Book Manufacturers’ Institute Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for February
For Immediate Release
Contact
Matt Baehr, BMI Executive Director
386.986.4552
mbaehr@bmibook.com
www.bmibook.com
[BRADENTON, FL—February 16, 2023] The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the February results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. This month’s survey also featured an update to the questions, factoring in both digital and offset printing methods.
In looking at digital printing, the average hard cover capacity is only 59%. That is well below the January overall capacity number. Lead time for digital hard cover books is only 21 days. Digital soft cover books are running at 68% capacity and 17 days lead time. Both of those numbers are less than the overall January numbers as well.
According to responses regarding offset printing, hard cover manufacturers are running at 76% of their capacity, with a 40 day lead time. The average soft cover capacity usage is 82% which is higher than the January overall average. Offset soft cover lead time is 27 days, continuing the trend of overall soft cover lead times going down.
With the new survey questions, respondents only answered the questions that were pertinent to their particular printing and finishing capabilities. Overall, 22 companies responded to the survey, keeping in line with what the average has been over the last year.
About the Book Manufacturer’s Institute
The Book Manufacturers’ Institute is a not-for-profit trade organization that supports book manufacturing leaders in their work to drive the promotion, efficiency, and growth of book markets for readers and educators in North Americia.
Since 1933, BMI has provided tremendous value to its member companies and others associated with the book manufacturing industry. BMI member companies range from full-service book manufacturers to those specializing in the digital print market, specialty binderies, component printers, packagers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of a variety of materials and services.