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With world-class machinery, fully integrated paper manufacturing, distributing and trading facility together with one-stop solutions for printing consumables that comprehensively cover the needs of the printing, packaging and converting industries, Vista International which commenced its journey in 1989 has not rest on its oars as the leader in Africa. Carrying on this huge legacy is indeed a huge task especially after the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic which is why WHERE To Print caught up with the new General Manager of Vista International – Mr. Anil Kumar to know what Vista has done during COVID-19 and how the company will continue to lead while others follows even post COVID-19:
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR APPOINTMENT AS VISTA GENERAL MANAGER; TELL US HOW YOU FEEL?
Thank you so much. I feel good and elated for the new challenge ahead.
CAN WE KNOW YOUR BACKGROUND?
I have educational background in Printing; so, I have remained all through my career in the industry. The Printing Industry has taught me lot and has shaped me to the person that I am today. It has also helped me in understanding processes and people as well. Over the period and with experience, I’ve been able to redefine both to suit the organization. I am good at redefining processes. I can say that this applies to all industries. In the foreseeable future, I won’t limit my experience and expertise to the Printing Industry alone but will like to venture into something different. And with the support and guidelines of my CEO, I am now also working on new projects which are not related to printing. I always want to challenge myself and be successful at what I do. By the grace of the Almighty, I have been successful with whatever I have done and I’m hoping that this continues, moving forward.
WITH YOUR BRIEF STAY IN NIGERIA, WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE COUNTRY ESPECIALLY THE PEOPLE, CHARACTER AND CULTURE?
Nigeria as a country is relatively big and unique with diverse culture and languages. Nigerians are friendly and hardworking if given the enabling environment, and they also cherish quality in services and products offered to them.
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VISTA IS KNOWN FOR QUALITY PRODUCTS FROM PAPER TO PRINTING INKS AND CONSUMABLES; WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO ENSURE THESE PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO DOMINATE THE MARKET?
Yes, Vista is known for quality in all its product and services. It is paramount for me to sustain this feat as a marketer to ensure customer satisfaction through production TQM (Total Quality Management) techniques by ensuring:
· Top management commitment in quality
· Quality management and benchmarking
· Quality assurance in process management
· Product design
· Employee training
· Customer involvement and satisfaction
HOW DOES VISTA MAINTAINS ITS QUALITY?
Aside the above, we have strict procedures in place and things move according to the procedures set. This helps us to manage things well. We also have careful eyes on everything to maintain our quality standard.
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ASIDE PAPER AND CONSUMABLES, WHAT OTHER VISTA PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE PRINT & ALLIED MARKET?
We have ultra-modern printing/packaging die-cutting outfit that takes care of product packaging for pharmaceutical, foods and other items as well as educational books, calendars, journals etc.
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AT THIS PERIOD, WE UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION OF THINGS IN NIGERIA AS REGARDS LOCKDOWN AND RESTRICTIONS; HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR CUSTOMERS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY GET THEIR PRODUCTS AS AT WHEN DUE?
We make use of technology in communication and deliver to our customers through our haulage companies that operate in line with Government regulations and rules guiding COVID-19.
SPECIFICALLY, WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE VISTA PRODUCTS GET TO EVERY PARTS OF THE COUNTRY ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH EAST?
We are currently working on how to improve the existing network through effective communication and innovation.
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AS AN EXPERIENCE PRINT SERVICE PROVIDER, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO PRINTERS AS IT RELATES TO USE OF FAKE AND SUBSTANDARD CONSUMABLES?
Excellent customer service is the only thing that can sustain any business outfit and customer satisfaction can be achieved by offering quality products and services to your customers when you use Vista quality consumables.
ACCEPTED THAT THERE ARE SUBSTANDARD PRINTING PRODUCTS IN THE COUNTRY; HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WORK WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ONLY GET QUALITY PRINT PRODUCTS THAT VISTA IS KNOWN FOR?
We constantly educate our customers through effective communication and awareness on the importance of quality in printing products and items which Vista is known for.
IN RELATION TO COVID-19, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH HEALTH ISSUE CONCERNING HANDLING AND USE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?
Vista as a company has put in place all recommended measures against COVID-19 as prescribed by the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Government. We also make use of technology in all aspect of communication without physical contact.
WE KNOW THAT VISTA STARTED HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AGAINST COVID-19, WHAT ARE THE OTHER INCENTIVES LIKE DISCOUNT, CREDIT FACILITY ETC THAT YOU ARE OFFERING YOUR CUSTOMERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS AT THIS TIME?
With COVID-19, there is no exception of a big or a small organization, all have been affected badly. We too have been affected. We try our best in helping customers in every way possible. I cannot be specific on discounts or credit terms, but we are always listening to our customers to meet their needs – keeping in view the current pandemic situation. During the lockdown, Vista also gave palliative food items through the local council committees where we operate in Lagos.
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WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS CHALLENGES IN AN ENVIRONMENT AS NIGERIA AND HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO OVERCOME THEM?
Some of the challenges are:
· Epileptic power supply
· Unstable rate of FOREX
· Inconsistency in government policy
· Security threat
As a business entity, we have to use expertise within our reach to overcome most of these challenges and forge ahead.
BRIEFLY LET US KNOW THE PLANS YOU HAVE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS NOW AND AFTER COVID-19?
Our plans are always in line with the customers’ requirements. We always work towards achieving those requirements.
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FINALLY, WE KNOW PRINTING CAN BE HIGHLY DEMANDING AND STRESSFUL BUSINESS, HOW DO YOU RELAX?
I play badminton to reduce stress level.
Thank you for your time sir.
