FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2005

2004 - A Strong Sign for Signs - Strongest growth since 1999, according to recent Web Consulting report

Boston, MA - The U.S. sign and graphics screen print industries topped $13.7 billion in 2004, recording the strongest cumulative growth rate since 1999, according to Web Consulting's 2005 U.S. Sign & Screen Print Market Report. The U.S. sign market topped $9.6 billion in 2004 after recording 3.3% growth over 2003, that market's strongest growth since 1999. The $4.1 billion U.S. graphics screen print market recorded 5.8% growth in 2004, which was its best performance since 1996.

Web Consulting, Inc., the Boston-based U.S. office of global digital printing and imaging consultancy Web Consulting, tracks four signage and two graphics screen-printing sectors in its report. The four signage segments include franchise shops, independent vinyl sign shops, electrical sign shops, and commercial sign shops. The two fastest-growing signage segments in 2004 were the vinyl and franchise segments, growing at 4.9% and 4.7% respectively. The U.S. Sign & Screen Print Market Report breaks out the graphics screen-printing industry by small and large screen printers which are shops of less than or greater than $1 million in annual sales. Interestingly, the North Central region of the U.S. captured the highest regional share of retail sales of both the signage (27%) and screen print (32%) markets.

An annual review of the sign and screen print markets, the 2005 U.S. Sign & Screen Print Market Report provides a historical and forecasted perspective of retail sales in the U.S. sign and graphics screen print markets, segmented by market, size of shop, and application. Based on new research and industry data, the report provides manufacturers and suppliers with data on real market conditions and industry dynamics for informed decision-making. Compiled by using both industry data and primary research, Web Consulting conducts over 200 surveys each quarter and uses U.S. Census Bureau data and Dun & Bradstreet databases to confirm growth rates and market sizes. The report includes an analysis of supply markets such as the market size of PSA vinyl, banner material, application tape and screen print ink. The U.S. Sign & Screen Print Market Report is available immediately. For more information, please contact Michael Flippin in Web Consulting's Boston office at Tel: (617) 536 5925.

Web Consulting
Originally founded in 1993, Web Consulting (www.web-eu.com) is a leading global consultancy to the digital and analog printing and imaging industries. The company provides primary market research, technology information, merger and acquisition support, strategic analysis, and supporting services such as implementation, training and project management. The company specializes in graphics, textiles and industrial applications for digital and analog printing and decoration. In December 2003, Web Consulting, Inc. acquired Vector Marketing's Digital Printing Research and Consulting Business.

Web Consulting, Inc
Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 536 5925
Website URL: www.web-eu.com