The PN Advisory Board Weighs In

PN: Do you see the business climate improving in the next 12 months? Why or why not?

RS: Yes—although activity was slightly sluggish in late February. We get a very unique look at trends and projections from the upscale premium high-quality spend perspective. Quote and order activity is improving for premium grades which indicates general recovery.

AF: Although the business climate is already improving in certain market segments (e.g.: packaging, digital book manufacturing, etc.), we still have some time before the overall market experiences consistent gains. There is still an overcapacity of equipment availability in the market that will continue to pressure profit margins as companies fight to fill their equipment.