ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA (October 10, 2001) – Sheetfed printers’ declined slightly from 3.25 percent in 1999 to 2.9 percent last year, according to data from the Printing Industries of America (PIA), Incorporated, 2001 Ratios survey, sponsored by Heidelberg, Printeralliance and printCafé. Major cost areas remained stable as a percent of sales over the past year. In 2000, the vast majority of printers’ revenues were devoted to three major cost areas: materials, 34 percent; factory payroll, 25.8 percent; and factory expenses, 15.8 percent. Sales per factory employee increased from an average of $151,701 in 1999 to an average of $157,888 in 2000. Sales per all employees also increased to an average of $115,946 last year. Said Dr. Ron Davis, PIA’s chief economist, "Sheetfed printer profits reflect the slowing economy, tight advertising budgets, the dot-com downturn, as well as the competitive pressures in the sheetfed printing market." In its 80th year, PIA Ratios is the printing industry’s most accurate and valuable tool for strategic management, investment, productivity and profitability. Owners, managers and analysts use the reports to benchmark individual company operations against industry norms and profit leaders. The data collected are based on financial surveys of printers in the United States and Canada. This year, a total of 800 printers participated in the survey. Volume 11 provides detailed financial profiles of binders, including analysis of specific cost items, balance sheet data and other financial ratios. Published in 18 volumes, the reports are available by size of printer, process, products and geographic area. The cost for PIA/GATF members is $99 for each volume, or $750 for the full set. For nonmembers the cost is $199 per volume, or $1,500 for the full set. Prices do not include shipping and handling. To order the 2001 PIA Ratios, call the PIA/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation Bookstore toll free at 800/662-3916, or order online at www.gain.net.