As Market Shrinks, Printing Machinery Suppliers See Opportunity in Digital

US printing machinery and equipment demand is forecast to decline less than 1.0% per year through 2021, as ongoing competition from electronic media continues to restrain demand for printed materials such as newspapers and books. Despite the broader retreat, demand for digital printing presses is forecast to expand 1.3% per year as printers update machinery to meet customer demand for increased customization and flexibility.

Customer Demands Reshaping Printing Industry

As the commercial printing industry shrinks, fierce competition has forced firms to adapt to meet the needs of their customers to survive. Key trends that have shifted the printing industry include the adoption of lean supply chains, expectation of fast turnaround, and desire for increased customization among customers.

The net result of these customer demands is that printers must be able to rapidly produce and deliver high-quality materials at a reasonable cost. This is not a strength of the traditionally dominant printing method, offset lithographic, contributing to its precipitous decline over the decade to 2016.

Enter, Digital Presses

These trends have been good news for suppliers of digital presses, however. Digital presses, by virtue of the minimal pre-press work they require, excel at meeting these needs. As a result, the industry has undergone a digital revolution, driving 7.5% annual growth in digital press demand over the 2006-2016 period.

Want to Learn More?

Don’t worry, we have you covered! For additional information and analysis of US market trends, see Printing Machinery & Equipment: United States, a report published by the Freedonia Focus Reports division of The Freedonia Group. The report also includes numbers and analysis covering US printing machinery and equipment demand by product and shipments for 2006-2016 with projections to 2021. Demand by product segment includes:

• digital printing presses
• offset lithographic printing presses
• other printing presses
• binding machinery and equipment
• other machinery and equipment

While you’re there, check out some of our related reports, which include Books: United States, Commercial Printing: United States, and 3D Printers & Supplies: United States.

About the Author

Steven Richmond is a Research Analyst with Freedonia Focus Reports. He holds a degree in economics and international affairs, and his experience as an analyst spans multiple industries.