Printer-cartridge maker sets tone with straight business dealing
A simple goal in life provided the impetus to Arnold Ho, winner of this year's Owner-Operator Award, to establish Print-Rite, one of the world's largest vertically integrated laser toner cartridge manufacturers and the holder of more than 1,000 patents for printer consumable products.
'I just wanted to achieve a better life,' says Ho, chairman of Print-Rite Holdings, an enterprise consisting of operating companies that invest in, develop and manufacture products for the after-market printer consumables industry.
Supported by an extensive supply chain network unique in its scale in this sector, Print-Rite's subsidiaries produce more than 4,000 products including ribbons, inks, toners and cartridges for inkjet and laser printers.
All components and finished products are produced in modernised factories with international quality standard accreditations such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and QC 080000 IECQ Hazardous Substance Process Management Standard.
Ho founded Print-Rite in 1981 and established its first factory on the mainland in 1988. 'The corporate world is brimming with challenges,' he says. 'We encounter different challenges at different times. To overcome these challenges, it is vital to hold on to your belief. The success of Print-Rite has been built on a foundation of a good team, favourable market conditions, a sharp market focus, perseverance and consistent product quality. We have recently added change agents to ensure the company will continue its success.'
Ho's vision for Print-Rite is that it will become a major player in the printer consumables industry, on the mainland and around the world. Since the company has built a comprehensive supply chain with economies of scale, it is aiming for a new operational model emphasising fine-quality products and simplicity.
It will strive to achieve this goal by continuing to leverage its present competitive edges and staying on top of the sector's recent transformations. Part of Print-Rite's strategy is to shift its focus to high-end and upstream products gradually. The company will also become more market-oriented and develop its core manufacturing techniques while expanding subcontracting collaborations.
Moving up the value chain relies on innovations and intellectual property management, Ho says. The company's creative spirit will drive its pursuit of a new business model and upgrades.
Print-Rite deploys substantial resources in innovation through research and development. It has applied for 1,392 independent patents and is among the top enterprises in the global consumables sector in terms of quantity and quality of patents. Its goal is to apply for 5,000 patents by 2020.
'In 2011, we invented the world's first Smart Jump VP conversion kit, which enables contact development process cartridges to work in the prevailing jump development printing environment,' Ho says.
The ambition of Print-Rite is to build a good company that maintains a good balance between the interests of shareholders, staff, business partners and society.
'Winning the accolade from the DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards is a great encouragement for me and my team,' Ho says.
'As for my personal business philosophy, I conduct business in an honest manner and I can sleep soundly at night.'
