DIRECT MAIL OUTLOOK — POSTAL REFORM IN PERIL

It was a year of moderate growth for the Japs-Olson Co. of St. Louis Park, MN. According to Michael Murphy, company president, increased costs and market pricing pressure are still among the main challenges facing competitors in the direct marketing segment.

“Printers struggle to pass on cost increases associated with healthcare, utilities, paper and materials,” he says. “As a result, printers are faced with ongoing margin erosion. The only way to reverse this trend is to invest in new technology, process automation and expand into additional value-added service offerings.”