the imposition of import duties on mono toner cartridges has affected your operations?
The price hike has been very challenging. With the added duties, there have also been macro challenges due to rupee devaluation and uncertain container prices. So, today the imaging industry is fighting on multiple fronts and this has definitely led to softening in the demand across channels and regions. However, we are optimistic that over time the market conditions will become normal and our quality and the customer loyalty we enjoy will help to overcome these challenges.
What is the impact of increasing USD vs INR value on your pricing and profitability?
It’s been quite challenging as all our costs are benchmarked to USD and with the depreciation of the rupee our costs have increased significantly. This has led to us increasing prices where the margins are no longer sustainable. However, our focus remains to keep our quality consistent and supreme, not making any compromises on that front and make sure our customers get the best value for their money. The depreciation of rupee issue is a phenomenon we have faced multiple times across our 25 year journey and I’m sure we will face this time too and overcome. We always believed strive with our commitment to customers for being the best supplier for their needs and we will try our best to maintain that.
What latest challenges are your facing in the market and how do you overcome them?
The current challenges are centered on the issues of increased duties, increased freight rates and the depreciated rupee. It’s a challenge every importer is currently plagued with and we remain confident that over time things will get normalized again. We continue to remain focused on providing the best quality to our customers at the best prices irrespective of the market challenges.
How do you compare the quality of the mono-cartridges provided by the domestically manufacturer with the imported cartridges?
Currently, we believe that there is a quality gap between domestically produced toner cartridges and the imported ones. Even the domestic cartridge manufacturers have has no option but to import most of the raw materials and components from China and assemble it here. And foreign manufacturers abroad have been manufacturing for several decades and invested heavy sums of money into their R&D and the world class machinery which now reflects in the quality of their products, so the Indian manufacturers cannot meet their standards, at least as of now.
Do you think domestic cartridge manufacturers can make importing infeasible in the coming years?
That said, if domestic players are willing to heavily invest into R&D and the machinery, the gap in quality and consistency can reduce over time, but it’s a long process which will need a lot of time, patience and most importantly capital. Foreign manufacturers have achieved better economies-of-scale which will take a lot of time for the Indian manufacturers to catch up.
Covered By: Imaging Solution / PRM
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