In an exclusive interview with ME Printer Ealias M Thomas, CEO of Matha Middle East Advertising company in Bahrain explains how the new HP Latex R2000 Plus Printer drives his company’s vision for growth.
What factors influenced your decision to invest in the HP Latex R2000 Plus Printer?
As we plan to expand into interior design, we needed the best printing technology to support our vision of delivering high-quality standards. The HP Latex R2000 Plus Printer stood out for several reasons. Firstly, it uses rubberized (soft) ink, which is waterproof and, more importantly, comes with an outdoor warranty, ensuring durability. Secondly, the ink is odor-free, making is ideal for sensitive environments like hospitals and airports. Additionally, HP’s strong reputation for quality and innovation further reinforced our decision. This investment will support our new venture and position us as the first company in Bahrain to introduce this advanced technology.
How does the HP Latex R2000 Plus align with Matha Middle East’s overall vision for growth and innovation?
Matha Middle East Advertising has reached a position as a well-known market leader, recognized for delivering unique products of high quality and maintaining in-house production capacities. With our dedicated team of nearly 100 professionals and over 35 advanced machines, including the SwissQ printer, the only one of its kind 3D printing machine in the country, we continue to consistently push the boundaries of design and production.
Our strength lies in transforming client ideas into unique products of exceptional quality that exceed client expectations. The addition of the HP Latex R2000 Printer enables us to print on a range of new materials, such as carpets, while ensuring high-definition prints, further expanding our capabilities. This allows us to offer a wider range of options to our clients, all available under one roof at Matha Middle East Advertising W.L.L. Our investment in this technology further reinforces our mission of growth and innovation by meeting every client’s need with creative design and quality, using our in-house production capabilities and positioning us as a one-stop solution provider.
Was the purchase a response to increasing customer demands, or was it part of a long-term strategic plan?
The purchase of the HP Latex R2000 Printer is part of our long-term strategic plan to expand our capabilities and maintain our competitive edge in the industry. Given the highly competitive market, it is essential to continually evolve. As such, we consistently strive to introduce new technologies and advanced machines that enable us to develop and offer innovative products that meets the evolving demands of our clients. This approach allows us to cater to a wide range of client requirements, from unique custom designs to complex projects.
How has the addition of the HP Latex R2000 Plus impacted your production timelines and output quality?
Having recently installed the HP Latex R2000 Plus Printer and completed the necessary training for our team, we are still in the early stages of fully integrating it into our production workflow. However, we are thoroughly impressed with output quality. It delivers exceptional color vibrancy, sharp definition and durable prints, enabling us to provide high-quality products to our clients. This has given us the confidence in its potential and we look forward to maximizing its capabilities.
What improvements or efficiencies have you noticed in your workflow since integrating the HP Latex R2000 Plus?
While we are still in the early stages of fully integrating the HP Latex R2000 into our workflow, we are already noticing some promising improvements. The printer’s advanced technology has the potential to significantly enhance both our efficiency and output quality. As we continue to familiarize ourselves with the machine, we’ll see a reduction in material wastage, as well as improved speed and precision in production.
Matha Middle East started as a small business 14 years ago and is now one of the leading production houses in Bahrain. What do you think were the key factors behind your growth and success?
Matha Middle East’s growth and success are a result of over 17 years hard work and dedication. First and foremost, the company does not run by itself, it thrives because of the collective, honest work put in by each of our employees. Over the years, we have trained and built a strong team consisting of highly skilled professionals. Secondly, our ability to quickly analyze situations and make spot decisions has allowed us to stay agile and respond to situations swiftly and smoothly to challenges. And finally, above all, we are grateful for God’s blessings, which has guided us through numerous challenges and opportunities alike. So, these are the factors that has help us create the opportunities and success we enjoy today.
What role does your team of over 60 employees play in delivering Matha Middle East’s vision? How do you maintain team collaboration across your various departments, such as carpentry, metal fabrication, and printing?
To maintain smooth collaboration across our diverse departments, we have a department supervisor for each area who is fully responsible for overseeing their team and ensuring that all work meets our high standards. Additionally, we have two overall supervisors who oversee the entire production process, ensuring quality checks and timely delivery across all departments. This structure allows us to stay organized and efficient, ensuring every project progresses smoothly from start to finish.
We also foster a culture of open communication where anyone can approach anyone for technical doubts or assistance. This allows for swift resolution of challenges and ensures that every department is aligned on project goals, timelines, and quality standards. Regular meetings and updates keep everyone informed, and if challenges arise, our team can respond quickly and effectively.
How has the printing industry in Bahrain evolved over the last decade, and what changes have you observed in customer demands?
Over the last decade, the printing industry in Berlin has undergone significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving customer expectations. The demand for high-quality, custom solutions has increased, with clients now seeking more unique and personalized products that reflect their brand identity or individual needs. There has also been a noticeable shift towards eco-friendly solutions, as sustainability has become a growing priority for businesses and consumers alike. Additionally, the rise of digital printing technology has enabled more flexibility in terms of material variety and design complexity, allowing us to cater to a wider range of industries.
Sustainability is becoming a growing focus globally. How do you see this trend impacting the printing and signage industry in Bahrain? Are clients increasingly requesting eco-friendly solutions?
As environmental awareness continues to rise, clients are becoming more conscious of the ecological footprint of the products and services they choose. We’re seeing an increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions, whether it’s through the use of sustainable materials, low-impact printing processes, or energy-efficient production methods.
At Matha Middle East Advertising, we are committed to integrating sustainability into our operations. We’ve adopted practices that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and ensure that the materials we use are environmentally friendly. Our investment in the HP Latex R2000 Printer is a prime example of this commitment. The printer’s precision and efficiency helps reduce material wastage, supporting our sustainability goals without compromising on quality or creativity.
What role does customization and personalization play in the printing industry in Bahrain, and how does Matha Middle East cater to this demand?
Customization and personalization play a significant role in the printing industry in Bahrain. Today’s market demands unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that truly represent a client’s business, brand, or event. The days of relying on outdated, repetitive designs are long behind us. At Matha Middle East Advertising, we’ve been highly successful in meeting this demand. Clients come to us with their ideas, and we work closely with them to design and produce customized items that exceed their expectations. With the help of our advanced machinery, we are able to create products using different materials, delivering results that exceed client expectations. Whether it’s for corporate branding, events, or special projects, we ensure each product is tailored specifically to their vision. This ability to create truly unique pieces has allowed us to build strong, lasting relationships with our clients, allowing us to maintain our leadership in providing customized solutions in Bahrain.
Are there specific industries or sectors in Bahrain (e.g., retail, corporate, government) that are driving the demand for advanced printing and signage solutions?
Yes, in Bahrain, several industries are driving the demand for advanced printing and signage solutions. The retail sector, is increasingly looking for unique, eye-catching displays and personalized branding materials to attract customers. Corporate clients require high-quality signage and custom prints for their offices, events, and marketing campaigns to stand out in a competitive market. Additionally, the hospitality and entertainment industries are investing more in innovative signage and decor to enhance customer experience. Government and public sector projects, such as urban development and transportation, are also driving demand for durable, high-visibility signage.
Beyond Bahrain, Matha Middle East has plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other markets. What opportunities do you see in these markets?
Yes, definitely. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have rapidly growing economies, with the ongoing development across key sectors such as retail, tourism, and infrastructure. We see significant potential to offer customized, high-quality solutions that align with the region’s evolving market needs. The demand for advanced printing and signage solutions in these markets is on the rise, driven by the need for custom branding, experiential marketing, and innovative retail displays.
As a first step to our expansion strategy, we are participating in the Saudi Signage & Labelling Expo this year. We have a strong client base in Saudi Arabia, and we consistently receive positive feedback about our unique, high-quality products. Many of our clients express how amazed they are by what we create, often saying they have never seen anything quite like it. This exhibition will provide an excellent platform for us to showcase our capabilities and further strengthen our presence in the region.
Through the expo, we aim to establish valuable connections with potential customers and tap into the growing demand for advanced printing and signage solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Our goal is to bring our expertise, advanced technology, and unique products to new markets, helping businesses stand out in a competitive landscape.
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