Seattle Bindery Newsletter: Issue #41. We welcome your comments.

1. PPI in June. A couple of interesting items on the PPI calendar. The June 19th meeting features John Mitchell as speaker. The U.S. Bancorp economist will discuss “forces working through the U.S. economy, including changed monetary and fiscal policy, the energy shock, the business cycle, and the bursting of the stock market bubble.” The guy is knowledgeable and a good speaker. While we’re on the subject of the economy, book publishers seem to be feeling less strain than others in our industry. According to TrendWatch’s May 14th Fast Facts, 51% of U.S. book publishers expect excellent conditions for the next twelve months. Other publishers, notably magazine and catalog producers, are much less sanguine.

2. Tip of the Week. Speaking of paper . . . Make sure your customers are aware of the issues around stock choices because glues adhere differently depending on the stock. Perfect binding projects use hot-melt glues to ensure durability, but these hot glues don’t adhere well to paper that’s been heavily coated or inked. However, pocket folders can handle both hot- and cold-melt glues, so uncoated or coated stocks can be accommodated. We’re happy to consult with you and/or your customer to make sure project specifications not only meet printing requirements, but will also hold up in bindery, as well as in end use.

3. Paper pulsings. PaperExchange is now under the wing of Europe-based www.paperloop.com, which features current news on paper goings-on. Another site with good content and less of a paper focus is www.printplanet.com. I found an interesting piece by Cap Ventures on this site (eXpert Row Archive) entitled “Meeting the Challenge of the Changing Economy.” They advise we 1) maintain a flexible business, with the ability to shift priorities if needed, 2) improve our and our customers’ productivity, and 3) continue to invest in technology to develop an integrated infrastructure. Sounds like good advice, if only the economy would cooperate.
 
4. More sticky business. Don’t forget we offer Kleenstick, the two-sided peel and stick tape. The high-speed heads we have on our Moll folder allow us to apply the tape at folder speeds, and in nearly any configuration. Kleenstick also comes in a range of adhesive strengths to suit every purpose. Ask us to see some cool examples of this unique product.

5. Promises, promises. After the 1.6 percent rate hike going into effect July 1st of this year, John Nolan, Deputy Postmaster General, says we can count on no more increases for 12 to 18 months. Shall we hold our collective breaths? Anyone figure out how to squeeze a 4/4 direct mail piece through a DSL line?

 
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