NAPL’s PBI took a dip in May
Jun 22, 2006 4:46 PM
Vigorous April 2006 sales were not enough to sustain NAPL’s (Paramus, NJ) Printing Business Index (PBI), the trade association’s broadest measure of print activity, which fell to 55.6 in May from 57.4 in April and 59.9 in March, due in large part to an ongoing profit squeeze. (A PBI reading above 50.0 means more printers report activity is picking up than report activity is slowing down; a reading below 50.0 means the opposite.)
“There’s no mystery to what’s contributing to the ongoing pressure of profits: broad, persistent cost inflation. And markets are still very resistant to price increases because our competition is more diverse and intense than ever,” says Andrew Paparozzi, NAPL vice president and chief economist. He forecasts, “The profit squeeze will tighten over the next year, as our industry slows with the economy.”
The PBI combines input from NAPL’s Printing Business Panel about work on hand, current business conditions, expected business conditions (confidence), hiring plans, profitability and other key indicators into a single measure of activity. The NAPL Printing Business Panel is a representative group of more than 300 printers that the Association surveys monthly on a range of key printing issues. Because the same companies are surveyed every time, data are strictly comparable from period to period.
The economic analysis comes from NAPL’s Printing Economic Research Center (PERC) which produces research and publications sponsored by Heidelberg, (Kennesaw, GA).
Whitton to manage activities of R&E Council
Effective in the fourth quarter of 2006, Robert G. Whitton will become managing director of NAPL’s Research & Engineering Council, an organization dedicated to educating graphic communications companies about the profitable management and integration of current and emerging technologies.
A respected expert on operational efficiencies and a frequent speaker at industry events, Whitton is founder and principal of Arellton Group, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in operations and supply chain management. He has served on the organization’s steering committee for the past seven years, most recently as executive vice president.
Whitton succeeds Ronald L. Mihills, R&E Council of NAPL managing director, who will be retiring from that role. Mihills led the R&E Council for 10 years and was instrumental in facilitating the merger of the R&E Council with NAPL in 2002. Over the next five months, Mihills will work closely with Whitton and R&E Council of NAPL voluntary leadership to assure a smooth transition.
In his new role, Whitton will work closely with the Council’s steering committee in developing programs for R&E conferences, which include an annual Bindery, Finishing & Mailing Operations Conference, the Digital Smart Factory Forum, and Critical Trends Breakfasts at major industry events. Whitton will also become a member of NAPL’s Content Review Board, assuming a leadership position in determining the strategic direction of R&E Council content and conferences.
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