Bindery Equipment as Recession Buster?

In the Feb issue of the NPES News President Ralph Nappi says that "neither vendors nor printers have the luxury of sticking with the same old strategies, as digital technologies and consolidation continue to shape the industry." He goes on to talk about 5 recession busting survival strategies.

Number 2 on his list--right after "digital"--is "Think Finishing." Nappi suggests that as the print consumer grows savvier, "printers will need to offer creative finishing options to standard print pieces, be they elaborate diecutting and folding added to point of purchase displays or interactive additions to print advertising." And based on feedback from our customers, I'd add that you better make sure you can get it done fast.

Bindery equipment has always been the forgotten stepchild of the printing industry. How many times have you seen a printing company spend extravagantly on press or pre-press, yet do all their folding on a machine that should be in a museum?

If you are waiting for things to return to "normal," then you are probably going to starve. There are fundamental economic changes underway and thinking outside the box is more important than ever. Counting on a status quo is a recipe for losing customers and for drops in productivity. And not because your operations are necessarily getting worse, but because your competitors are working very diligently at pulling ahead everywhere they can.

Of course we have a vested interest in bindery equipment--it's our job to make it dramatically more productive and that is precisely what our tools are designed to do. Regardless of that, my point is this: take a look at ALL your operations and departments to see where you can give them a lift, and don't ignore the not-so-glamorous bindery department.

Folding machines, saddle stitchers, cutters, scoring machines and all the accessories that go with it can often be used in ways you might not have envisioned. And with consolidations and closings seemingly being announced by the hour, it's not a question of IF you need an advantage, it's a question of HOW are you going to get it!

We're always happy to discuss this and other ideas. Your feedback is welcome!