PRINTING PLATE UPDATE -- New Precious Metal

The dynamics are a little more complex for Heidelberg USA, since it doesn't directly manufacture any of the plates it co-develops and markets, points out Rick Boggess, director of consumables. "Manufacturers are telling us they have long-term aluminum contracts in place to ensure they have enough raw materials," he says. "However, they are holding distribution and OEM partners very tightly to their (demand) forecasts."