Flint Group Raising Ink Pricing

Due to a continuing and unprecedented rise in raw materials, transportation and energy costs, Flint Group, Plymouth, Mich., announced the following price increases on inks in North America effective Oct. 1:

• Publication Gravure—10 percent

• Publication Heatset—8 percent

• News Ink—6 percent

• Sheetfed—5 percent to 7 percent depending on product technology and color

• Packaging—up to 12 percent depending on product technology and color

Bill Miller, president of Flint Group North America, said the increased global consumption of petroleum and petroleum derivatives, as well as limited refinery capacity, continue to be the key drivers in the cost of raw materials. In addition, recent actions taken by the Chinese government to close chemical operations believed to contribute to air and water pollution, and the elimination of refunds of the Chinese VAT (value added tax), are also contributing factors. Both of these actions affect raw materials, intermediates and chemicals supplied to the printing ink industry on a global basis.

“We are committed to pursuing the best source and lowest cost materials available that allow us to supply the consistent, high-quality products that our customers expect,” added Miller. He went on to say that Flint Group representatives will be contacting customers with more specifics in the next two weeks.

Flint Group operates more than 170 facilities worldwide, and employs approximately 8,300 people. Revenues for 2007 are estimated to be $US 3.5 billion.

For more information, visit www.flintgrp.com.