Keeping It in Line

However, that's not to say that investing in new web-handling equipment when the time comes isn't a good idea, said Jim Edmondson, president of Pyramid Creative Group, Inc., a B2B marketing communications firm that represents such companies as Webex Inc. and AccuWeb, Inc.

"There are lots of converting operations with machinery held together with twist ties and duct tape. While those companies are able to put product out the door, they are historically not the ones that survive the long haul, as changing materials and application technologies emerge within our ever-changing world," Edmondson said. "If one looks closely at the larger, industry-leading converters and web processors, you are more likely to find organizations that routinely investigate and apply new and/or custom web-handling solutions and technologies found in today's leading-edge machinery and components. In the end, everything is relative. If your customers will remain forever loyal and happy with the product being provided, and no additional revenues or profits are of interest, why change? The fact is, however, most corporations are driven to achieve more."