Rising Labor Costs at Print Shops Trigger Run on Automated Postpress Equipment
Although Stewart's research shows the overall market for printing shrinking, it also confirms that printers who have weathered the changes are stronger and more profitable. Printers in the NPOA group expect growth of 4.5 percent in 2014 – 2015! There are several causes for this trend, including the aggressive incorporation of digital printers and high-speed inkjets into conventional printing companies. Although offset printing should continue to provide a major source of income for the next five years, the quality and speed of digital printing will only improve. The link from digital printers to the adoption of professional quality, low cost desktop binding systems, laminators and paper handling resources is obvious.
Finally, a surge in supplemental services is expected to bolster the bottom line over the remainder of the decade. Access to wide-format inkjet technology has added a wide range of new revenue opportunities, including posters, signs and POP production. Many vendors in this space have focused on turnkey solutions compatible with the resources of printers, such as D&K's excellent new "sign shop in a box" system for pouch laminators. Printers are also expanding such services as variable data, mailing services and graphic design. These revenue sources are easily integrated into existing businesses and represent obvious cross-selling and add-on opportunities.
About NPOA
NPOA is a trade association founded and operated "by printers for printers." It is the fastest growing association in the printing industry, with over 370 members nationwide. For more information, visit www.printowners.org.
About BindRite
Authorized BindRite Dealers are members of a North America-wide network group of independent companies, dedicated to selling and servicing document binding, finishing and specialty presentation products. BindRite network members are required by contract to maintain the highest standards of product selection, customer service and technical support. For more information, visit www.bindrite.com.
- Companies:
- Formax
- People:
- John Stewart