Schaumburg - Technique Inc., a leading provider of modular ERP / MIS software solutions to the printing industry, today announces that it has been accepted as a preferred supplier to the members of the PAGE Cooperative, a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative buying association with 570 daily newspapers and 1,100 non-daily publishing facilities in the U.S. New suppliers are accepted only when they can demonstrate both value to PAGE member companies and an understanding of the special requirements of newspaper printing and publishing. Applicants must complete a thorough evaluation process before presenting to the PAGE supplier evaluation committee, which meets twice a year.

Technique is celebrating its participation in the PAGE Cooperative by offering a comprehensive software package at a reduced price of $49,000, plus a bonus of $100,000 in free software, to the first six PAGE members to implement the MIS solution.

"Our members rely on us to select reputable vendors that can offer value for the money and a genuine business benefit. And we take our responsibility to them very serious," comments Steve Schroeder, General Manager of PAGE Cooperative. "Technique-MIS is clearly a great fit for newspaper printers and we felt that its solutions could help our members cut costs, effectively manage inventory and schedule production operations more efficiently."

Since its inception in 1984, PAGE Cooperative has become the largest purchasing entity in the United States newspaper industry, accounting for more than $250m in annual sales. Its members produce a combined daily circulation of over 10m papers.

For Technique, the endorsement of its MIS by PAGE Cooperative represents a huge opportunity to show how newspaper printers can better control their costs and increase profitability.

Scott Marienthal, Sales Manager for Technique Inc. explains, "We are honored to be associated with PAGE. Newspaper printers face many challenges, having been hit hardest by the recession and recovering more slowly than the printing industry as a whole. Technique MIS is an effective way to buck the trend and get back to profitability faster."

Technique expects its Inventory Management module to be especially well received. Marienthal continues, "Paper accounts for 50% or more of a printer's operating costs and using our software, they can expect to reduce overall paper consumption by 3%. It doesn't sound like much, but for a $10m shop, that equates to a saving of $150,000 every year."