Some Australian printers hit by the collapse of business during COVID-19 have begun exploring possible partnerships with former competitors as a way of staying afloat.
Following the launch last month of a new collaboration program by industry adviser Ascent Partners, director Richard Rasmussen says he’s been contacted by four printers - two in Melbourne, one in Sydney and one in Perth – who seeking other parties to collaborate with.
 |
|
“There is no doubt 2020 will be a
|
“Each has different requirements but they all see the need to collaborate. It’s a simple process to put your name forward as wanting to collaborate – just call or email me for a confidential discussion and I’ll seek to match you with others.”
Rasmussen believes the two most common forms of collaboration will be: Reduce Manufacturing and focus on sales and marketing – 'significant reduction in on-site manufacturing, focus on manufacturing niches or highly utilised efficient plant and a subsequent increase in outsourcing'; or Joint Venture or Joint Collaboration – the sharing of premises and equipment with another printer (or print manager/broker).
He began the program after speaking with offset and digital printers who have reported drops in revenue of between 30-90% as a result of COVID 19.
“In the past 30 years we have dealt with the 1990 recession, the DOT com era of the early 2000’s, the GFC, and now COVID 19. I think when we look back, COVID 19 may have the greatest impact. It certainly has come upon us very quickly and, the effect short term has been dramatic, with the effect mid and short term yet to be felt.”
Rasmussen is now calling on printers to take part in a one-minute survey to help assess exactly how those in the industry are coping during the pandemic.
“There is no doubt 2020 will be a watershed year for printing industry and it is important we all know how the industry is really faring, how it sees the pandemic playing out, and what mid-term actions are likely to be taken by printers,” he says in his Market Watch newsletter.
“Could I ask you to take a ONE MINUTE COVID 19 Trends and Actions SURVEY? I’ll publish the results in the next Market Watch.”
Ascent also has three businesses for sale – a SE QLD commercial / digital / wide format printer, Davis and Jenkins (VIC), Australia’s premiere knife supplier / re-grinder (also to recycling industry), and a digital client base with optional equipment in Melbourne.
“I know a lot of the businesses in our industry are doing it tough,” Rasmussen says. “Please seek help if required. Mental health is also likely a big issue for many - even if you don’t think you need help you likely know someone who does – so please visit sites, Beyond Blue, Head to Health and Lifeline to see what they offer.”
Market Watch also reported that Digtialpress, after being sold to Bridgestone investments in February, installed new plant including a HP Indigo, Kongsberg cutting table and FujiFilm Actuity LED wide format printer.
