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PMMI Shipments & Outlooks

1997 PACKAGING MACHINERY SHIPMENTS INCREASE 8.1 PERCENT The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute today announced the results of its Fourth Annual Packaging Machinery Shipments & Outlook Study. Results of the study showed that United States shipments of packaging machinery increased by 8.1 percent in 1997 to an estimated $4.347 billion. U.S. shipments of packaging machinery are forecast to grow at a cumulative annual rate of 4.0 percent over the next three years, thereby rising from an estimated $4.347 billion in 1997, to $4.891 billion by 2000. "Our study indicates that 1997 was a strong year for purchasing packaging machinery," commented Charles D. Yuska, president of PMMI. "We look for this growth trend to continue into the new millennium." The growth trend was attributed to several factors, including: · Strength of the U.S. economy · U.S. capital spending cyclicality · Increased focus on improving productivity and reducing production costs · The introduction of advances and technological innovations in packaging machinery · Changes and developments in packaging materials and types of containers · Continuous flow of new consumer products to the market Other highlights from the study include: · Approximately 54 percent of the industry's 1997 packaging machinery shipments were generated by sales to the food and beverage markets combined. · Imports of packaging machinery to the U.S. market were up approximately 9.0 percent. Exports grew by 4.8 percent. · The packaging machinery order backlog as of year end (12/31/97) stood at a projected $1.217 billion, which was equivalent to 28 percent of total 1997 shipments. The principal objectives of the study are to collect accurate and meaningful statistics on U.S. packaging machinery industry shipments and to provide relevant market analysis and forecasts for the industry as a whole, as well as for 17 individually defined machinery categories. The project was originally conceived with the underlying purpose of creating a reliable statistical base upon which subsequent industry performance can annually be measured. A copy of the Executive Summary of the 4th Annual Packaging Machinery Shipments & Outlook Study is enclosed A copy of the entire study is also available from PMMI for $2,500 (non-member price.) To order a copy, contact Craig Silverio, director of finance, PMMI at or at . The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) is a trade association whose more than 400 members manufacture packaging and packaging-related converting machinery in the United States and Canada. PMMI sponsors and produces PACK EXPO - the trade shows of the packaging industry. PACK EXPO 98 is November , 1998, in Chicago, IL, and PACK EXPO WEST 99 is October 0, 1999, in Las Vegas, NV. PMMI member companies engage in joint activities designed to improve the packaging industry as a whole. PMMI provides information, education and services to its members, users of packaging or converting machinery, the government and the general public. # # #