Flint Group Announces April 1st Price Increases

PLYMOUTH, MI—March 23, 2012—Continuing raw materials cost increases as well as other operations and logistical cost increases in 2012 requires Flint Group to increase prices of solvent based packaging inks and all packaging and narrow web white inks in North America effective April 1, 2012.

2012 has seen a continuation in raw material cost increases. These cost increases require that they be passed through the supply chain. The impact this year has been mainly in solvent based inks as well as all white inks. Titanium dioxide continues to escalate in price as well as a number of resins and solvents. Susan Kuchta, Vice President North American Packaging and Narrow Web, commented, “Cost pressure has been constant and the magnitude of the cost increases require we pass them through the supply chain. These costs can not be absorbed and still maintain a consistent and assured supply of product to the industry.”

The price increase for solvent based products is six percent, and the increase for white ink will be up to 18 percent depending on the type and concentration of raw materials making up its composition.

Flint Group will communicate with their customers regarding the overall impact of the price increases on their specific product portfolio.

Flint Group
Flint Group is dedicated to serving the global printing and packaging industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications; pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing; photopolymer printing plates and sleeves, plate-making equipment and flexographic sleeve systems; pigments and additives for use in inks and other colourant applications. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs some 6900 people. Revenues for 2011 were € 2.2 billion (US $3 billion). On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves. For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com.