The HP (Hewlett-Packard) premium branded copier paper will now be manufactured in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, for the Indian market. So far, it is being imported.
Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Ltd, a group company of International Paper, will manufacture it using Colorlok technology.
International Paper has invested around Rs 100 crore in this project to manufacture the branded copier paper and market it in different States through its distribution channels.
In due course of time, these products will also be exported.
The company has installed a new sheeter machine at its mill. This allows the manufacture of HP Everyday Papers, a range of premium papers, in India. It intends to start commercial manufacture in India from November.
ColorLok technology
International Paper has an exclusive global partnership with HP to manufacture the latter’s copier range since 1996.
ColorLok technology gives fine print quality with more vivid colours, bolder blacks and faster drying for less smears. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of AP Paper Mills, said: “The new product line will strengthen IP’s position in the Indian paper market and is another step in expanding our market presence.”
Matt Nuth, Global Business Manager, HP Everyday Papers, said: “We look forward to IP growing the HP branded copier presence in India as it has done successfully in other markets worldwide.”
The company will source the raw material from local markets, primarily from its farm forestry programme spread across 1.5 lakh hectares.
somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in