Fred Poonawala: True marquee of achievement

On 26 August, Comart Lithographers bagged the PrintWeek India Pre-Press Company of the Year. Poonawala speaks to Samir Lukka on what makes Comart the best pre-press house in India.

Fred Poonawala, Comart's director, loves to travel and plunge into the deep-end of colour at the drop of the hat. He is passionate about pre-media or printing a tri-tone job or stories about Sidhi Vinayak (Mumbai's landmark temple), which is situated opposite his unit.

What you felt when you bagged the PWI Award?
I was ecstatic and felt we had made the mark! It's a fantastic feeling to get an award for a job that we did for our customer. This recognition is the highest ever bagged by Comart, a true marquee of achievement.

One most valuable work lesson that you follow at your press?
You have to get yourself involved in the whole process.

One thing you always do when you plan for a new print job?
I always ask if there is yet another better way to do this job.

One tip for time management on the shop floor?
Do it right the first time. No time for mistakes.

One way you handle a complex print job?
Get the team involved upfront. Ideas from many quarters help to smoothen the process.

One technique for handling an irate customer.
Listen to them. Empathise with them. Suggest remedies and get them to agree that it is the right remedy.

One good thing about the new generation in the print industry.
Confidence to face and present to a customer.

One thing that clinches a deal.
Adding value to the customers' job with good advice to make his product look better. Even if this means a higher cost to customer, he is willing to pay and the deal is done. Sometimes a simple interaction with the customer on how he can save on cost makes him more happier.

One definition of key values at your press.
Honesty and integrity.

One indicator of performance.
What our customers say about Comart

One favourite activity when you're not in the printing press.
Travelling.

One way to handle unreasonable price hikes.
Make a noise at the local print associations.

One dream you would like your press to achieve.
Best pre-press house in the world.

One good way to foster innovation among your workers.
Get them involved at every stage.

One thing that makes you better than your competitors.
Constantly innovating and providing better solutions to the customer.



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