Founder’s Note: Journey of Innovation with Halftone
Born on March 20, 1978, my journey into the world of printing began with a fervent fascination for graphic design. Fueled by this passion, I embarked on a path of exploration and learning, ultimately earning a Diploma in Printing Technology—a foundational milestone that would shape the trajectory of my career. Today, as we reflect on our journey thus far, we take immense pride in the milestones we have achieved and the relationships we have forged.
In the dynamic world of printing and packaging, staying ahead of the curve requires vision, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This is the journey of Halftone, a company I founded in 1999 with a passion for graphic design. What began as a small venture has evolved into a pioneering force within the industry.
Early Career and Founding of Halftone
After completing a diploma in printing technology and working in the printing and packaging industry for 2-3 years, I gained invaluable experience and insights into the industry. Armed with this knowledge and a passion for graphic design, I started Halftone in 1999 with a small team of 3-4 employees. Our commitment to quality and innovation quickly set us apart in a crowded market, and we began to build a reputation for delivering exceptional work.
2006: Stepping into Prepress with Image Setter
Seven years later, in 2006, Halftone took a significant leap forward by installing our first image setter. This advancement allowed us to expand our services into the prepress arena, providing critical support to the printing industry. The image setter was a game-changer, enabling us to offer precise and high-quality prepress services that ensured the final printed products met the highest standards of excellence. This step not only improved our service offerings but also allowed us to cater to a broader range of client needs, setting the foundation for future growth.
2008: Venturing into Pre-Press Plate Making
The momentum continued in 2008 when Halftone ventured into pre-press plate making. This move was driven by our understanding of the industry’s needs and our desire to offer a comprehensive range of prepress solutions. By incorporating plate making into our services, we were able to provide a seamless workflow from design to print, enhancing efficiency and quality for our clients. This expansion required us to bring in specialized talent, gradually increasing our workforce and expanding our expertise in the field.
2014: Revolutionizing Die Making in Hyderabad
Innovation has always been at the heart of Halftone’s journey. In 2014, we established the first laser die-making factory in Hyderabad, a state-of-the-art facility that was the first of its kind in the region. This factory not only served the printing and packaging industries with unparalleled precision and quality but also positioned us as leaders in die making in South India. Our commitment to excellence and innovation earned us a reputation that extended beyond the region. This facility significantly expanded our operational capacity and required us to increase our workforce to around 50 employees, all dedicated to maintaining our high standards.
2022: Expanding to the North East with Guwahati Branch
Our vision has always been to serve clients across the country. In 2022, Halftone expanded its footprint to the North East by opening a branch in Guwahati. This strategic move allowed us to bring our expertise in die making and prepress services to a new market, meeting the growing demand in the region. This expansion was a testament to our ability to adapt and grow, necessitating the hiring of additional staff to manage the new operations and ensuring that our quality of service remained consistent.
2022: Venturing into Flexo Tech Plate Making
In the same year, we also expanded our services into flexo tech plate making. This addition was driven by the industry’s evolving needs and our commitment to providing comprehensive prepress solutions. The introduction of flexo tech plate making enabled us to offer even more precise and high-quality printing solutions, further solidifying our position as a leading service provider in the industry. This new service line required us to bring in specialized professionals, further expanding our team and enhancing our technical capabilities.
2024: Reaching New Heights with Haridwar Branch
This year, in 2024, marks another milestone in Halftone’s journey. We have inaugurated a new branch in Haridwar to cater to the ever-growing needs of the printing and packaging industry across the country. This new facility underscores our commitment to innovation and our desire to remain at the forefront of industry advancements. By expanding our presence, we continue to deliver exceptional quality and service to our clients nationwide. This expansion has brought our direct employee count to between 250 and 300, with around 100 indirect families supported by our operations.
Commitment to Quality and Growth
Throughout our journey, Halftone’s commitment to quality and our objective to learn and grow have been the driving forces behind our success. Starting with just a few employees, we have grown into a team of 250-300 direct employees and support around 100 indirect families. This unwavering dedication has established Halftone as a leading die maker in India. Our focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of the industry, ready to meet the evolving needs of our clients with innovative solutions and superior service.
