Fairfax, VA - SGIA has released its first-quarter 2013 Industry Pulse Benchmarking Report for the graphic and sign, garment decoration and industrial printing communities. The reports examine sales figures, technologies utilized and the popular methods used by industry-leading companies to reach and retain customers.

“The data presented in these Industry Pulse Reports provides an unprecedented view into the specialty graphics industry today,” said Dan Marx, SGIA’s vice president of markets and technologies,“and should be used by imaging business owners to help them make the best decisions for their businesses.”

Graphic & Sign 
The survey indicated a return to more positive numbers after a slight dip in the fourth quarter of 2012 for the graphic and sign community. More than 55 percent reported sales levels up from one year ago. Production levels also demonstrated positive results, with more than 57 percent of respondents relaying an increase since the same time last year.

Garment Decoration
The garment community reported a strong showing from the fourth quarter of 2012. More than 62 percent of companies saw sales levels up from one year ago. Employment is on the upswing with 38 percent reporting new hires, and production levels have increased 63 percent when compared to 2012 numbers.

Industrial Printing
Despite a decrease in hiring, the industrial community experienced strong gains in sales and production. Over 78 percent of companies saw a sales increase and over 85 percent reported a rise in production levels from the same period a year ago.

SGIA members (and survey participants) can access the full report, and other SGIA Benchmarking Reports online now, at SGIA.org.