Business Management - Finance/Financial

“My 40˝ press just broke down, and my customer is insistent on the job. Is anyone nearby running a 40˝ press?” Fielding production back-up inquiries like this one is all in a day’s work for Andrew Willie, executive director of the Independent Carton Group (ICG). This 18-member association of independent folding carton converters strives to provide customers with competitive pricing, uninterrupted service, and cutting-edge technology and manufacturing capabilities.

Despite all the challenges, companies in the folding carton segment have been able to post some positive results. For the most part, these have occurred due to management actions taken to reduce costs and focus on core businesses—actions that are necessary during recessionary periods.

The label market is in good shape. Although the recent recession has affected every segment of package printing, the label industry is still well positioned for the medium to the long term, according to Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA. "Unfortunately in the short term, the impact has been negative with plenty of casualties in job losses and business performance, even company and plant closures," he says.

BURNSVILLE, Minn.—“Stick Pouches” is a global study by Allied Develpment of the stick pouch market. This market is the focus of the new investment in technology, along with development of new applications. “Stick Pouches” includes assessments of industry participants, technology, economic and environmental impact, the stick pouch filling equipment market, and the stick pouch packaging market.

Managing consumables, as well as other major capital expenditures, requires a sound purchasing strategy based on several factors, including strategic sourcing, internal rationalization, and understanding the marketplace.

NEENAH, Wis.—Bemis Company, Inc. announced that management expects its diluted earnings per share for the second quarter to be approximately $0.47. These results include a $.03 per share charge related to the impact of expensing acquisition related costs in accordance with FAS 141(R). Management’s original guidance for the second quarter was $0.35 to $0.43 per share, and this guidance did not include any FAS 141(R) charges.

NEENAH, Wis.—Bemis Company, Inc. announced that management expects its diluted earnings per share for the second quarter to be approximately $0.47.

NEENAH, Wis.—Bemis Company, Inc. reported quarterly diluted earnings of $0.36 per share for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, compared with $0.41 per share for the same quarter of 2008.

ST. LOUIS—Mark Andy Inc. announced that the company had strong sales during first quarter 2009. North American sales volume for Comco, Mark Andy, Rotoflex and UVT equipment was higher than the prior year with international sales following suit.

"Mark Andy Inc. is excited to support our customers as they enhance their operations and enter into new projects," said Paul Brauss, president and CEO. "We credit our clients for their tenacity in weathering this environment and advancing their technologies, and we appreciate their confidence in us to be their equipment provider."

Arlington, Va.—PMMI reported United States exports of packaging machinery from January to December 2008 were up 9.5 percent from the same period in 2007, totaling $950 million. The data, based on the U.S. Census estimates, also showed U.S. imports reached $2 billion, a slight increase of 0.27 percent.