88 | SysconSyscon also increased investment in automation. For example, in 2022, the company invested in an inline inspection system from Luster, which offers 100 percent defect detection function. ‘Our frst meeting was in 2017 and the cooperation between the two sides since then has always been constructive, with no communication barriers,’ says Joncharoensiri ‘In addition to trusting their product quality, what impressed me the most is their quick response to any problems. I remember once, the company’s equipment parts failed, and Luster sent replacement parts by courier within two days. They also provide online remote troubleshooting services, enabling us to diagnose problems in real-time.’Nipat Joncharoensir of Syscon, Yolanda Wang and Terany Ren of LusterExpanding into fexible packagingJoncharoensiri is no stranger to the fexible packaging industry, “With many Chinese label which was the main business of his father’s company. The innovation of Syscon was to use digital printing technology to companies setting up factories produce fexible packaging, including multi-layer pouches, spout pouches and poly bags.in Southeast Asia, Joncharoensiri ‘Flexible packaging is known for its lightweight, portability and convenience for transportation, and has become valuable in feels both pressure and challenge”numerous sectors,’ says Joncharoensiri. ‘Particularly in Thailand, where the tourism industry makes up a large portion of the overall so internal training within the factory is needed.economy, fexible packaging has been adopted as the preferred As the impact of the pandemic gradually recedes, material packaging option for many products. Souvenirs, such as dried supply is stabilizing, and factory delivery times are also stabilizing.durian snacks and mangoes, are popular items tourists frequently Joncharoensiri believes there are two key trends that need to purchase as gifts for their families, further propelling the demand be focused on in the future. One is environmental protection, as for fexible packaging. Given these circumstances, the market brands and markets seek more eco-friendly labels and fexible potential for fexible packaging in Thailand is immense.’ packaging solutions. As consumer focus on the environment Joncharoensiri found that customers were seeking an increases, national and governmental regulations in this area will integrated offering of labels and fexible packaging solutions. become more stringent. The second is value-added features and ‘After comparative analysis, we also found that labels and fexible embellishments, which can help brand products differentiate packaging have many similarities in the print production process, visually from competitors. For example, unique QR code including printing, slitting, rewinding and surface treatment, all applications have not only become a trend but have brought of which strengthened our determination to develop the fexible signifcant benefts to users and brands in multiple dimensions.packaging side of the business.’ Joncharoensiri is keen on learning and acquiring new knowledge. With the increase in the company’s fexible packaging business He has participated in several international professional exhibitions and the demand from users for better prices for these products, and seminars and has visited several international label printing in 2019 Syscon invested in a Taiwanese-built Manworldly gravure exhibitions in Europe. He says, ‘Market and customer needs are press and a Jiangyin Huitong automatic pouch making line, constantly changing. For label printing companies, it is necessary specifcally for the production and processing of fexible packaging to step out, pay attention to new industry trends, understand products. the latest industry materials, technologies and solutions, and ‘We choose between gravure or digital printing of fexible constantly enhance internal strength to maintain the ability to packaging products according to the size of the order,’ says provide high-quality solutions for customers.’Joncharoensiri. ‘For large-volume products, the production With many Chinese label companies - including both suppliers effciency of gravure printing is higher, and the cost is lower; for and label printers - setting up factories in Southeast Asia, short-run products, the advantages of digital printing are more Joncharoensiri feels both the pressure and the challenge. However, evident.’ competition indicates the existence of a market, and he hopes Currently, fexible packaging products account for 30 percent of that everyone can compete creatively to jointly promote its the products produced by Syscon. Considering the rising consumer development. He has spent four months studying Chinese in demand in the Thai market, the company will focus on wide web Beijing, China, indicating a deep commitment to understanding gravure equipment in the future to improve its production capacity and integrating into the global landscape of the industry.and service capabilities in this area. Syscon, under the guidance of Joncharoensiri, is well-positioned to continue making strides in the fexible packaging industry. With Future development a clear focus on quality, customer service, innovative technologies Joncharoensiri believes the key factors for success in this and sustainable practices, Syscon is demonstrating the potential market come down to quality, delivery time, service and cost. to become a key player in the region. At the same time, This perspective makes the company very careful about each Joncharoensiri’s openness to learning, and his proactive approach investment in hardware and software. toward staying updated on industry trends, refect a leadership As a new-generation print manager, he gauges the company’s style that is adaptive, forward-thinking and inclusive. With such order situation and calculates existing production capacity. If the strong foundations, Syscon appears to be on a promising path for total order volume exceeds 60-70 percent of total capacity, it the future.signals a need to invest in new production equipment.He also emphasizes the importance of building a reserve To discover more about the integration of labels and fexible of company talent. Currently, there is no dedicated training packaging, visit Labelexpo Europe 2023 in September institution for narrow web fexographic printing in the Thai market, (www.labelexpo-europe.com)labelsandlabeling.com