In episode 226 of the FuturePrint podcast, industry leaders Richard Bowles, President and CEO of Nazdar, and Josh Lutz, Market Segment Leader for UV and LED Inkjet Technologies, discussed the evolution of the company and its vision for the future of printing. With over a century of experience, Nazdar has grown from a Chicago-based manufacturer of screen printing inks into a significant global leader in printing ink manufacturing, leading the way in both analogue and digital printing ink manufacturing. Their highly successful journey offers valuable insights into the resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking culture required to thrive in an ever-changing industry.

A Legacy of Adaptation and Growth

Nazdar was founded in Chicago in 1922, initially focusing on screen printing inks. Over its first 80 years, the company’s reputation for quality and innovation allowed it to dominate this niche. However, as digital technologies emerged, the leadership at Nazdar recognised the need to diversify. Richard Bowles recounts the strategic pivot that began in the late 1990s: "We saw digital as an existential threat to our core business and responded by expanding our portfolio through organic growth and acquisitions."

Nazdar’s acquisition strategy has been pivotal. Key milestones include the 1981 acquisition of KC Coatings, which brought UV ink expertise to the company, and the 2006 purchase of Lyson in the UK, which significantly bolstered its digital ink portfolio. These developments not only expanded Nazdar’s capabilities in North America, but also established a presence in critical markets like Europe and Asia. Today, the company operates manufacturing facilities in Kansas, the UK, and Taiwan, alongside distribution centres worldwide.

Bridging Analog and Digital Worlds

While digital printing has become a cornerstone of Nazdar’s strategy, the company remains committed to its analogue roots. According to Bowles, this dual focus gives Nazdar a unique competitive advantage: “We’re able to leverage decades of expertise in analogue to inform our digital innovations. When customers transition from analogue to digital, we know exactly what their expectations are.”

The challenges of developing digital inks differ significantly from those in analogue printing. In the analogue world, inks are often tailored to specific applications, allowing for more flexibility in material selection. Digital inks, by contrast, must be more general-purpose and meet stringent physical requirements, such and are far lower viscosity. Despite these hurdles, Nazdar has excelled by drawing on its extensive R&D capabilities and its history of creating tailored solutions for diverse applications.

Investing in Innovation

Innovation is central to Nazdar’s continued success. The company has made substantial R&D investments to support the development of cutting-edge products and technologies. For instance, Nazdar collaborates closely with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to design inks that meet precise specifications. Josh Lutz emphasises the importance of this partnership: “We act as an extension of the OEM’s ink lab, working together to solve challenges and develop commercially viable solutions.” Collaboration and communication is critical to success.

Nazdar’s commitment to innovation is evident in its focus on high-viscosity inks, which could revolutionize the industry by reducing energy consumption and enabling new applications in industrial sectors where inkjet is not currently being used. Moreover, the company’s proactive approach to regulatory compliance ensures that its products meet the evolving standards of global markets. This capability is particularly valuable in sectors like textiles and food packaging, where health, safety, and environmental concerns are paramount.

Thriving Amid Uncertainty

The past few years have tested businesses across all industries, and Nazdar is no exception. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and economic volatility have forced companies to adapt rapidly. Bowles highlights the importance of strategic planning in navigating these challenges: “We maintain a three-to-five-year strategic plan, updating it annually to ensure alignment with our long-term goals. This plan serves as our North Star, guiding us through both expected and unexpected challenges.”

Nazdar’s resilience is underpinned by a strong balance sheet, which enables the company to make thoughtful, long-term decisions. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning, Nazdar has not only weathered recent storms but emerged stronger, ready to develop new partnership opportunities.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Nazdar is focused on maintaining its leadership in both analogue and digital printing while exploring new frontiers. Hybrid applications, such as those in the label and sportswear markets, are particularly promising. By combining analogue and digital technologies, Nazdar delivers solutions that offer the best of both worlds.

Bowles sums up the company’s vision succinctly: “We had a great first century, and we’re committed to making our second century just as successful.” With its blend of tradition and innovation, Nazdar is well-positioned to remain a trusted partner for customers navigating the future of print.

Final Thoughts

Nazdar’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and strategic vision. From its humble beginnings in Chicago to its current status as a global leader, the company has consistently reinvented itself to meet the demands of an evolving industry. By investing in people, technology, and partnerships, Nazdar exemplifies the resilience and innovation required to thrive in today’s business landscape. As Josh Lutz puts it, “Give us a call. We’d love to talk shop and explore how we can work together.”

For more information

website: https://www.nazdar.com/en-us/Contact-Us

Email: NITpromo@nazdar.com