HR 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides approximately $900 billion to bolster the U.S. economy amid the continued spread of COVID-19 and includes targeted economic relief for specific print verticals that have been especially hard-hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 70% of printing businesses were able to continue operations last year in large part due to securing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Now, a second draw is available for continued support. But there are several key changes that accompany PPP 2.0.

In a well-attended virtual conference on Dec. 1, nearly 100 U.K. in-plant managers and suppliers, as well as a handful of U.S. managers, gathered online to discuss how they are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and share ideas for new services they are implementing.

This is the third in a series of COVID-19 Print Business Indicators Research reports tracks key indicators across a cross section of printing companies, including commercial printers, graphic and sign producers, apparel decorators, functional printers, and package printers/converters. 

The In-plant Forum was devoted entirely to in-plants, and it kicked off with a keynote presentation by Consultant Howie Fenton detailing how in-plants can prepare their operations to thrive after the pandemic.

This morning, Marco Boer kicked off the third day of the PRINTING United Digital Experience with a sobering examination of print market trends and how they have been impacted by COVID-19.

The student-run printing and design operation at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic to produce campus directional and COVID-19 safety signage.

Even before the pandemic hit, Ball State University Printing Services was disappointed it couldn’t print more of the university’s wide-format work. But when the need for campus signage exploded this year, it got the green light to bring on a new device to help meet demands.

As this strange summer winds down, one of the hottest topics in the news has been the reopening of schools. No matter what the decision is, in-plants are doing what they do best: adapting to changing circumstances and adding value for their parent organizations.

Expect the printing industry to grow in 2021, boosted by a sharp upturn in the American economy. We can be sure, however, that the upcoming recovery will be selective, giving some companies a lift, while shutting others out.

According to NAPCO Research and the PRINTING United Alliance, graphic and sign producers were hit hard as the pandemic forced closures in March and April. Since then, things have improved dramatically, but the average change is still negative.

The coronavirus pandemic has wiped out many of the print jobs in-plants relied on. What types of work can replace this vanishing event-based work? And how is the work mix at in-plants changing as the result of COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, printers have stepped up to ensure their customers have the essential resources they need to survive. Here are just a few examples of their efforts.

In an age when six feet apart is the norm, how will in-plant production meetings take place from now on? Will employees continue to gather in conference rooms? Are video calls really a workable substitute? In part two of our report on the future of in-plants after COVID-19, we talked with nearly a dozen managers about this and other key issues.

This article highlights the efforts of three printing companies, and provides recovery-focused strategies presented by a well-known industry consultant.

The National Association of Manufacturers launched “Wear a Face Covering,” an ad campaign designed to keep our economy growing and protect American families. It will run in key manufacturing states, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio, among others.

PRINTING United will be a comprehensive online experience this October and in-person once again in October 2021. Exhibitors learned of the sequence of events that led to the change in an online announcement on June 24.

The repercussions from COVID-19 will be felt for a long time to come. What will your in-plant look like in the months ahead as we continue to live with the coronavirus? And which changes will be permanent? Here’s part one of an in-depth report on the future of in-plant printing.

Roland DGA developed Social Distancing Signage Solutions with packages that include the materials, hardware, software, and design templates needed to produce health and safety graphics.

In a new blog on the RSA website, Consultant Howie Fenton discusses some of the lessons in-plants have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can better prepare for the future.