Rain and wind failed to deter the visitors from visiting the exhibitions, which was supported by Fespa. SPAI plans to take these exhibitions to 62 locations around 28 states and seven union territories across the country. The first CCTTE was held at Aurangabad, Pune and Nashik during April, 2011.

"Usually most of the printers in small towns and cities do not visit printing exhibitions held in big cities, hence they are deprived of adopting newer technologies. They do not get access to innovative products and services introduced by leading brands," said Sanjay Vora, president of SPAI. "It was heartening to see screen printers turn up despite the inclement weather. I am sure the printers in these towns will get exposed to innovative products and services offered by various renowned manufacturers / distributors."

According to Vora, with India turning out to become a major hut for manufacturing of various products, which were previously imported, have opened up unlimited possibilities for screen printers. "There are some applications which can only be done by screen printing, hence the scope of opportunities are higher than currently perceived. Moreover, offset printers have also shown keen interest in adopting the technology to enhance print finishing."

Recalling his younger days, Madan Mistry of True M Advertising and a veteran in Vapi’s screen print arena, said: "In those days we had to visit distributors in Mumbai to procure material. Though most of the materials required are available in Vapi, this was the first time anyone has taken an effort to reach out to the printers in Vapi and its surrounding towns of Daman, Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, where a lot of industrial printers operate. These exhibitions show new technologies and products that are available to printers worldwide."

Raj Kumar Lodha, MD of Seven-11 Industries, manufacturers Sheel Cote screen printing products in Daman and an exhibitor, said: "It’s now the printers’ turn to avail the benefit of the knowledge that is being shared."

For the screen printers in Surat and Vadodara, it was also a chance to spend time with fellow screen printers. "It’s kind of nice to meet fellow screen printers, witness and discuss the technology, in a very relaxed environment," said one of the visitor at Vadodara.

The next CCTTE tours are scheduled to cover Ahmedabad, Morbee and Rajkot in Gujarat on 26, 27 and 28 August while the Delhi/NCR area will be covered in September, for which the dates will be announced in due course.


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