Franklin Estimating, the worlds largest distributor of estimating products, announces a 6% increase in software customers from pre-recession numbers. Even as our industry has lost almost 25% of our fellow craftsman, Franklin customers seem to have survived and thrived. "This unbelievable fact shows the quality of people using our products", according to Franklin President, Greg Harrison. "We have also seen many new customers that have decided they would need better shop management. Fortunately we were able to fill this need for many." Current sales figures show that by the end of this year there will be an additional 2% customer growth by the end of the 2010. At which time total software customers will exceed pre-recession levels by 8%.

Franklin Estimating has been in business for 93 years and was purchased in January of 2008 by a long time investor, Greg Harrison. Since this time the company has completely retooled to handle the challenges of the future. All aspects of the business have been streamlined and updated using the most advanced technologies available.

Customer support and training has been enhanced and expanded also. Satellite support locations have also been opened in Florida, Oklahoma and Michigan in order to better serve customers on the eastern seaboard. Bob Hall in Florida, Paul Mayer in Oklahoma and now Dave Hite in Michigan are all long time Franklin Users and know the realities of daily shop operation. Their addition to the Franklin team has made customer support better than ever.

Product development has continued at an amazing pace on all of the Franklin Products. Both the original Estimator and our EstimatorQP have had new releases just this summer. Both are scheduled for major upgrades over the next several months. Despite the chilling effects of the economic downturn, both products have been greatly enhanced in order to give our customers the greatest ability to react to market conditions effectively.

New products have also greatly assisted in the growth success at Franklin. With the addition of the Web2Print shopping cart and Job Flow job scheduling, many long time customers have upgraded their shops in anticipation of increasing sales and the new realities of the economy. Many owners tell of investments in presses also giving an indication that our industry is preparing for a economic re-awakening. "All indications show a dramatic stabilization of the industry.", according to Franklin President, Greg Harrison. "The painful loss of customers has ended and most customers are reporting increased sales." Franklin also has three new products and services that will be released over the next few months. Each of which will greatly increase substantial market share for Franklin Estimating.

Due to the prolonged surge in sales the Franklin management has reluctantly canceled this years appearance at Graph Expo. While missing an excellent opportunity for exposure, it has been decided the the volume of current sales would be disrupted by taking the staff out of the office.