This includes Gallus' at Wintex and SGRE, while there are Heidelberg SM 74s or CD 102s at Ramya Reprographics, Binyas, Mytec Process, Ad Process, Enpee Printing Press, Rajhans, Jwalamukhi, Global Printing and Packaging, Ravi Graphics, Print Point and Vishwakala Printers.

Two years ago, H C Vishwanath Babu, the managing partner at Vishwakala, invested in a Speedmaster 74, since he felt "four colour is a basic requirement in a competitive marketplace."

Eight months ago, he disposed it, and invested in a Heidelberg XL 75, a Polar and an Agfa platesetter. Today, he has two units in the city which produces promotional items, catalogues, brochures, tags, etc. His success can be attributed to the fact that 50% of his jobs are repeat orders. These are jobs which range from runs of 500 to one lakh; and from art paper to coated board.

Heidelberg India marketing manager, Namrta Dhar said there is an air of optimism in Bengaluru: "A lot of printers believe that now is the time to invest as costs need to be taken out more than ever in a slowdown."

For instance, Jwalamukhi is targeting shorter makereadies and a higher-quality dot after investing in a Suprasetter from Heidelberg.

Shivkumar, the chief exceutive at the 57-year-old company, stated he was "impressed with Suprasetter's front-end. By investing in new technology, we are ensuring that we stay ahead of the competition in terms of quality, service and environmental responsibility."