Dedicated to its vision of fulfilling the turnkey requirements for machinery, genuine spare parts, consumables such as inks, printing plates, printing chemicals, and other raw materials for its clients, Ankan Graphics Limited has become the trusted go-to supplier across the West Africa subregion. Backed with core family values of integrity, hard work, and commitment, the company takes on each of its clients’ projects with commensurate foresight, zeal, and expertise to ensure its mantra as the ‘Tailored Turnkey Solutions Provider’ for the printing, packaging, corrugation, and publishing industries is successfully achieved. And with invaluable experience, connection and expertise in the region, WHERE To Print magazine took on the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kaleeswaran Nadar, on a wide range of issues in the market regarding right equipment acquisition, after-sales service, consumables supplies, capacity building, etc., and the result of the tête-à-tête forms this exclusive SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW in the excerpt below:
HOW WILL YOU DESCRIBE THE 2025 BUSINESS YEAR?
The 2025 Business Year for Ankan Graphics LTD is described as a transformative year of market consolidation and strategic expansion within the West African printing and packaging sector. Key highlights of Ankan Graphics’ 2025 Business Year include:
Strategic Regional Expansion: We solidified our position as a ‘Tailored Turnkey Solutions Provider’ for the printing, publishing, and packaging industries across West Africa. A major milestone was signing a contract in early 2025 as the Exclusive Dealer for DMS Digital, a renowned post-press specialist, expanding their service reach in the region.
Strengthened OEM Partnerships: We reinforced our role as the preferred distribution partner for world-leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Hontec flexo printing machines, Youbond flute laminator, Autoprint, BindEx, DGM Global, and CHM Sheeter Machinery.
Active Industry Participation: The company maintained a high market profile by exhibiting at major regional trade shows, such as IPPPEX 2025 and PROPAK West Africa 2025. At these events, we showcased live demonstrations of advanced technology, such as the Autoprint one-colour machine, to demonstrate its reliability and our local after-sales service support.
AS A BUSINESS, WHAT ARE YOUR THREE ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF AND GRATEFUL FOR?
Thank you; these can be summarized into:
Securing Exclusive Regional Partnerships: As noted earlier, in the early part of 2025, Ankan Graphics reached a major milestone by signing a contract as the Exclusive Dealer for West Africa with DMS Digital, a renowned post-press specialist. This achievement solidified the company’s reputation as a premier turnkey solutions provider for the printing and packaging industries across the entire subregion.
Record-Breaking Live Tech Demonstrations: The company successfully exhibited at major trade shows like PROPAK West Africa 2025 and IPPPEX 2025. A standout achievement was the live demonstration of the Autoprint one-colour press using innovative Polymaster plates, which generated unprecedented sales directly from the exhibition floor to both local and international visitors.
Operational Expansion and Service Reliability: Ankan Graphics successfully expanded its technical footprint beyond Nigeria, finalizing significant installation projects in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Our company is deeply grateful for its ability to maintain a robust local inventory of spare parts and expert technical support, which guarantees a quick response and minimal downtime for our growing Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Customer (B2C) client base across West Africa.
“As we enter the 2026 Business Year, Ankan Graphics LTD envisions a year of Consolidation and Digital Maturity”.
WHAT WERE THE LOWS AND HIGHS OF LAST YEAR, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES?
In 2025, Ankan Graphics LTD navigated a complex macroeconomic environment by leveraging technological innovation and regional partnerships to turn industry challenges into growth opportunities. Summarily, our Highs in 2025 include the following:
Regional Dominance through Strategic Partnerships: The highlight of the year was securing an exclusive dealership for DMS Digital in the West African subregion. This expanded our turnkey solutions portfolio, particularly in specialized post-press machinery.
Successful Tech Adoption: Another major highlight was the successful introduction of the Autoprint one-colour press utilizing Polymaster plates and Hontec flexographic printing machines. These innovations resonated with the market by significantly reducing plate-making costs for customers without sacrificing print quality.
Expansion Beyond Nigeria: The company reached new geographical milestones, finalizing installation projects in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, proving the regional demand for its cost-effective technologies.
However, some of our Lows of 2025 are:
Macroeconomic Pressure: Like much of the Nigerian manufacturing sector, Ankan Graphics faced significant ‘lows’ driven by volatile foreign exchange (FOREX) rates, high energy costs, and elevated interest rates, which increased the baseline cost of importing machinery and spare parts.
Operational Costs for Clients: Many of Ankan’s customers struggled with rising raw material costs and multiple taxation, which suppressed purchasing power for large-scale equipment investments.
However, we overcame these challenges by:
Providing Cost-Effective Alternatives: To counter high operational costs for clients, Ankan shifted its focus to machinery like the Autoprint series, engineered for low power consumption and uses affordable consumables, allowing for a faster Return on Investment (ROI) for investors.
Value-Added Services (Knowledge Sharing): Ankan also mitigated the ‘low’ of a volatile market by offering free technical training and seminars. This strategy empowered customers to reduce wastage and downtime, making their existing operations more profitable and resilient.
Robust Inventory Management: To overcome global and local supply chain disruptions, Ankan maintained a heavy local inventory of spare parts and a dedicated Technical Team. This ensured that even during economic or logistical shifts, our customers experienced minimal operational interruptions.
ANKAN GRAPHICS PARTICIPATED IN SOME SHOWS LAST YEAR. HOW SIGNIFICANT WERE THESE SHOWS TO YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Yes, Ankan Graphics LTD participated in several high-profile trade shows that were highly significant to our growth, resulting in direct sales and expanded regional visibility. These include PROPAK West Africa 2025. This is West Africa’s largest exhibition for packaging, printing, and processing. For us at Ankan Graphics, it served as the premier platform to engage with senior decision-makers who held purchasing authority in 2025. The other reasons for our participation were to launch and demonstrate advanced, cost-saving technologies like the Autoprint one-colour press and to strengthen partnerships with global OEMs, then connect with a high-level buyer delegation from across the region, including Ghana. Therefore, our objective of participation was met, which resulted in unprecedented sales directly from the exhibition floor. We also successfully showcased our new and exclusive dealership of DMS Digital solutions, along with Hontec machinery for flexo printing machines, Youbond machinery for flute laminator machines, Shandong Bright Ink, and Shajia laminated tube making machines.
For International Paper, Publishing, Packaging & Printing Expo (IPPPEX 2025), which was collocated with the Lagos International Trade Fair and attracted over 1,000 visitors, provided massive exposure to new entrepreneurs and existing market leaders. Other reasons for participation included, among others, connecting top executives directly with customers and industry professionals, to display solutions from exclusive partners such as Autoprint Machinery, DMS Digital, along with Hontec machinery for flexo printing machines, Youbond machinery for flute laminator machines, Shandong Bright Ink, Shajia laminated tube making machines. Our objective was equally met as we successfully leveraged the high footfall to generate newer inquiries, thereby reinforcing our position as the industry’s ‘Tailored Turnkey Solutions Provider’.
“Indeed, Ankan Graphics LTD has established a strong reputation as the tailored turnkey solutions provider for the printing, publishing, packaging, and corrugation sectors in West Africa”.
WITH YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE IN NIGERIA, WHAT INVALUABLE TIPS HAVE YOU LEANT THAT OTHERS CAN ADOPT?
Drawing from our decades of experience and recent 2025 operations, we humbly offer the following invaluable tips for businesses in Nigeria’s printing, publishing, packaging, and corrugated carton sectors:
Prioritize Machine Maintenance to Eliminate Downtime: In a market where energy costs and interest rates are high, equipment downtime is a business killer. Therefore, practice Preventive Care whereby you dedicate time daily for cleaning and basic checks. This ‘respect for the machine’ prevents hours of lost production later. Again, use genuine spares only. Using non-genuine parts often leads to secondary mechanical failures. Then, maintain a local inventory of original consumables and spares to ensure uninterrupted production.
Adopt ‘Tailored Turnkey’ and Cost-Effective Technology: Due to high operational costs (as a result of FOREX volatility, high interest rates, and raw materials), you must choose machinery that offers the fastest Return on Investment (ROI). Not only that, also invest in energy-efficient machines like the Autoprint series that are engineered for low power consumption. Again, shift toward technologies like Polymaster plates, which are affordable print consumables, to drastically reduce plate-making costs without sacrificing quality.
Pivot to High-Margin Specialty Packaging: This is because the Nigerian market is shifting away from basic ‘commodity’ printing toward premium, specialized packaging. Therefore, target niche markets and focus on short-run, high-margin packaging for local premium brands in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. Again, incorporate value-added features like UV-LED curing, spot colours, and tamper-resistant designs to help your clients build consistent visual identities.
Embrace Sustainability and the Circular Economy: This is because sustainability is no longer optional; it is a competitive advantage in 2026 and beyond. Use recyclable materials as brands increasingly demand corrugated packaging with higher recycled content and lightweight designs that do not compromise strength. You can also use eco-friendly inks by transitioning to water-based inks and solvent-free adhesives to reduce your environmental impact and appeal to global export-bound clients.
Bridge the Communication Gap with Customers: By being visible and accessible in this crowded market. Maintain an Always-On Presence that ensures your packaging and marketing materials clearly display contact info. Be in their faces at all times through both offline networking and active digital marketing. And lastly, be professional by ensuring your business is registered with the CAC to facilitate corporate bank accounts and larger B2B contracts. This builds trust and requires formal structures.
WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE SOME TURNKEY PROJECTS THAT YOU’VE HANDLED FOR SEVERAL PRINT & ALLIED BUSINESSES IN AND OUTSIDE NIGERIA. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THEM?
Indeed, Ankan Graphics LTD has established a strong reputation as the tailored turnkey solutions provider for the printing, publishing, packaging, and corrugation sectors in West Africa. This is because we have consistently worked with our esteemed clients from the conceptual stage to final commissioning, backed by ongoing maintenance. While specific client names for individual private installations are often kept confidential for competitive reasons, Ankan Graphics has significantly expanded its footprint in the West African subregion, delivering complete equipment and service packages in:
Places like Ghana & Togo: In 2025, we successfully completed large-scale installation projects in these two countries, providing end-to-end setup for local manufacturers.
West African Post-Press Solutions: As the exclusive dealer for many brands, we handled numerous turnkey post-press installations, ensuring that regional printing and packaging providers have the advanced finishing equipment needed to meet international standards. In those projects, we manage the following stages:
- Machinery Sourcing & Distributionby partnering with world-leading OEMs Machinery to supply customized equipment.
- Full Production Line Setupthat often includes installation of advanced systems such as high-speed dual-function flute laminating machines and flexographic printing machines suitable for diverse materials.
- Operational Readiness that shows our ‘Beyond Hardware’ credence, which demonstrates our promptness in supplying essential raw materials and consumables such as Shandong Bright inks and specialized chemicals to ensure businesses are production-ready from day one.
- Technical Support & Training, where every project is backed by a local technical team that provides operators’ training and maintains a robust inventory of original spare parts, which is critical for preventing downtime.
ANKAN GRAPHICS REPRESENTS SOME OF THE TOP WORLD-RENOWNED ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS IN NIGERIA. WHAT NEW PRODUCT OR SERVICE FROM THESE OEMs ARE YOU OFFERING TO DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION?
Yes, we have significantly updated our portfolio to include high-efficiency, automated solutions from world-renowned Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These new offerings are designed to provide local manufacturers with a competitive edge through faster turnaround times and reduced operational costs. These exclusive partnerships include DMS Digital (leading post-press specialist), Hontec flexo (high-precision, automated solutions for narrow-web label and flexible packaging industries), Youbond (for intelligent, high-speed, and dual-function laminating machines for cardboard and corrugated paper flutes at speeds up to 155m/min), DGM Folder Gluer (a multifunctional machine that can perform inline check-in and pasting (gluing) either separately or simultaneously in one pass), Autoprint (for cost-effective one-colour press paired with the Polymaster plate system), BindEx (for BindEx BOSSA 50E Digital Three-Knife Trimmer that can be adjusted accurately via a colour touch screen also featuring cloud platform connectivity for remote monitoring and data preset), Jiguo (uniquely positioned to provide double hot stamping, die-cutting, and stripping solutions, in a single pass). Not only these, through our partnership with Thin Rope, we now offer UV-cured security inks that are invisible to the naked eye but validated by specific portable devices, ideal for track-and-trace applications on pharmaceutical and high-value substrates. Again, Ankan remains the primary distributor of high-quality Shandong Bright Inks that ensure colour consistency and durability for the growing local consumer goods market.
LIKE THE LEGENDARY AUTOPRINT MACHINE, WHICH OTHER AFFORDABLE, COST-EFFECTIVE, AND HIGH-RETURN ON INVESTMENT PRINTING, PACKAGING, AND LABELING MACHINES DO YOU HAVE?
At Ankan Graphics, we have curated a stable of machinery specifically chosen for the Nigerian and West African markets. These brands focus on reducing waste, minimizing power consumption, and ensuring a fast Return on Investment (ROI). Here are the affordable, high-performance solutions from our key partners in specific markets:
- Light Packaging & Labeling: For businesses transitioning from commercial printing to high-demand packaging and labeling, the following brands offer the best balance of speed and precision:
- Hontec FDA-350-3C (Label & Flexo Press): This is a specialized 3-colour automatic flexo press with integrated die-cutting. It is famous for reducing glue overflow by 40% during label production. It is significantly more affordable than wide-web presses while providing the precision needed for high-quality self-adhesive labels and In-Mould Labels (IML), thus significantly contributing to high ROI.
- DGM Smartfold Series (Folder Gluers): These machines are designed for complex folding carton designs, including crash-lock bottoms and 4 by 6 corner boxes. Known for being robust and reliable, DGM machines are built for 24/7 operation. Their durability and low maintenance requirements make them a ‘Buy-Once’ solution for scaling light packaging businesses.
- Corrugated Carton Manufacturing: As the demand for brown boxes and shipping cartons grows in Nigeria, Youbond and Chuanglian provide the heavy-duty efficiency required for profitability. While Youbond High-Speed Automatic Laminators are your ideal solution for specialized, high-precision lamination of printed top sheets to corrugated flutes (A, B, C, E, F, and N flutes), Chuanglian Corrugated Production Lines offer complete turnkey corrugation lines – from single facers to fully automatic production plants. Indeed, they are engineered for energy efficiency, a critical factor in Nigeria’s high-cost energy environment, thereby allowing for the production of durable, high-quality cartons at a lower cost-per-unit.
- Specialized Consumables for High ROI: To complement the above-mentioned machines, Ankan Graphics also provides high-performance consumables that ensure your equipment runs smoothly without expensive downtime These are:
- Shandong Bright Inks: High-pigment, fast-drying inks that ensure colour consistency while using less volume per print run.
- Polymaster Plates: The ultimate cost-saver for offset printing, providing a much cheaper alternative to CTP/Metal plates for short and medium runs on Autoprint machines.
- Specialty Glues and Tapes: Optimized for DGM and Youbond machinery to ensure strong bonds on various substrates, reducing the risk of product returns or failures.
In a nutshell, by integrating Hontec for labels, DGM for folding cartons, and Youbond/Chuanglian for corrugated boxes, Ankan Graphics provides a total, cost-effective ecosystem of solutions for the modern packaging professionals.
SPECIFICALLY, WHICH PRE-OWNED OR RECONDITIONED PRINTING AND ALLIED MACHINES DO YOU OFFER?
Though Ankan Graphics LTD primarily focuses on being a premier distribution partner for new, high-technology products from our Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we also provide tailored turnkey solutions to our customers with the sale, installation, and services of pre-owned machines backed by a robust local inventory of original spare parts and a dedicated technical team to guarantee timely service and quick response. We leverage our 30+ years of industry experience and global sourcing network to offer a range of reliable pre-owned or reconditioned machinery. These offerings are designed to provide cost-effective entry points for new businesses or affordable capacity expansion for existing ones. Our reconditioned inventory typically includes:
Offset Printing Presses: While we champion new Autoprint machines, we can source and supply high-quality second-hand offset presses from world-leading brands such as Heidelberg (like GTO, Speedmaster), Komori, and Ryobi. These machines are often thoroughly inspected and serviced by our local technical team to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of the Nigerian market.
Post-Press & Finishing Equipment: We also offer reconditioned versions of essential finishing tools, including Paper Guillotines/Cutting Machines such as Polar or Wholenberg models, which are essential for precise trimming of paper and cardstock. We also have pre-owned Binding Machines like perfect binders and saddle stitchers from brands like Muller Martini or Horizon that are duly certified for their high durability.
Packaging & Converting Machinery: We have reconditioned Folder Gluers and Die-Cutters for the light packaging and carton industries.
Small-Scale Offset & Allied Equipment: There is also an inventory of reconditioned ‘201’ impression machines and other small offset units that are highly sought after by local Printers for their simplicity and low operational costs.
“Ankan Graphics LTD reinforces its commitment to the West African printing and packaging industry with a three-pillar assurance plan designed to guarantee stability and growth for our clients, whom we invariably call partners”.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL ORDERS FOR THE AUTOPRINT MACHINE; CAN YOU TELL US SPECIFICALLY HOW MANY AND WHICH COMPANIES THEY ARE BEING INSTALLED AT?
Thank you, and as mentioned earlier, though we recorded unprecedented sales for the Autoprint one-colour press directly from major exhibition floors at PROPAK West Africa 2025 and IPPPEX 2025 show, specific client names for every individual contract are often kept confidential for competitive reasons. Watch out for confirmed installations scheduled for major city hubs across Nigeria, specifically in Lagos and Abuja. Then, internationally in Ghana and Togo, reflecting a strong regional resonance of Autoprint’s cost-effective technologies.
TELL US ABOUT THE CAPACITY OF YOUR AFTER-SALES SERVICE, CONSUMABLES SUPPLIES, AND ON-TIME DELIVERY (OF SPARE PARTS, ETC.)?
At Ankan Graphics LTD, our capacity and, indeed, reputation are built on the philosophy that a machine is only as good as the support behind it. That is why our after-sales and supply chain capacity is structured to eliminate downtime for both Printers and Packagers across West Africa. With our dedicated after-sales service and technical support team, robust local inventory of original spare parts, steady supply of high-performance consumables, and well-structured regional logistics and turnkey delivery services, Ankan Graphics guarantees that your investment continues to yield high returns with minimal interruption.
WHAT OLD BUSINESS STRATEGY(IES) DO YOU THINK PRINT & ALLIED PRACTITIONERS SHOULD DO DIFFERENTLY NOW TO TAKE THEIR BUSINESSES TO THE NEXT HIGHER LEVEL?
Ankan Graphics LTD recommends that print and allied practitioners move away from reactive, volume-based models toward strategic, value-driven operations to reach the next level of growth. Therefore, Practitioners can adopt the following modern strategies to future-proof their businesses:
Shift from ‘Listing Specs’ to ‘Solving Problems’: Practitioners must stop merely listing machine specifications and start articulating how their capabilities — such as managing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) costs or cutting carbon footprints — solve specific client problems.
Prioritize Proactive Maintenance Over Repair: Many local firms traditionally wait for a breakdown before seeking help. To scale up, businesses must focus on daily preventive maintenance to eliminate production downtime and reduce wastage, treating it as a controllable strategic advantage rather than a nuisance.
Adopt Digital Transformation and Automation: Relying on cumbersome manual production methods is no longer sustainable. Integrating digital tools for tasks like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and using automated formats in carton production improves speed and enables the high demands of ‘personalization at scale’ expected in 2026 and beyond.
Diversify into ‘Paperization’ and Flexible Formats: Moving away from a total reliance on plastics toward sustainable, paper-based alternatives aligns with 2026 regulatory mandates and the growing circular economy.
Leverage Digital Presence for Lead Generation: Traditional face-to-face-only sales are limiting. Successful firms now utilize multiple platforms (WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram) and web-to-print solutions to bypass physical distance and cater to a global market.
Implement Smart and Active Packaging: Modern packaging should bridge the physical and digital worlds. Practitioners should integrate QR codes, NFC tags, and GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes to provide real-time traceability and consumer engagement, adding value beyond just basic protection.
Collaborate and Build Strategic Alliances: Rather than competing head-to-head on price, practitioners should partner with other B2B firms or local equipment dealers to access broader expertise and reduce high operational costs.
SUGGEST SCALABLE AREAS THAT PRACTITIONERS CAN ENGAGE IN TO IMPROVE THEIR CASH FLOW THIS 2026 BUSINESS YEAR?
Based on the current 2026 business landscape in Nigeria, Ankan Graphics LTD suggests that printing and allied practitioners focus on the following scalable areas to immediately improve cash flow and secure long-term profitability:
Adopt Short-Run, High-Value Niche Production – Scalability does not always mean massive volume; it means optimized volume. Shift focus from low-margin, high-volume commodity printing to high-value niche packaging, focusing on such areas as medical/pharmaceutical packaging (which often requires specialized security features), cosmetic packaging, and flexible packaging for premium local food brands. Note that these niche markets often tolerate higher prices for quality and compliance, which can dramatically improve per-unit margins and cash flow.
Leverage Eco-Friendly/Sustainable Packaging Solutions – With the growing global and local push for sustainability that some clients are willing to pay a premium for, ‘Paperization’ Services should be looked into. This is by helping your clients to transition from plastic packaging to paper and corrugated carton alternatives. This can be a significant market opportunity, aligning with new regulations.
Recycled Content Offerings – Offer corrugated cartons with certified high recycled content. This can appeal to brands aiming to meet the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets.
Improve Operational Efficiency to Reduce Waste. You can also improve your cash flow by reducing costs and waste in production. This can be done by investing in efficient machinery. Look for equipment designed to reduce material overflow and minimize setup times. Machines with shorter changeover times can potentially generate revenue faster. You can also implement ‘Just-In-Time’ Inventory by avoiding tying up vast amounts of working capital on raw materials. Optimize stock levels based on real-time data and leverage reliable local inventory for quick resupply of critical spares.
After-Sales Services and Consumables – Cash flow improves when services are consistent and predictable, not just transactional. Therefore, implement Service Contracts instead of one-off repairs by requesting for annual, retainer-based maintenance contracts. Then, bundle consumables with equipment. Use your leverage to lock in long-term consumable supply agreements, which assures of not only consistent supplies but also predictable finance management (e.g., buying Autoprint machines with mandatory Polymaster plate contracts). Also, ask for Operator Training, which reduces HR costs with other added values of less material wastage and downtime.
Optimize the Working Capital Cycle – By tightening Credit Terms. Re-evaluate payment terms with your clients. While industry standards vary, negotiating for partial upfront payment and payment upon delivery for new clients could also accelerate cash inflow.
Leasing/Financing Options – You should also consider collaborating with banks or financial institutions that offer equipment leasing options. This can reduce your initial capital expenditure, potentially making it easier for you to acquire new machinery, thus facilitating inventory scale-up for your business.
ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, WHAT NEW HABITS DID YOU START AND ARE WORKING WELL FOR YOU THAT OTHERS CAN LEARN FROM?
On a personal level, particularly as a leader in the high-pressure printing and engineering sector, several habits adopted in 2025 have proven transformative. For others in the industry, these three habits are highly recommended for maintaining peak performance in 2026:
The ‘Maintenance-First’ Mindset: Just as we preach to our clients about their machines, I have applied the principle of preventative maintenance to my own health and schedule. This means scheduling ‘downtime’ before a ‘breakdown’ occurs. By prioritizing consistent sleep, physical exercise, and mental breaks, I have found that my decision-making is sharper and my energy levels remain stable throughout the long business day.
Daily Strategic Silence (The Power Hour): I started a habit of spending the first hour of every workday away from emails, WhatsApp, and phones. I use this time strictly for high-level strategic thinking — reviewing project timelines, assessing market trends, and planning how to better serve our regional partners. This prevents me from spending the whole day being ‘reactive’ to crises and allows me to stay ‘proactive’ in leadership.
Continuous ‘Micro-Learning’: The technology in our industry (AI, automation, sustainable materials) is moving at a lightning pace. I have adopted a habit of spending 20 minutes a day reading technical journals or OEM updates from our partners like DGM or Hontec. This ‘micro-learning’ ensures I am never caught off guard by industry shifts and can provide the most current, expert advice to our clients at any moment.
Radical Accessibility with Boundaries: In the Nigerian business landscape, personal touch is everything. I have made it a habit to be highly accessible to my Team and key clients, but I manage this through structured check-ins. This habit builds immense trust and ensures that timely service and quick response are not just a corporate slogan, but a personal standard.
WHICH AREA(S) DO YOU THINK BUSINESSES IN THE PRINT & ALLIED INDUSTRIES SHOULD BE WARY OF TO REDUCE OVERHEAD WITHOUT AFFECTING OVERALL BUSINESS OBJECTIVES?
Based on the current economic realities of 2026, Ankan Graphics LTD identifies the following critical areas where businesses can ‘trim the fat’ without compromising production quality or long-term growth:
Be Wary of ‘Generic’ or Low-Quality Consumables – It is a common mistake to try and reduce overhead by buying the cheapest inks, plates, or adhesives. The risk of low-quality consumables is frequent machine clogging, poor print registration, and high wastage. So, stick to proven, high-yield consumables like Shandong Bright inks or Polymaster plates. While the initial cost may be slightly higher than generic alternatives, their consistency reduces waste and prevents expensive machine downtime, ultimately lowering the cost-per-unit.
Curtail ‘Reactive’ Energy Consumption – With energy costs remaining a major overhead in Nigeria, businesses must move away from unmanaged power usage of running heavy machinery during peak tariff periods or leaving auxiliary equipment (compressors, dryers) running when not in use. Audit your production schedule to maximize the use of energy-efficient machines like the Autoprint series, engineered for low power consumption. You can also switch to LED-UV curing systems (available on modern Hontec presses) to reduce drying energy costs by up to 70%.
Reduce Reliance on Foreign-Based Technical Support – In a volatile FOREX environment like Nigeria, flying in expatriate engineers for routine repairs is a massive and unnecessary overhead from high costs of foreign currency and extended downtime while waiting for travel arrangements. Therefore, invest in staff training by partnering with local distributors like Ankan Graphics, who have readily available factory-trained local technical team. Leveraging local expertise for maintenance ensures a quick response, significantly protecting your cash flow.
Avoid Over-Stocking Non-Critical Inventory – Tying up working capital in massive amounts of raw material that sits in a warehouse is a hidden overhead in storage costs, potential damage or deterioration of materials, and capital illiquidity. You should adopt a ‘Lean’ inventory model for common materials and rely on a distributor with a robust local inventory of spare parts and consumables. Ankan Graphics maintains a steady supply of raw materials and consumables.
Minimize High-Interest Short-Term Loans for Equipment – High interest rates can quickly swallow the expected profits of a new machine. Therefore, focus on machines with a high Return on Investment (ROI) and faster payback periods. Prioritize ‘Turnkey Solutions’ that include installation and training, ensuring the machine starts generating revenue the moment it hits your floor, rather than sitting idle during a long setup phase.
Be Wary of Multi-Pass Production Processes – Note that labour and time are significant overheads. Instead of using three separate machines for stamping, die-cutting, and stripping, move toward multi-functional machinery. For example, using the DGM, which handles double hot stamping, die-cutting, and stripping in one pass, allows you to reduce your labour overhead and floor space requirements without sacrificing output volume.
WHICH AREA (WITHIN THE PRODUCTION SPACE) DO YOU THINK PLAYERS SHOULD INVEST IN TO MOVE THEIR SERVICE OFFERINGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Based on the 2026 business landscape, Ankan Graphics LTD recommends that printing and allied players focus their next level of investment heavily in two areas: Automated Post-Press/Finishing and Sustainable Packaging Production. In Automated Post-Press and Finishing, the press stage is largely optimized, but bottlenecks in finishing are common. Investment here drastically increases efficiency and margin. Automation in processes like cutting, folding, gluing, and die-cutting drastically speeds up overall production time, allowing businesses to accept more jobs. Again, clients pay more for finishing processes where the ‘premium’ feel is added to products (e.g., hot stamping, spot UV, intricate die-cuts). Automation also reduces labour costs as the modern machines require less manual intervention. On this, Ankan Graphics recommends DGM Smartfold Series (Folder Gluers) for high-speed, precise production of complex folding cartons (e.g., crash-lock bottoms). These DGM machines combine die-cutting, stripping, and hot stamping into a single pass, saving immense time and floor space. You can also check out DMS Digital & BindEx Solutions, digital three-knife trimmers, and perfect binders, which ensure a smooth workflow for high-volume publishing and commercial print houses. The reason for a Sustainable and Specialized Packaging Production is market demand, because consumers are rapidly shifting towards eco-friendly and smart packaging solutions. At Ankan Graphics, we recommend Youbond Laminators for corrugated cardboard, which helps create strong, durable, yet recyclable packaging structures for e-commerce and logistics. There is also Hontec Flexo Presses capable of running water-based and UV-LED inks that allow your entry into the highly profitable self-adhesive and IML label market while remaining environmentally conscious. These machines also offer added security, like invisible UV security inks that enable your clients to tackle counterfeiting issues, creating an invaluable service offering.
ARE THERE SPECIALS, PROMOS, OR DISCOUNTS THAT YOU’RE OFFERING TO YOUR CLIENTS?
Yes, this 2026, Ankan Graphics LTD will be offering several strategic promotions and value-added specials designed to help our clients navigate the current economic landscape while scaling up their production. Our current offers and specials for the 2026 Business Year include:
Trade Show Floor Specials: Continuing our success from 2025, we are offering exclusive on-the-spot discounts for machinery purchased or booked during major regional exhibitions like PROPAK West Africa 2026 (September 8–10) and IPPPEX.
Complimentary Technical Training: For every major machine installation — including the Autoprint, DGM, or Hontec series — Ankan will provide free operator training and technical seminars. This special is designed to ensure your Team can operate new technology with zero wastage from day one.
Bundle Discounts on Consumables: We offer competitive pricing when machinery purchases are bundled with initial stocks of essential raw materials, such as Shandong Bright inks or Polymaster plates.
Quick-Start Spare Parts Packages: New clients can benefit from our discounted Essential Spares Kits package tailored to their specific machine models (e.g., Youbond laminators or Chuanglian production lines). These kits ensure you have critical wear-and-tear parts locally available at a reduced upfront cost.
Turnkey Solution Consultations: We are currently offering free diagnostic consultations for businesses looking to upgrade their production floors. Our experts will assess your current workflow and suggest the most cost-effective ‘tailored turnkey’ path to improve your ROI.
WHAT ASSURANCE ARE YOU GIVING YOUR CUSTOMERS IN 2026 TO GUARANTEE YOUR COMMITMENT TO THEIR NEEDS ANYTIME, ANYDAY?
In 2026, Ankan Graphics LTD reinforces its commitment to the West African printing and packaging industry with a three-pillar assurance plan designed to guarantee stability and growth for our clients, whom we invariably call partners. These areas are:
The ‘Zero-Downtime’ Technical Assurance: We guarantee that our customers are never alone in a crisis. With our expanded Team of factory-trained local engineers and a robust local inventory of genuine spare parts, we provide quick response services. Our 2026 commitment is to resolve technical issues within 24 to 48 hours for our regional clients, ensuring your production lines remain profitable.
The ‘Price-Performance’ ROI Guarantee: Our assurance is to continue to provide cost-effective, high-ROI technology — like Autoprint series and Hontec flexo presses — that minimize power consumption and raw material wastage. We are committed to helping you lower your ‘cost-per-print’ to remain competitive in the global market.
The ‘Turnkey Partnership’ Commitment: Beyond being an equipment supplier, we assure you of a life-cycle partnership. From the initial conceptualization of your factory floor to the supply of premium consumables like Shandong Bright inks and Polymaster plates, Ankan Graphics will remain truly your ‘Tailored Turnkey Solutions Provider’ anytime you need to scale or optimize your business. For more information on our 2026 service commitments, visit www.ankangroup.com or connect with our Support Team at sales@ankangroup.com
“Ankan Graphics LTD recommends that print and allied practitioners move away from reactive, volume-based models toward strategic, value-driven operations to reach the next level of growth”.
FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE 2026 BUSINESS YEAR?
As we enter the 2026 Business Year, Ankan Graphics LTD envisions a year of Consolidation and Digital Maturity. Having survived the volatile transitions of previous years, our expectations are focused on high-level efficiency and regional integration. Our expectations from key stakeholders are as follows:
From our Clients: A shift towards strategic investment with the adoption of automation. We expect clients to move away from labour-intensive manual processes and embrace automated ‘one-pass’ machinery (like the Hontec or DGM) to combat rising labour and energy costs. We also anticipate that forward-thinking practitioners will demand more ‘green’ solutions that focus on sustainability, shifting production toward recyclable paper-based packaging and eco-friendly UV-LED curing technologies.
From Our OEM Partners: Tailored innovation for Africa through localized technology. We expect our partners like Autoprint, DGM, and Hontec to continue to develop robust machinery specifically engineered for the African environment that focuses on low power consumption and resistance to power fluctuations. We expect continued commitment to training our local engineers, ensuring that West African businesses have the same level of technical support as those in Europe or Asia.
From the Government and Regulators: Policy consistency that stabilizes the macro-environment while ensuring more predictable foreign exchange policies and lower interest rates to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) upgrade their production capacities. We also expect stronger implementation of policies that favour locally manufactured packaging over finished imports, thereby boosting the entire Nigerian print and packaging value chain.
From Our Internal Team: Excellence in Service Delivery with proactive support that maintains our ‘zero-downtime’ philosophy while utilizing our robust local inventory of spare parts to provide even faster response times across the Federation. Our Team will also continue to lead by educating the market through seminars and live demonstrations at major shows like PROPAK West Africa 2026.
For the Industry: We believe there will be regional synergy that brings West African integration. With our growing footprint in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, we expect 2026 to be the year when the West African printing and packaging sector becomes a more unified, self-sufficient hub, reducing the total reliance on finished goods from overseas.
In summary, Ankan Graphics LTD expects 2026 to be a year where efficiency wins. Businesses that invest in the right technology and the right relationships will find this year to be one of unprecedented growth and stability.
ANY OTHER THOUGHTS ON THE INDUSTRY…
The West African Printing and Packaging Industry has moved beyond being a ‘support sector’ to now a primary driver of the regional industrial revolution. Here are our concluding thoughts on the current state and future of the industry:
The ‘Paperization’ Movement is Unstoppable: We are seeing a massive shift from plastic to paper-based packaging. Companies that have not invested in corrugated carton production or high-quality folding carton machinery (like the DGM or Youbond lines) will find themselves sidelined as global and local regulations on single-use plastics tighten.
The Quality Gap is Closing: For years, African Printers struggled to compete with the finishing quality of imported goods. With the introduction of specialized post-press technologies from partners like DMS Digital, that gap has vanished. Local manufacturers can now produce international standard packaging right here in Lagos or Accra.
Energy as a Strategic Variable: In Nigeria, power remains the ‘X-factor’. The industry’s future belongs to machines that offer low power consumption and LED curing. Businesses can no longer afford to run ‘power-hungry’ legacy equipment if they want to remain profitable.
Data-Driven Production: We expect a surge in ‘Smart Packaging’. The integration of QR codes and tracking sensors into the printing process is no longer a luxury; it is becoming a requirement for the pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors to combat counterfeiting.
Human Capital is the Real Currency: While we sell machines, we know that technical expertise keeps the machines running. The industry must continue to invest in training the next generation of digital-savvy operators who understand both the mechanical and software aspects of modern printing.
The 2026 business year is not a year for the ‘wait-and-see’ approach. It is a year for bold, strategic moves. At Ankan Graphics LTD, we are proud to be the technical backbone for businesses that are ready to lead this transformation. For more insights or to explore our turnkey solutions, visit www.ankangroup.com or contact us at: sales@ankangroup.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
On behalf of the entire team at Ankan Graphics LTD, I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to share our journey and industry insights through the prestigious WHERE To Print platforms.
© Ankan Graphics Limited – building a sustainable legacy of value, dedicated stewardship, and a customer-centric approach to business.
