Rex Rozario: Investing in Graphic PLC Through Technology and Capacity

 Rex Rozario: Investing in Graphic PLC Through Technology and Capacity

I had the opportunity to catch up with Graphic PLC Group Chairman Rex Rozario at IPC APEX EXPO 2015. Among other items, we discussed Graphic’s current expansion in size and equipment, as well as what I describe as the company’s history of making good decisions.

Pete Starkey: Rex, it's nice to see you here in San Diego. What is the main purpose of your visit this year?

Rex Rozario: Peter, this is an annual mission. We always hold an IPC board meeting in the spring and this time it was held at Torrey Pines, three days before the exhibition. I just arrived in San Diego and I'm here again on official business, but I'm hoping to spend most of tomorrow with my managing director. We are going to spend as much time as we can looking at the latest technology—machinery, plant equipment and what's on the market.

Starkey: It is encouraging that you are looking to make further investments in keeping in front of the technology.

Rozario: Yes, we have an annual spend, especially in China. We just spent $10 million in the autumn and we have the same budget for this year to be spread around. Also, Graphic is expanding. We’re extending the factory and we'll also be looking for plant equipment for the Graphic factory, which hopefully should be completed by the end of this year.

Starkey: Is the further investment in the Graphic factory in technology or in capacity?

Rozario: It is in both, actually. It is an investment in capacity, to an extent, but technology also, because the machinery and production equipment technology have changed quite a bit. We have now gone into pinless bonding, which is something new that we hadn't done for a while, making it a technology-based investment.

Starkey: And you're finding that the demand for the sort of capability that you have continues to increase?

Rozario: Yes, but I think we have been fairly fortunate. It's always been quite steady and the demand has always been there. There have been ups and downs in the industry with recessions and whatever, but fortunately, if you check our balance sheet, our profitability seems to be always on the up side.

Starkey: Yes, I think that you are one company that is a good example of knowing when to make the right decisions in the right direction. You always seem to get it right, Rex.

Rozario: Thank you very much, Peter. It's a pleasure talking to you.

Starkey: Thank you, Rex.