The First Quarter 2013 “Pulse of the Industry” Report focuses on the short-term performance of flexible packaging companies (converters) during first quarter 2013 versus fourth quarter 2012 and first quarter 2012. The Report also provides information on converter’s sales performance and volume/output expectations during second quarter 2013 (versus first quarter 2013).  
 
Several areas of business activity are examined in the Report including net sales, volume/output, profits, inventory levels, capital expenditures and capacity utilization.
 
Data is gathered through the First Quarter 2013 “Pulse of the Industry” Survey. Sixty-eight percent of FPA converter members participated in the survey.
 
Highlights of the report note that 58 percent of flexible packaging companies that participated in the corresponding survey, experienced and increase in net sales in first quarter 2013 compared to first quarter 2012
 
The First Quarter 2013 Pulse of the Industry Report is a benefit of FPA membership and is available in the Members Only section of www.flexpack.org. For more information on the Pulse of the Industry Report and other FPA benchmarking reports including the Compensation Report, the Earnings Report, and the Operating Ratios Report, contact Bob Zaborowski, director, Business and Economic Research at (410) 694-0800 or bzaborowski@flexpack.org