|
After achieving leadership status in the domestic
industry, Micro Inks decided to take on a much
greater challenge. That of broadening its horizons
and setting itself the corporate vision of becoming
a significant player in the global ink industry.
Having decided the course of action, Micro Inks promptly plunged itself into a thorough study of the major ink markets of the world, covering U. S. A., Europe and Asia. Through its study, the company gained valuable insights into the marketplace.
The world market for Printing Inks was valued at around US$ 14-15 billion in 1999 and is growing at a rate of around 2%-3%. It is estimated that by the year 2004, the world market will be around US$ 15 to US $ 16 billion. Of all the markets, USA was the largest for Printing Inks, with a 30% global share.
For MICRO, this was the beginning. Set in its vision of becoming a truly world-class company, it had a few things on its immediate agenda. Such as benchmarking quality and cost, establishing a marketing and distribution network and building a team of people to compete globally. With a clear focus on the challenges ahead, MICRO set its target on the largest market for Printing Inks - that of United States of America.
Growth has spiraled upwards in the Group's inks business at a compounded rate of more than 45%.
As studies had revealed, the US market was rife with consolidations through acquisitions leading to a few large players dominating the market. To penetrate this market, a sound strategy was required along with determination.
A prime step in this direction was through the establishment of physical presence in the market.
Micro Inks promoted a wholly owned subsidiary in USA by the name of Micro Inks Corporation.
A company managed by a team consisting of individuals
drawn from within the US industry with ample experience
and insight into the market. A company managed
by a team consisting of individuals drawn from
within the US industry with ample experience and
insight into the market. The President & CEO
of Micro Inks is Mr. James Mahoney, who has around
37 years of experience in the coatings and printing
inks industry. He was the CEO & President
of Flint Inks, Europe.
The Vice-President - Sales & Marketing is Mr. Ronald Douglass who brings with him about 32 years of experience in companies such as 3M and The Ink Company, recently acquired by Flint.
The US team comprises of around 50 experienced individuals each being a specialist in his or her own field, and drawn from within the industry from marketing, technical services, distribution as well as other relevant disciplines.
Micro Inks is having a factory near Chicago at Kankakee, having 2,68,000 sq. ft. built up area on 44 acres of land.
Most important of all, MICRO's determination will ensure that it repeats it's past growth records, to emerge as a respected player in the global ink industry. And thereby leave behind a distinct impression on the world |