New Research Examines In-plant Equipment Investments

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Two years ago, 53% of the in-plants surveyed by In-plant Graphics used both offset and digital presses. That number has now dropped to 42% according to our new research report, "Equipment Investment Trends in the In-plant Industry," as in-plants accelerate their move toward digital printing. What's more, nearly a quarter report they are “seriously investigating” adding a production inkjet press.

Our new research looks into the equipment in-plants have added over the past two years and confirms that digital color printers were the most acquired device, with 51% of respondents adding one. Black-and-white digital printers were the third most purchased device, with 40% getting one. Between those two was bindery equipment, the second most purchased technology, acquired by 42% of respondents. Survey respondents expect equipment purchasing trends to follow a similar pattern for the next two years.

Overall, 92% of respondents reported installing equipment in the past two years, with just 8% saying they added no equipment at all. This indicates that most in-plants are striving to keep up with technology and modernize capabilities.

The need for black-and-white text documents is still very strong at in-plants’ parent organizations. As a result, the most common types of digital printers in use at in-plants are black-and-white cut-sheet digital printers, used by 61%. Black-and-white work makes up 46% of non-offset volume, while four-color comprises 40%.

Still, nearly half of respondents (49%) use high-end color cut-sheet printers, demonstrating a strong need for quality color in their organizations. A third of respondents report operating mid-range color cut-sheet printers.

Our new report, "Equipment Investment Trends in the In-plant Industry," is filled with useful statistics that will show in-plants where their peers are investing, why they are moving into those areas and how successful those markets have been for them. Download it today.