Latex, UV Printers Most Purchased in 2015

SGIA’s survey of 174 graphics and sign businesses indicates that UV and latex roll-to-roll machines were the most popular choice for new printer purchases in 2015. Conducted in the first quarter of 2016, the industry benchmarking report also points to prepress tools and software as commonly sought technologies last year. Other results include:

• The number of companies classifying themselves as “entirely digital” grew from 42 percent in 2015 to 56 percent in 2016;
• The most common intended purchases for the coming year include prepress tools and superwide UV-curable hybrid systems;
• Seventy-seven percent of companies made a purchase of $5000 or more in 2015; 57 percent of those were more than $50,000;
• Companies indicated the market areas with the most growth are interior decorators and health care institutions;
• Median sales growth was roughly 13 percent, as compared to 16 percent in 2014, 18 percent in 2013, 19 percent in 2012, and 16 percent in 2011;
• Almost 70 percent reported an increase in sales and production levels;
• And 44 percent reported increased employment.