Global Supplier Reports on 2001

Heidelberg of Germany has reported that, in the period from April 1 through December 31, 2001, worldwide sales of equipment, consumables, and services rose by 0.8% to about 3.6 billion euros (approximately $3.1 billion) but orders fell 19%, albeit from a high level recorded during 2000, a year that included the Drupa exposition in its home country. Operating profit plunged 47%.

"This clearly reflects the reticence to invest that has been prevalent in the United States since the beginning of 2001 and the effects of the worsening global economic climate since September," stated Bernhard Schreier, chief executive of Heidelberg.

But, he added, the company remains committed to its growth targets and intends to gain in the offset, postpress, and digital printing markets.

In other news, Heidelberg plans this year to close its plant in Dayton, Ohio, where it had manufactured stitchers, binders, and inserters, and relocate operations to Durham, N.H.