There’s been a lot of negativity in the trade media lately. It seems that every time there’s one story about a bankruptcy or even a re-structuring, that particular story overrides all other positive articles. In the consumer media, it seems that every time there’s a feature about a new electronic gadget, that it’s invariably accompanied by articles forecasting the demise of some sector of the print industry.
The fact is that the printing industry in Canada continues to be one of the largest sectors of our economy. Our own federal government has called it one of most important “drivers” of our economy, employing over 274,000 people and adding billions of dollars each year to our economy.
Yes, we’ve had some printing companies closing their doors recently. But what about the hundreds of print entrepreneurs who’ve re-invented themselves, expanded and/or ventured successfully into new markets such as digital, wide-format or variable printing? And what about the countless equipment manufacturers who’ve done everything possible in their power to be genuine partners with their printer clients as they move forward together?
In this issue, I’m happy to see so many positive stories from our industry that overshadow some of the bad news – Sina’s expansion in Markham, Konica Minolta receiving two awards, Kitchener’s Peter Cober named Printer of the Year while his company thrives, U.S.-based 4over’s initial success in Mississauga, Xerox helping its customers and the environment with a new recycling program, the PIA celebrating 125 years, the DIA celebrating its 25th anniversary, and several recent installations of new equipment at growing print shops across the country.
Even in the United States, Semper International (the leading placement firm for skilled help in the U.S. printing and graphic arts industry) insists that the printing industry is on the road to recovery. Its surveys indicate that: “the number of companies planning to hire is finally increasing. Companies are doing more with less…”
With drupa on the horizon, I’m going to end with the words of new drupa President Bernhard Schreier: “What is emerging is a pattern that may surprise some people. This is, that despite ebooks, tablet PCs, Facebook & Co., the volume of printed material is increasing continually worldwide. Today, more is being printed than ever before… the ongoing combination of printed and electronic media… this is where the future lies.”
I firmly believe that the shops and hard-working people in this vibrant industry are not going anywhere – and rest assured, neither are we!
As always, stay positive and stay focused.
