Courier Starts Off Strong in New Fiscal Year

The book manufacturing segment focuses on three markets: education, religion, and specialty trade. Sales to the education market were $25 million in the first quarter, up 16 percent from the same period last year, due to increased sales of college textbooks. Sales to the religious market were up 6 percent to $17 million in the quarter, with sales to Courier’s largest religious customer up 9 percent. Sales to the specialty trade market were down 13 percent to $15 million, reflecting tight inventory management among publishers and the impact of e-book sales on certain titles.