Changes in the Hard Cover Book Binding Industry Continue

If you look through the yellow page directories of any major metro area, (or just GOOGLE it) you might find a few listings for Hard Cover Book Binders. More often today, you might not find more than a few. In some cities- there are none left!

In the early 2000’s as the printing industry approached it’s peak in sales volume, many companies in the affiliated book binding industry had rode the wave along with them. Many of the smaller to mid-sized book binderies may not have given much thought to modernization as there didn’t need to be much change or innovation going on with the exception of PUR adhesive technology which came along in the later part of the 1980’s, and gained wider acceptance in the 1990’s. More recently numerous developments have come along.

With the introduction and rise of digitally printed materials, the print industry began to change. The number of web offset printed pages began to gradually drop and digitally printed pages began to explode. Many of these peaks and changes coincided right before or right along with the recession of 2008, (which some say began in 2007), and we may only now just be emerging from. Many business owners are hesitant to say what the next year in their business will look like, especially with an election upon us. Continuing to grow in a sluggish economy can mean taking on new types of work (such as photobooks and short run length hard cover books). But offering a broader range of services either requires further investment, or partnering with a stand alone, specialty bindery. In either case it involves change, and change isn’t always easy.

These changes in print technology introduced a new challenge for book binders. Many of those who had not modernized in any way shape or form since about the early 70’s decided to close shop or were forced to. This trend will continue for the ones who were left under capitalized, unwilling to reinvest and/or outsmarted by the new technology. Some printers have chosen to bring their book binding capabilities in-house, with entry level equipment, only to find they are merely capable of producing an entry level product, and not exactly what their customer base may need or want.

If you are a digital or offset printer looking for ways to move forward with hard cover book binding services in this new era, please contact us and let us know what type of questions we can help answer for you. Our company has made 16 acquisitions of other binderies over the last 35 years. We still retain some of the old world craft and machinery, but have also combined this with brand new modern, state of the art equipment in key areas of our production which are well suited for digital print finishing. We have several ways to find a solution to your bindery needs.

While many pundits out there who will tell you the book is dead, I invite them to come out to our 40,000 square foot facility in Utica, NE on any given work day and see the exciting diversity of books produced and book binding methods we use with over 60 full time employees. You will be amazed. I welcome your questions and inquiries!

(C) Copyright 2012 Martin Pugh All Rights Reserved.
Changes in the Hard Cover Book Binding Industry Continue