Web printers and press manufacturers can expect a downturn in business following the terrorist attacks on the US earlier this month, according to leading manufacturers.

Heidelberg warned of a "noticeable drop" in sales at its AGM this week, saying the global economy would grow by less than 2% in 2001, compared to an anticipated 3% at the start of the year.

The group was reluctant to reveal sales figures, but a spokesman said that the US accounted for one third of its market. He ruled out the possibility of redundancies and said the group was looking at alternative measures, including reducing travel costs and internal budgets.

Heidelberg chairman Bernhard Schreier said the group hoped to maintain its full-year sales and profit figures at last year's levels, although uncertainty among customers could mean they are lower.

Komori UK managing director Martin Rickards said a slowdown at the "top end of the market" was affecting web printers as they battled with decreases in circulation and pagination.

He also warned that the B1 sector may be hit as run lengths are shortened.

"Things have been quiet this summer at Komori and recent events have prolonged that effect. The jury's out on how long it will continue," he said.

PPS marketing and new business development director Murray Lock said MAN Roland had also seen a downturn. "Our sales for the last six months could have been a lot better. Anyone who says sales have been fantastic is lying," he said.
"There has been a slowdown for a while, and the attacks on America have exacerbated the situation."

KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp said: "We'd have liked to sell more on the sheetfed side - around 10-15% of our UK orders for this year have been postponed until next year, but we haven't had any cancellations.

"On the newspaper side there is definitely insecurity. I know that some orders have been cancelled but none of our customers have cancelled orders - we shouldn't overreact."