PARAMUS, N.J., Sept. 10, 2003 – The 2003 edition of Budgeted Hourly Cost Study on Bindery, Finishing & Mailing Operations, released this month by the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL), is the Association’s most comprehensive “Blue Book” ever, containing hourly cost rates, specifications, descriptions, and prices for 541 machines in 32 equipment categories from 80 manufacturers. Given its size, the Blue Book is being published as a CD-ROM, with print copies also available. Calculating exact hourly cost rates is vital to the profitability of graphic arts companies and yields important data for equipment acquisitions. The new Bindery, Finishing & Mailing Blue Book is based on exclusive survey data direct from the manufacturers or distributors on all new models of equipment. The 574-page edition shows how hourly cost rates are constructed, examining more than 15 cost factors and how they differ for various equipment configurations, one- to three-shift operations, and three different productivity levels. Easy-to-follow instructions explain how printers can adjust the rates for their actual investment costs and actual employee wages. The Budgeted Hourly Cost Study on Bindery, Finishing & Mailing Operations lists for $179.95 on CD-ROM and $199.95 in book form. NAPL corporate members receive one copy of the Blue Book on CD at no charge as a benefit of membership and may purchase additional copies of the CD at $30 each ($35 for the book). NAPL individual professional members may purchase the Bindery, Finishing & Mailing Blue Book for $149.95 each (CD) or $169.95 each (print version). To order, call NAPL at (800) 642-6275, Option 3; fax (201) 634-0328; email [email protected]; or visit www.napl.org/store/. For fax, Web, or email orders, mention NAPL Product Code ND 116 (CD) or NB 110 (book).