Despite a slowed economic recovery in the graphic communication sector, responses to recent survey from Semper International, Boston, MA, indicate a positive outlook and improved sales among survey respondents.

Among the findings, 31 percent of print and graphics industry respondents report making capital investments last quarter. In addition, 71 percent of companies surveyed reported a profitable Q4 and 35 percent reported an increase in revenue over last quarter. In another notable finding, 32 percent of respondents indicated that hiring levels will increase. The last time more than 30 percent of respondents planned to hire was during the first quarter of 2011.

Dave Regan, CEO Semper International, noted a large number of companies have gone out of business, causing reduced competition for those remaining. “We’re hoping to see this translate to increased pricing power,” he said.

Survey participants include more than 300 small, medium and large printing companies; both clients and prospects of Semper International. Participants provide data on revenue and hiring as well as estimated outlooks on future trends. Data is requested from a random sample and is not screened. To preserve confidentiality, individual company information is not part of the tabulation. To prevent bias, survey questions – both qualitative and quantitative – are designed by Semper corporate partner Cvent.

To participate in future surveys, email always@semperllc.com. For more information, visit www.semperllc.com.