Reader's "Die"-gest

Diemakers with a less-rosy outlook for 2001 express concern over the slowing economy and industry consolidation. One notes the potentially negative impact of die quality improvements. "Better quality materials and better quality manufacturing equal less repairs and too much supply," he writes.

Converters are a little more reserved in gauging increases in die usage and diecutting work. Still, 54 percent expect business to grow this year, based on such measures as the addition of diecutters or flexo presses, increased customer demands for multiple product lines, and beefed-up sales forces. Nearly a third expect business to stay flat. One converter with this view says his customers are not indicating substantial growth over the next 12 months.