COMMERCIAL PRINTING -- Running Lean and Mean

BY MARK SMITH

Technology Editor

Optimistic is the one word most often used to describe the outlook for commercial printing in 2004. And yet, as the last strains of "Auld Lang Syne" fade away, it's unlikely many printers will feel like breaking into a rousing chorus of "Happy Days Are Here Again."

The bursting of the "irrational exuberance" bubble has led to a time of lowered expectations. Also, the recent performance of the printing industry means year-to-year comparisons are being made against a very weak base.