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In part two I look at how manroland and xpedx are working to increase revenues and better position themselves for the future. The ideas of expanding product lines and forming strategic alliance are both reviewed, along with ways to bring new products and services to market.
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About John G. Braceland
John G. Braceland is Managing Director for Graphic Arts Alliance a member run purchasing cooperative. He is also President of JB Solutions, a company that creates and manages purchasing cooperatives in various industries. Previously, he was President and owner of Braceland Brothers, a multi-plant printing company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.
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Discussion
By Bill Prettyman on Aug 26, 2011
John, you have some good thoughts on the subject of evolving your business model. It seems that manroland's strategy is not working. If we look at their revenue it is 50% of what it was 5 years ago. Please help me understand if their strategy of diversification is off, if they are not executing it well or if you beleive there are other reasons why their revenue is at 50% of where they were 5 years ago. Thanks.
By John Braceland on Aug 26, 2011
Like most of us in the industry manroland was caught in the same acceleration of change brought on by the recession. If you look at most suppliers and printers revenue, they are down dramatically. manroland also has a strong presence in the newspaper market which has seen an even faster change. I think their strategy is sound and their execution is good as well. It will take time to build and reposition themselves. If the strategic partnership with Oce is successful there should be new products to help fuel revenue. I think for most of the industry we will never be the same again. We can only look forward and not back!