Exports, imports of U.S. packaging machinery grew in 2006: PMMI (February 05, 2007)

Exports of packaging machinery from the U.S. increased seven per cent in 2006 compared to 2005, and imports of packaging machniery increased six per cent during the same period, according to the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI).
Total U.S. export sales for 2006 was approximately U.S.$783 million.
The data is based on U.S. census estimates, according to the PMMI.
“The numbers indicate a solid international demand for U.S. packaging machinery[and we are] optimistic that the industry will continue to experience solid growth in 2007,” Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of the PMMI, said.
The PMMI attributed this growth in packaging machinery equipment to end-users expanding production lines to accommodate new product introductions and package designs. “In effect, end-users continued to replace older packaging machines with new models featuring state-of-the-art technology and promising rapid return of investment,” the organization said.
Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the PMMI is a trade association whose more than 500 general members manufacture packaging and packaging-related converting machinery in the U.S. and Canada.