NZ looking up but World Cup a fizzer

Winding down from the sporting event of the year, some New Zealand printers reaped the benefits but on the whole it didn’t increase sales to forecast levels.

The PrintNZ print industry barometer for the 2011 third quarter reveals an improvement in sales and volumes, yet opinions vary across respondents with some experiencing flow through of seasonal work and others saying their up-turn hasn’t happened.

Compared to previous quarters, staffing levels remain static and debt collection is not as dominant in surveyed responses, as price conscious customers take the point.

Tight margins and companies going into receivership are of concern. Printers are developing short-term solutions to maintain business and remain busy. Companies offering low margins have the market concerned for the precedent it sets, as it cannot end well for everyone.