The IST METZ Group started 2012 with a cautiously optimistic outlook - despite a persistently difficult market environment for the printing industry. The employees are also noticing a change: After a weak start to 2011 and a sudden final spurt, employees are now set to benefit from a special bonus awarded in addition to their Christmas one.

The special bonus has already been paid out to the bank accounts of IST METZ Group employees, awarded as a thank you from the UV drying system manufacturer for their perseverance shown since the crisis of 2009. "The end-of-year bonus is a real sign of our successful rise from a very low point," explains IST METZ Managing Director Dirk Jägers.

And despite a difficult environment in the printing industry, which recently suffered a blow with the insolvency of MAN-Roland, management of the internationally active Group are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead: Despite a fall in incoming orders over the last two months, there is already a good fifth of the order volume planned for 2012 on the books. Furthermore, attention has been successfully garnered for new products in segments such as UV newspaper printing and label printing. By the time DRUPA, the world's largest industry trade fair, takes place in the coming spring, there will be further developments for people to talk about. "We have learned from this crisis and are taking the necessary action to safeguard our future," says Jägers. He predicts the company will see a slight increase in turnover in comparison to the previous year.