NARROW-WEB PRESS PURCHASE PAINS?

The label market has echoed those cautious spending sentiments. Advanced Web Technologies, which produces p-s labels, coupons, and decals, won't be investing in any new equipment in 2002, and President Duane Huberty affirms, "The economy has influenced our plans."

For narrow-web converter Belmark Inc., prudence seems the best tactic in uncertain economic times. Bruce Bell, president, says his company will add new press capabilities in 2002, but won't carry forth with every equipment purchase they had originally intended. "We have delayed some plans to purchase until we feel comfortable with the way the U.S. economy is going." Bell is guardedly optimistic about the future, however, and will re-implement previous purchase plans when the market has stabilized.