STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ON THE OFFENSIVE

Nailing down niches

Niche know-how will be a major determinant in which label converters pull in the most profits this year. "Our end markets drive us," says Dowling. "Depending on the niche, narrow-web converters could be doing well, or could be hurting."

The best opportunities to "do well," according to TLMI's study, likely lie in the food, beverage, and security sectors. The security market is forecast to grow 14 percent to 15 percent by 2005.