The 4th Quarter 2011 Pulse of the Industry Report, produced by the Flexible Packaging Association, provides flexible packaging converter performance information (sales, volume, profit, inventory, capital expenditures and capacity utilization) for 4th quarter 2011 versus 3rd quarter 2011 and 4th quarter 2010. In addition, information included examines expectations for sales and volume performance in 1st quarter 2012 versus 4th quarter 2011.

Highlights of the Report note that compared to a year ago, 70 percent of companies (participating in the corresponding Report survey) reported higher net sales in 4th quarter 2011 versus 4th quarter 2010. However, 60 percent of survey participants reported a decrease of net sales for 4th quarter 2011 versus 3rd quarter 2011. Participating companies also expressed optimism for company sales with 63 percent expecting higher sales in 1st quarter 2012 versus 4th quarter 2011.

The 4th Quarter 2011 Pulse of the Industry Report is a benefit of membership and is available in the Members Only section ofwww.flexpack.org. For more information, contact Bob Zaborowski, director, Business and Economic Research, at (410) 694-0800 or bzaborowski@flexpack.org.