| This year's Exclusive Census Report reveals that board converters are feeling the industry is increasingly stagnant and depressed.
Jun 1, 2008
By:Esther Durkalski Hertzfeld
This year's Census Report provides two stories. One side documents the hard times — so much so that no plant should feel alone in its misery. The other story reveals a mania for new strategies and products, all waiting to blossom once the recovery comes. 2008, therefore, is a time between times.
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Paperboard packaging's exclusive 2007 census report shows that the corrugated container and the tolding carton industries are finally being seen as 'healthy' compared to previous years.
Jun 1, 2007
By:Esther Durkalski Hertzfeld
The view from all three sides (corrugated container plants, folding carton plants, and equipment suppliers) is healthy — most corrugated container plants and more than most folding carton plants say that business in their region is good or better. As support, machinery suppliers are more optimistic about the prospects for board converters. Moreover, in the next few months, all three sides are going to be spending more: Box makers will be buying more equipment than they did a year ago, and suppliers will be investing more in research and development in 2007. New this year, board converters are starting to invest more in labor, which includes training and recruiting.
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Jun 1, 2007
By:Esther Durkalski Hertzfeld
Suppliers are a little more positive about the environment for the corrugated container industry than the converters themselves — 53.8 percent of suppliers believe their customers operate in a thriving or healthy region. This compares to 49.4 percent of converters with that experience.
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 | Exclusive 2006 Census Report: Moving Upward
Jun 1, 2006
By:Esther Durkalski Hertzfeld
The corrugated container industry is showing a vital recovery but the folding carton industry continues to suffer.
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 | On a Steady Path
Jul 1, 2005
By:Esther Durkalski Hertzfeld
After years of listless growth, converters are finally on a stable course to better business.
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 | After several years of sluggish growth, converters are beginning to see a rebound in business.
Jul 1, 2004
By:Jackie Schultz
After several years of sluggish growth, converters are beginning to see a rebound in business.
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 | Present day challenges are weaving a tangle of predicaments for U.S. manufacturers, forcing spending cutbacks.
Jul 1, 2003
By:Jackie Schultz
Seven years ago when Laura Przybylski began her career in the folding carton industry, she saw a business that was healthy and prosperous. Today, however, is another story. Competition is fierce, customers are more demanding, and the economy remains sluggish.
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 | While converters haven't completely turned off the spending switch, their budgets have tightened.
Jul 1, 2002
By:Jackie Schultz, John Nocero
The U.S. board converting industry was dealt a triple blow over the last two years with the combination of a recession, customer consolidation and a strong dollar. The economy outwitted stock market analysts who predicted a solid recovery by now.
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 | With the economy slowing, converters are re-evaluating their 2001 equipment purchases and upgrades.
Jul 1, 2001
By:Jackie Schultz, John Nocero
One thing the U.S. board converting industry did not need this year was an article in The Wall Street Journal about just how bad business is.
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