PARAMUS, N.J., Oct. 21 2008 – Today's printing and graphic communications firms are not only feeling the profound effects of the current economic climate, but are also dealing with historical structural changes within the industry itself.  In an effort to help them better understand this "perfect storm" and capitalize on the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, NAPL's (www.napl.org) economics team has issued the latest edition of its annual State of the Industry report. NAPL's State of the Industry report and series of updates throughout the year are widely regarded as the definitive sources on current and future industry trends.
 
"This latest edition of the State of the Industry serves as a powerful, strategic planning tool that defines both the challenges and the historic opportunities facing today's graphic communications executives and how they can chart a path for sustainable success and profitability," said Andrew D. Paparozzi, NAPL vice president, chief economist and the study's key author.  "Specifically, the report offers a look at where we are and a forecast for 2009; capital investment trends and how to maximize those investments; executing a plan of action more effectively; turning the recession into an opportunity; and a detailed look at the structural changes within the industry.
 
"With rising paper costs, the financial crisis and escalating energy prices, it is easy to forget that the industry is changing structurally as well as cyclically.  These changes are directly impacting the industry's markets, labor force, competition, critical skills and value proposition.  In the past, when the economy recovered, businesses within our industry knew they would also recover.  But this sea change will impact what businesses will look like once this business cycle turns favorable again," Paparozzi noted.  "The State of the Industry is a strategic document intended to provoke thought and discussion among CEOs, owners and their management teams to allow them to better seize the opportunities to position their businesses for even greater success when we emerge from this economic downturn."
 
According to NAPL Executive Vice President Tim Fischer, who also heads up NAPL's Consulting Services Group, "The State of the Industry Report and other informative reports in the State of the Industry series encourage firms to organize and focus their thinking around these critical business issues.  With the help of NAPL's consulting team, they can develop and implement successful strategies appropriate to their own capabilities and business goals to bring their businesses to the next level."
 
NAPL's State of the Industry Report – Seventh Edition is based on data provided by 600 companies with annual sales ranging from less than $1 million to $200 million.  Participants included both NAPL members and nonmembers.  NAPL's State of the Industry research is produced by NAPL's Printing Economics Research Center and sponsored by Heidelberg (www.heidelbergusa.com).  To order a copy of NAPL's State of the Industry Report – Seventh Edition, (free for all NAPL members; $299 for nonmembers), visit www.napl.org or call 800-642-6275.  To find out about membership discounts on other reports in the State of the Industry series, contact Frank DiPasqua at ext. 6319. For information about NAPL consulting services including Interim Management services, visit www.napl.org/consulting or contact Tim Fischer, NAPL executive vice president, at 201-523-6376 or at [email protected].