Photo courtesy SinaLite
Brian Meshkkati, SinaLite
How has 2021 been for you? How did it compare to 2020?
It has been much better than 2020 in terms of demand in most areas, such as signage and commercial printing. Last years was particularly tough, especially the first half, when the first lockdowns were implemented, while the second half was comparatively better. However, 2021 has been challenging in its own ways. We are now dealing with rising prices, along with a shortage of stock and materials.
Have you been affected by the supply shortage? If so, how?
Absolutely. I don’t think there is anyone in the printing industry that has not been impacted by them. We are seeing a shortage of almost everything, including corrugated plastic, vinyl for banners, paper, and more. This is leading to material price increases and the unavailability of certain materials. However, to help support our resellers, we have been able to mitigate these impacts by absorbing most of the price increases. We are also taking advantage of our large network of suppliers to find materials.
Has business improved in the latter half of 2021?
Yes, business has improved for us in the latter half of 2021, as the economy has reopened and there is a general sense there won’t be any more lockdowns (but who knows?). We have seen a rebound in many segments of the print industry that were impacted, such as banners and many products in commercial printing. The federal election also definitely helped the signage industry because it created a higher demand for items such as yard signs.
What are you forecasting for 2022? Do you expect it to be different? If so, how?
We are optimistic about 2022. I expect many conventions and tradeshows to make a comeback. This would lead to more demand for many products, such as banners and promotional products. I also expect tourism to open more, which would lead to an increase in demand for print and signage material for the hospitality industry. Generally, I am forecasting demand will increase for signage and print next year, but we will likely still have supply chain issues at least for the first half of 2022.
One of Blanchett Neon’s completed projects. Photo courtesy Blanchett Neon
Taylor Blanchett-O’Donnell, Blanchett Neon Ltd.
How has 2021 been for you? How did it compare to 2020?
It has been a whirlwind of activity! We have seen a significant number of projects that were put on hold in 2020 come to fruition in 2021, with some aggressive completion timelines. To meet the ongoing market demand, we have hired new team members in almost every department resulting in a larger workforce than we had pre-COVID!
Have you been affected by the supply shortage? If so, how?
We are extremely fortunate to have one of the best purchasers in the industry who does a phenomenal job of keeping on top of supply chain challenges, and while we are still experiencing some of the pricing volatility in a few sectors of our business (primarily steel and aluminum), we have been extremely fortunate to have avoided major material shortages so far.
Has business improved in the latter half of 2021?
It has been a steady incline for us. While things have calmed down a bit as the summer construction season ends, we are still extremely busy in both fabrication and installation, with our service and maintenance departments experiencing the regular increase in business as the days get darker.
What are you forecasting for 2022? Do you expect it to be different? If so, how?
We are forecasting 2022 to remain fairly busy and pretty competitive in terms of the market value of signage. Finding and retaining quality staff is a major concern of ours going into 2022, especially as other, traditionally higher-paying industries return to steadier workloads.
One of many projects completed by Gregory Signs. Photo courtesy Gregory Signs
Boris Kaminsky, Gregory Signs
How has 2021 been for you? How did it compare to 2020?
Different industries faced different challenges. In 2020, the only thing we faced during that period was the uncertainty of what was going to happen. That said, we were confident we would weather the pandemic. However, we were concerned some of our projects would be delayed and we would have a hard time getting to the sites. Another challenge was having to acquire additional health and safety supplies, such as hand sanitizer and masks, which, at one point, was difficult to come by.
Have you been affected by the supply shortage? If so, how?
Certainly. There were shortages on vinyl and some extrusions. At one time there was a shortage on Lexan and clear acrylic, but distributors and manufacturers produce these products at a high volume and rate, so we were okay.
Has business improved in the latter half of 2021?
Overall, our sales increased in 2020 and 21.
What are you forecasting for 2022? Do you expect it to be different? If so, how?
Business I think will improve slowly, but it will depend on what industry you are in. However, I think the biggest challenge will be staff, but once that settles, it will help with the influx of backorders. WE are forecasting higher sales ahead.
