Acquisitions and consolidations make a shaky year in the print industry remain profitable. Transcontinental Printing Once again Transcontinental Printing, Warminster, Pa., has achieved the top ranking on the BFL&S Top 100 Manufacturers list. Reporting $2 billion in development within the United States for its latest fiscal year completed—$200 million more than last year's figures—the company thrives on nothing less than offering the best. According to Tracy Dennis, director of business, this year the best has meant concentrating on strategic relocation maneuvers and internal growth. "We've undergone consolidation, as well as staff, procedural, manufacturing and program changes that all contribute to Transcontinental's continued success," said
Champion Industries
More Change Hits the Top 100 Changes in company ownership and product mix are having a dramatic effect on the industry By Bill Drennan, Maggie DeWitt & Danielle Litka Change has become the norm in the forms industry, as the past year has seen last year's top independent manufacturer by sales close its doors and directs going independent, in addition to the usual spate of mergers and acquisitions. CST/Star Products ceased operations last Spring. A few weeks later, American Tissue, a paper converting company, purchased CST/Star's assets and opened three of the eight plants as American Forms. With only a few months of operations, American Forms declined
Forms leaders speak out about the past, present and future of the industry Transcontinental Printing, Newtown, Pa., keeping up with industry needs means paying close attention to industry trends and customers' needs. "We make sure we are manufacturing the products that distributors are asking for," said Tracy Dennis, sales manager. She explained that company representatives continually talk to and meet with customers and ask where they see the industry headed. This feedback, she noted, has shown that distributors are seeking fewer continuous forms and more value-added products such as direct mail, label forms, cut sheet products, security features and commercial pieces. "We
