IMPA appoints Prashant Atre as Honorary Technocrat Member to strengthen industry capability

INDIA — The Indore Masters Printers Association (IMPA) has appointed veteran print technologist Prashant Atre as its Honorary Technocrat Member for a five-year term, following a unanimous resolution passed at the Association’s recent board meeting.

The move underscores IMPA’s commitment to strengthening technological capabilities, accelerating knowledge transfer, and preparing its members for a rapidly evolving print and packaging landscape.

Atre, who expressed deep gratitude and personal attachment to Indore, described the appointment as both “an honour and a responsibility.”

He recalled his early involvement in the city’s print ecosystem during the early 1990s when IMPA was formed and he was part of TechNova’s operations in the region.

“I am humbled and overwhelmed by this honour. Indore is my birthplace, and my association with master printers here goes back to 1993–94. I was fortunate to be a small part of bringing Indore’s master printers together to lay the foundation of this strong association,” he said.

He added that his late father, a professional photographer who collaborated with leading print houses such as Swadhyaya Printers, Indore Paper Box (now Pragati Indore), Rane Brothers and Samaj Paper, would have been “extremely proud” of this recognition.

Accepting the position, Atre said he sees the role as his “payback period” and pledged to support IMPA’s objectives.

Early discussions with the association’s leadership include potential programmes around improving operational sustainability, boosting production efficiency, mentoring young talent, and increasing exposure to global print and packaging trends.

IMPA president Pritesh Jain said Atre’s decades of technical expertise and industry leadership made him a natural choice for the new role.

“Prashant Atre brings with him hands-on experience and a deep connection with Indore’s printing fraternity. His guidance will be invaluable as we empower members with modern technologies, global exposure and sustainable practices,” Jain noted.

Jain added that the induction of a technocrat member aligns with the association’s strategy to remain relevant to the new generation of business leaders now entering the sector.

“Gen-Z is taking charge of many printing businesses. They have bold ideas and ambitious growth plans. To stay meaningful to them, the association continues to reinvent programmes and initiatives.”

With more than 150 active members, IMPA has built a reputation as a close-knit yet forward-thinking organisation.

Atre’s appointment marks the first of five planned technocrat memberships, aimed at enabling members to navigate technological disruption and pursue long-term, future-ready growth.

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