Reprographics 101

(more than you ever wanted to know about the reprographics industry)

recent posts

about

  • Expectations Lower as Sales Decline For Quick and Small Commercial Printers

    Thursday, October 20, 2011

    Press release from the issuing company

    Quick and small commercial printers now expect sales to come in relatively flat (-0.3%) for all of 2011—a sharp reversal from the expectation of 5.1% gains they expressed in May—according to the latest Quick and Small Commercial Printers Trends Report from the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL)/National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP).

    The report, sponsored by Xerox, also found that less than 40% of those surveyed now expect their business to grow this year, still higher than the 31.6% who expect sales to decline, but down sharply from a few months ago. “We’ve definitely lost the momentum that we had coming into 2011,” notes NAPL Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Andrew Paparozzi. “While the reasons for the falloff in expectations can be company specific, the sputtering economy and high level of uncertainty are among the overarching factors.

    “The economy is drifting, with little to suggest it is about to snap back anytime soon,” he adds. “Uncertainty stems not only from a faltering economy, but from healthcare, tax, and regulatory policy. And given the atmosphere in Washington, it would not appear that the clouds of uncertainty are about to recede anytime soon.”

    The eight-page report details trends in payroll hours and costs—including cost of goods, payroll costs, and overhead—and the pressures they are exerting on both pricing and owners’ compensation. It also includes a section on strategies quick and small commercial printers are using to deal with the current business climate, ranging from sales and marketing initiatives to new services and cost controls.

    “Given the unforgiving business environment, and because in our increasingly competitive and complex industry we either get better or get left behind, we asked our survey group what they would most like to improve about their companies over the next 12 months and what they were doing to make those improvements,” said Paparozzi.

    “Although their responses varied according to their individual circumstances, resources and goals, there was wide agreement that improvement is most important in the areas of sales, marketing, service mix, and efficiency/cost control,” he adds. “All are essential to long-term profitability, and all are mutually reinforcing.”

  • OCE Reports Financial Results for Q3 2011

    Océ reports net loss and improved printer sales

    Highlights third quarter (ended 30 September 2011):

    • Total revenues: € 621 million organically in line with prior year

    • Organically: non-recurring revenues +5%, recurring revenues -2%

    • Normalized operating income: € 1 million (2010: € 22 million)

    • Net loss: € – 22 million (2010: € 8 million)

    • Successful launch major new joint Canon-Océ technology and printers

    Comments by Rokus van Iperen, Chairman of the Executive Board:

    ‘Third quarter printer sales improved over the previous year thanks to our comprehensive product range and a recovering supply chain. Despite increased printer sales we need to significantly improve our bottom line. Therefore we will continue to carry out measures to mitigate the ongoing challenging conditions. These include a continuous ramping up of the production of new machines, intensifying marketing and sales efforts and ongoing stringent cost control.

    Reviewing the third quarter our printer sales improved. Production of continuous feed printers such as the Océ ColorStream 3500 system was ramped up and sales developed favorably. After having completed their learning phase in the first half of 2011, our sales force increasingly sold Canon printing systems connected to Océ software solutions. Overall construction and engineering markets remained weak in the USA and Europe, impacting wide format printer sales.

    During the quarter, jointly with Canon, we have launched the Océ DirectPress technology as well as new black & white and color productive printers. These new products have been developed by the combination. In addition Océ participated in the kick off of an open innovation center, where corporations and knowledge institutes jointly will develop new document services. This is fully in line with our commitment to leveraging the opportunities of the growing document services markets.’

    Pulled from the middle of the report, here’s what OCE said about WFPS results:

    Wide Format Printing Systems (WFPS)

    In the quarter, the construction markets in the USA and Europe remained weak, impacting the performance of WFPS. Sales of technical documentation printers was picking up in North America and Asia due to the success of specific placement programs. Jointly with Canon, Océ wide format sales force has intensified marketing efforts in India, Korea and Japan. Printing volume was affected by the poor business climate in the construction and engineering market.

    In September, Océ launched the Océ ColorWave 2nd Edition for large format black & white and color printing, scanning and copying. With this system, architects and engineers no longer need to invest in separate printers and scanners for large B&W and color documents. Driven by innovative industrial design, the 2nd Edition of the Océ ColorWave 300 requires less floor space in the offices of architects and engineers.

    Revenues in WFPS amounted to € 167 million. Organically, revenues decreased by –2%. Non-recurring revenues amounted to € 64 million. Organically, revenues declined by–1%.

    Recurring revenues amounted to € 103 million. Organically, revenues declined by –3%, mainly due to the decline in Imaging Supplies.

    Normalized operating income amounted to € 10 million (2010: € 9 million).

    You can access a copy of OCE’s Q3 Financial results report at this Internet address:

    http://tinyurl.com/3naxtwe

  • iPAD Apps for A/E/C: Design and Visualization

    There’s an article now up on www.aecbytes.com, titled “iPad Apps for A/E/C: Design and Visualization”.

    It’s a very long, in-depth article; you can find it at this Internet address:

    http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2011/iPadAppsforAEC.html

  • NRI, AIA Announce Plans to Promote Architecture in New York

    Press Release issued this morning …..


    NRI sponsors AIA Activities, Exhibitions Featuring Local Professionals

    NEW YORK — Oct. 19, 2011 — National Reprographics Inc. and the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter are supporting the further growth and development of the architecture and construction industry in New York.

    The two organizations announced that NRI will sponsor the 2011 Party@theCenter, the official after-party for the annual AIANY Heritage Ball on Oct. 27. In addition, NRI will provide a three-year sponsorship for the AIANY annual New Practices competition and exhibition, which promotes exceptional work of new architectural firms in New York City.

    “The long-standing support we receive from NRI helps us recognize and celebrate excellence in architectural design,” said Rick Bell, executive director of the AIANY. “Involvement from organizations like NRI helps us further the growth of the architecture and construction industries in New York.”

    The Heritage Ball is an annual black-tie fund-raising event for the AIA New York Chapter, the Center for Architecture, and the Center for Architecture Foundation. The ball honors the rich architectural heritage of New York City and celebrates the architects and organizations and professionals from related industries that support design excellence in New York. The event attracts over 1,200 people.

    The Party@theCenter, sponsored by NRI, is the official after-party for all Heritage Ball attendees. Held at the Center for Architecture, the Party@theCenter allows additional time for architects and other design and construction professionals who attended the Ball to socialize and celebrate.

    “NRI’s sponsorship of the Party@theCenter makes it possible for the people in the architecture and construction community to come together in a relaxed atmosphere and celebrate our growth and success,” said Bell.

    “We’re thrilled to support the AIANY and the Center for Architecture by sponsoring the Party@theCenter and the Faces of AIA exhibit,” said Doug Magid, president of NRI. “We have a century-long relationship with AIANY to support continued architectural excellence in New York and around the country. In addition, our sponsorship of the New Practices annual competition and exhibition demonstrates our commitment to new ideas and innovation in architecture and construction.”

    Each year, the New Practices Committee of the AIA New York Chapter conducts a juried portfolio competition and exhibition for emerging architectural firms within the five boroughs of New York. The competition recognizes outstanding design and best practices, promoting young and emerging talent in the field of architecture. NRI is an underwriter of the New Practices competition and exhibition for the next three years.

    “NRI is committed to the long-term development of architecture and construction in our city,” said Magid. “We’ve been here since 1898, so we’ve seen a lot of growth in this city and this industry. We want to help drive the growth for the next 100 years, too.”

    The Heritage Ball will be held Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers. The Party@theCenter is held immediately following the ball from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Center for Architecture. For more information and tickets to the event, visit the AIA New York Chapter website at www.aiany.org/heritageball.

    The next New Practices competition is scheduled for July 2012. Information will be available at www.aiany.org soon.

  • Xante Goes Beyond Wide Format (Memjet-enabled wide-format ink-jet printer)

    Published on October 19, 2011

    Last month at GraphExpo Frank Romano stopped by the Xante booth and was blown away by a machine that he thinks will change the industry.

    Link to video of Frank Romano commenting on the new Memjet-enabled, blazing fast, Xante wide-format ink-jet printer, while he watches it operate:

    http://whattheythink.com/video/54717-xante-goes-beyond-wide-format/?utm_source=whattheythink&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WhatTheyThink+Daily

  • SPECULATING ON PRINT'S LONGER TERM FUTURE:
BY DR. RONNIE H. DAVIS, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ECONOMIST

    Ronnie H. Davis is the Vice President and Chief Economist of the Printing Industries of Americas.

    Even though the article he wrote is not directed to the “reprographics” industry, it is an article worth reading. The article Mr. Davis wrote has some very nice charts and graphs (and, yes, I love charts and graphs!)

    Here’s how he introduces his article:

    In this Flash we once again turn our attention to the longer term future of print and print markets. Our purpose is not to provide a specific forecast of the future but rather is offered as educated speculation on a likely path of print’s future environment.

    And, here’s the Internet address of his article:

    http://app.printing.org/ems/archive/flashreport/flash_110930.html

  • THE IRGA NETWORKING RECEPTION AT SGIA – TOMORROW AFTERNOON – REGISTER AT THE DOOR

    THE IRGA NETWORKING RECEPTION AT SGIA WILL BE HELD IN ROOM 220 …. On THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE CONVENTION CENTER, AT 4:30 P.M. TOMORROW, OCTOBER 19TH.

    YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN IRGA MEMBER TO ATTEND!

    ALL REPROGRAPHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

    REGISTRATION AT THE DOOR … only $35

  • Homebuilder Sentiment Index Rises – well, what does that mean? (It is still well below 50)

    Two articles out today about the most recent Homebuilder Sentiment Index, one from Reuters, the other from CNBC.

    Why is it not surprising (and, yes, I find it very amusing) that the “economists polled” estimated that the October Index would be 15; it wound up at 18. Why do they even bother to guess at this index. It is a waste of time.

    October (2011) homebuilder sentiment highest since May 2010
    NEW YORK | Tue Oct 18, 2011 10:04am EDT
    (Reuters) – Homebuilder sentiment perked up in October to its highest level in a year and a half, though ongoing challenges still kept confidence historically low, the National Association of Home Builders said on Tuesday.

    The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market index rose to 18 from 14 the month before, the group said in a statement. It was the highest level since May 2010. Economists polled by Reuters had predicted the index would rise to 15.
    Readings below 50 mean more builders view market conditions as poor than favorable. The index has not been above 50 since April 2006.
    “This latest boost in builder confidence is a good sign that some pockets of recovery are starting to emerge across the country, as extremely favorable interest rates and prices catch consumers’ attention,” NAHB chief economist David Crowe said in a statement.
    Even so, builders are being squeezed by rising materials costs and low home prices due to the glut of foreclosed homes, Crowe said.
    A gauge of single family home sales rose to 18 from 14, which was also the highest level since May 2010. The gauge of sales expectations in the next six months climbed to 24 from 17, the highest since March.
    (Reporting by Leah Schnurr, Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

    Home Builder Sentiment Posts Biggest Gain in Over (a) Year
    Published: Tuesday, 18 Oct 2011 | 10:07 AM ET
    By: Diana Olick
    CNBC Real Estate Reporter

    Despite sluggish summer sales, confidence among the nation’s home builders is gaining strength, posting its largest gain since April 2010, when the now-expired home buyer tax credit brought more buyers into the market.

    Confidence on the National Association of Home Builder’s monthly sentiment index jumped 4 points to 18. Fifty, however, is still the line between positive and negative sentiment.

    “Builder confidence regained some ground in October due to modest improvements in buyer interest in select markets where economic recovery is starting to take hold and where foreclosure activity has remained comparatively subdued,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev.
    “That said,” he added, “confidence remains quite low as builders continue to confront overly restrictive lending policies that are discouraging prospective buyers, problems with new-home appraisals and widespread uncertainty regarding federal support for homeownership.”

    The biggest jump in confidence came in the component of the index gauging future sales expectations, which rose seven points. Buyer traffic and current sales improved, but not quite as dramatically.

    The biggest surge came from builders out West, who posted their highest confidence since 2007. Builder sentiment in the Northeast was unchanged.
    While this monthly survey has many builders moving from the “poor” to “fair” category, they haven’t moved to “good” yet. Builders still cite competition from foreclosures, pressure on home prices, and high material costs as big barriers to real improvement in the home building market.

  • Florida Reprographics exits Chapter 11

    Having filed a plan of reorganization, which plan was approved, Florida Reprographics has emerged from Chapter 11.

    We wish Chris Charles every success in rebuilding his reprographics company.

    ______________________________________

    In Re: Florida Reprographics, Inc., Debtor

    Case No.: 8:10-bk-28642-MGW Chapter 11

    On September 28, 2011, FR filed a Motion for “Final Decree”….

    MOTION FOR ENTRY OF FINAL DECREE

    Florida Reprographics, Inc. (the “Reorganized Debtor”), by and through the undersigned counsel, respectfully seeks entry of a final decree on the ground that the Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code for Florida Reprographics, Inc. Dated as of February 24, 2011 (as modified, the “Plan”) (Doc. No. 79), as modified by the First Modification to Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code for Florida Reprographics, Inc. Dated as of February 24, 2011 (Doc. No. 113), which was confirmed by the Order Confirming Modified Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code for Florida Reprographics, Inc. Dated as of February 24, 2011 (Doc. No. 119), has been substantially consummated and all conditions precedent to entry of the final decree have been met.

    WHEREFORE, the Reorganized Debtor respectfully requests this Court to enter its final decree and for such other and further relief as is just and proper.

    And, on that same day, September 28, 2011, the BK Court issued a “Final Decree”

    FINAL DECREE

    THIS CASE came on for consideration, upon the Debtor’s motion for entry of a final decree. The Court notes that the Debtor’s plan of reorganization which was confirmed by the Court has been substantially consummated under Bankruptcy Code § 1101(2) and that administration of this Chapter 11 estate is complete. It is therefore appropriate to enter a final decree closing the case. Accordingly, it is

    ORDERED: That this case be and hereby is closed.

    In the post-confirmation “Quarterly Report” filed in late September, which report covered the period April through June, FR reported “income or gross receipts” of approximately $90,000.

    I’m not going to post that Quarterly Report. If anyone wants a copy of it, send me an e-mail.

  • Service Point Solution’s French subsidiary, Reprotechniques, concludes its process of Redressement Judiciare (meaning, similar to exiting Chapter 11)

    Press Release from Service Point Solutions …..

    Service Point completes successfully the restructuring of its French Subsidiary and concludes its process of “Redressement Judiciaire”

    • Service Point France overcomes the process of “Redressement Judiciaire” (Receivership) as a restructured and more efficient company

    • Consolidates the operations with a new, automated production centre in La Defense, Paris

    • Stakeholders and clients keep trust during difficult period and endorse the restructuring, the contract with INERIS won recently stands out

    17 October 2011 – On the 14 of October 2011 the Commercial Court of Créteil, France, published the statement, after the hearing in the court the 5th of October, which validated the proposed plan which will take Reprotechnique, the French subsidiary of Service Point Solutions, out of “Redressement Judiciaire” (Receivership).

    Over a year ago, on the 3rd of August 2010, the same court had approved the “Redressement Judiciaire”, initiating an observation period during which the company continued trading and in control of its business operations, but had its debts frozen and underwent a redundancy program. This restructuring has subsequently been successful, sanitizing the company, and thus taking it out of the “Redressement Judiciaire”.

    Having the plan validated includes a provision for the repayment of all liabilities during a period of 10 years, and the successful restructuring means that the French subsidiary can reposition itself as one of the main nodes of the Service Point European Network.

    During the observation period, Reprotechnique underwent a strategic restructuring, leaving a new, more efficient company:

    • Production activity is now entirely centred on the Paris region, merging production centres to improve operational efficiency, with a significant optimization of resources.

    • Implementation of improved operational methodology (Lean Management) throughout its production centres.

    • Implementation of an innovative ERP system, which will improve traceability, control production and increase productivity.

    • Reduction of staff of 81 employees and €4.5 of total cost.

    The restructuring and operational improvements implemented will allow Service Point to pursue its growth strategies, especially in the area of online B2B services.

    Service Point France – Reprotechnique faces a bright future, already winning important new contracts, such as the INERIS (Institute National de l’envoironnement Industriel et des Risques) with a 4-year contract worth over 2 million euros, and renewing contracts with the French Senate and Bouygues OPB, whilst having maintained the trust of its customers and other stakeholders.

    Service Point Solutions (www.servicepoint.net) provides an all-in-one managed solution for clients wishing to have their information processed, communicated or managed by a true service-focused partner. Our 2,140 professionals, based in 11 countries (UK, US, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Hong Kong, Russia and France) provide products and services across a network of 130 service points and 800 facilities management programs, approximately. SPS is headquartered in Spain and listed on the Madrid and Barcelona stock exchanges (ticker: SPS.MC).

    For further information Service Point Solutions,

    S.A. Pablo Divasson del Fraile

    pablodivasson@servicepoint.net

    Tel +34 93 5082400

    Fax +34 93 5082442