Andrew Paparozzi

Toni McQuilken is the senior editor for the printing and packaging group.

You’ve probably seen the headlines: “The Great Resignation” is impacting companies in every sector, from restaurants and retail, to delivery drivers and office workers. Printers aren’t exempt from this pandemic-era phenomenon.

Printing industry profits increased slightly over the past year according to the 2006 PIA/GATF Ratios Survey. The average printer’s before-tax profit on sales was 2.7 percent over this past year. While this was an increase compared to 2.5 percent for 2005, it is still below the 3.0–3.4 percent range experienced from 1995–2001. Meanwhile, The Industry Measure (formerly TrendWatch Graphic Arts), in its “Printing Forecast 2007” report, says three out of 10 graphic design and production establishments expect business conditions in the next 12 months to be “excellent,” an assessment shared by 29 percent of commercial printers. Among those same printers, 22 percent said business

Paper companies have announced price hikes for most grades, with more on the way. We all knew the buyers' market wouldn't last forever. By Mark Smith THE END had to come sooner or later. Everyone knew the buyer's market for printing stocks simply couldn't last forever. Eventually, the adjustments made in papermaking capacity by suppliers and increasing demand fueled by the economic recovery had to bring price increases that would stick. Paper companies have announced or already implemented price hikes for most grades, and another round of increases may be in the offing before the end of the year. There's little reason to hope

More Blogs