Gallus and Heidelberg Unveil “Flexomaster” at LOUPE India 2026 to Empower Local Label Converters

The landscape of India’s printing and packaging industry witnessed a significant transformation this week at LOUPE India 2026, as Gallus Group and Heidelberg unveiled the Gallus Flexomaster. Designed with a keen focus on the specific operational and economic requirements of the Indian market, this new flexographic label press marks a strategic milestone for both companies as they deepen their roots in one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturing economies.

Bridging Global Technology with Local Assembly

The Flexomaster is a testament to the “Make in India” philosophy, featuring high-end engineering from Gallus coupled with assembly operations located within the country. This model offers a 440 mm printing width and is capable of reaching production speeds of up to 200 meters per minute. By localizing assembly, the manufacturers aim to provide a more accessible entry point for emerging label converters while simultaneously serving the needs of established businesses looking to scale their production capabilities without the prohibitive costs associated with fully imported machinery.

“India has been a successful market for Gallus solutions for more than three decades, with over 150 installations across the country,” noted Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology and Sales Officer at Heidelberg. “This milestone reaffirms Heidelberg and Gallus’s commitment to playing a significant role in the growth and transformation of the Indian labels and packaging market.”

Versatility for Modern Applications

The Flexomaster is not just a standard label press; it is a multi-functional platform built for high-demand versatility. With the capacity to be configured with up to 12 printing and processing stations, the machine supports both flexographic and screen printing. To add value to the finished product, it includes optional embellishment features such as cold foil, lamination, and a sophisticated web-turn mechanism.

This adaptability allows Indian converters to move beyond traditional labels into more complex sectors. The press is optimized for pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, glue-applied labels, and in-mold labels. Furthermore, it expands into the flexible packaging space, supporting roll-to-roll production of sachets and pouches. This makes the machine an ideal fit for diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, logistics, household goods, and the health, beauty, and cosmetics sectors.

Addressing Market Realities

A recurring theme during the launch was the necessity of aligning technology with the ground-level realities of the business. Samir Patkar, President of HEIDELBERG India, emphasized that modern converters are looking for a balance between investment costs and daily operational efficiency. The Flexomaster was specifically engineered to ensure high reliability and consistent print quality, minimizing downtime and wastage—factors crucial for maintaining profitability in a competitive market.

Expanding the Service Ecosystem

Beyond the hardware, the launch signifies a broader push by Gallus and Heidelberg to bolster their regional infrastructure. The companies are actively expanding their sales, service, and partner networks across the subcontinent. This ecosystem approach provides users with a comprehensive support structure, including consumables, technical training, and software integration, ensuring that the machine is supported throughout its lifecycle.

LOUPE India also served as the stage for the debut of the Gallus Screeny Printing Unit. This innovative unit can be retrofitted onto existing narrow-web presses from any manufacturer, offering businesses a cost-effective way to integrate high-quality screen-printing capabilities without the need for a full fleet overhaul.

As the industry prepares for the planned installation phase throughout 2027, the Flexomaster stands as a proof point for a localized, application-first strategy. Uwe Börner, Chief Sales Officer at Gallus Group, highlighted that the machine represents a move away from “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Given the positive reception in India, Gallus has already indicated plans to roll out the Flexomaster to other international markets that share similar production needs and market dynamics.

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