KGN : 40 Years of Making Impressions

Talk about making impressions in the literal sense, and one cannot ignore KGN Xerox at Lakdikapul in Hyderabad, one of Hyderabad’s finest printing pioneers. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 40 years of making impressions, Syed Khaled Shahbaaz takes a look at its indelible ink on the printing scene of the city and beyond.

Hyderabad, February 22, 2024:  As we advance into a fast-paced world driven by digitization and virtual experiences, one of Hyderabad’s printing pioneers continues to set higher benchmarks in the world of printing. Time and again, it has literally left lasting impressions, reaffirming the enduring demand for print.

Much before photocopying machines became the norm, carbon paper was used for photocopying manually. The photocopying machine was invented by American Chester Carlson on February 10, 1937. It was first called electrophotography, and later commercialized by Xerox Corporation and named Xerox Graphic Process.

Xero and Graphy are Greek words which means dry writing (without any liquid). Very soon Xerox gained global popularity. In 1983, Dr. Bhupinder Kumar Modi signed a contract with Xerox Rank and introduced his product in India. This was the year when Mr. Muhammad Akhtar, a civil engineer by profession, showed foresight and decided to step into this field. As an engineering graduate, he was well aware of the pulse of the times.

In 1985, Mohammed Akther establised K.G.N. Xerox. Ever since, the organization has played a pivotal role in shaping Hyderabad’s printing industry, with many firsts.

While color printers have become commonplace, it is a lesser-known fact that KGN introduced the first color photocopier Majestic 2510 to Hyderabad in 1995. This marked a breakthrough moment for both the city and KGN, as the demand for printing soared and continued to advance over time. Large format prints, crucial for engineers in civil construction projects, necessitated swift and precise printing, a skill that KGN has mastered, firmly establishing its dominance in the field. It boasts one of the best large format printers not just in Hyderabad or Telangana, but across India as a whole.

With advanced printing technology and innovative services tailored to meet the evolving needs of both individuals and businesses, KGN continues its passionate commitment to the art of printing. Setting higher benchmarks with each endeavor, it builds upon its rich legacy of pioneering numerous firsts in the industry.

As the city of Hyderabad continues to evolve, so does KGN, constantly adapting and innovating to maintain its position at the forefront of the printing industry. To cater to the burgeoning demand for conferences and exhibitions in 2011, they set up branch at Gachibowli, where a prominent 3-storey building serves as a hub for meeting the diverse printing needs of the city’s leading corporations.

Beyond these key locations, KGN has also set up stores at various other strategic locations across the city including Khairtabad, Gachibowli, Alkapoor, Manikonda, KGN Xclusive at Khairtabad, ensuring convenient access to its exceptional printing services for all residents and businesses alike.

On any given day, the bustling activity at KGN’s half-a-dozen outlets scattered across the city is a testament to its popularity among customers. One might ponder: What draws people to KGN? The answer is straightforward. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge technology and top-notch printing infrastructure, KGN consistently churns out hundreds of thousands of prints daily, meeting the diverse needs of its clientele with precision and efficiency.

“We have printed at least 2 crore pages on this machine,” says Asif, his hand patting the deck of a large printer with pride. With a swift demonstration of another unique machine exclusive to their facility, he adds, “Plain fabrics and clothing come out nicely printed, and in a jiffy.” Be it the timeless elegance of black and white prints or the vibrant colors of modern designs, KGN is confidently betting big on print.

In 2019, the group introduced KGN Xclusive, a dedicated division aimed at offering premium services tailored to the very specific needs of high-end customers. Asif, along with his brother Mohammed Wasif Akther, are now planning to introduce a human-less job ordering process, and have already started deliveries through logistic partnerships with Rapido, and dunzo among others.

  This strategic move further solidified KGN’s commitment to providing top-tier solutions and personalized attention to clients seeking the utmost in quality and service.

In 2020, they introduced a UV printing unit. In 2022,  the company proudly unveiled its remarkable capability to print on virtually any solid surface imaginable. From corporate stationery to personalized merchandise, including bathroom tiles and wooden doors, KGN’s versatile robotic printer can leave its mark on just about anything. With this innovative approach, KGN is truly leaving impressions everywhere it goes.

At the heart of KGN’s success lies its exceptional digital and offset printing services, powered by cutting-edge machinery that keeps its investments hot. With each technological upgrade, KGN raises the bar, boasting the latest and fastest machinery, some of which are exclusive to their facilities in Hyderabad.

As Asif emphatically states, “Customers visiting us expect swift turnarounds and unparalleled precision. Thanks to our high-end infrastructure, we make sure that every print job meets the highest standards of excellence and is delivered on time.” It’s no surprise that their clientele includes esteemed organizations such as government departments like Telangana Police, top-ranking government officials, politicians, renowned brands like Pista House, Google, GMR, CreamStone, and even airlines like Indigo, among others.

“In 2023, we introduced a user-friendly website, enabling customers to order their prints online”, he added.

The organization is both envied and admired, sought after by many as the ultimate destination for both color and black-and-white printing needs.

Certainly, KGN has left an indelible mark on the printing landscape of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.   The enduring wisdom of its founder resonates through his successor, Asif, who tirelessly consolidates their efforts, ushering in a new era of excellence and innovation in the printing industry.